Glass doors can be tricky to maintain. Inappropriate cleaning can weaken the glass while slacking off can mean a massive buildup of grime and dirt–leaving you embarrassed when unexpected visitors arrive.
Don’t worry, we have some ideas on how to tackle glass door cleaning effectively. In this post, we'll guide you on how to determine the perfect cleaning frequency, as well as the right method of cleaning the doors.
How Often You Need to Clean Glass Can Vary
Some experts recommend cleaning glass entry doors once a month, while others recommend weekly cleaning. Some also suggest cleaning them bi-weekly.
While the range of suggestions might seem quite vague and leave you initially clueless about the perfect choice for their situation, there are reasons for these variations. We recommend considering the following factors to determine your cleaning frequency:
Location and Climate
Glass panel doors on the interior remain unaffected by the climate. However, the weather significantly impacts the external side of the glass. So, here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Heavy rainfall: In a region with frequent downpours, rainwater is both a blessing and a curse. It cleans the glass, but it often leaves unsightly streaks and water spots. In such areas, it's advisable to clean your glass door on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to maintain its inviting appeal.
- Intense sunlight: In areas where there’s abundant sunlight, the rays highlight smudges, fingerprints, and even minor imperfections in the glass. If you live in a sunny location, consider increasing the cleaning frequency to at least bi-weekly to ensure your glass door maintains its sparkling appearance.
- Strong winds: Windy conditions disperse dust and debris. They can also scatter particles and contaminants that stick to the glass surface. If your home or workplace is in a windy area, it’s best to clean your door every other week.
- Mild climates and sheltered locations: If you reside in a region with mild weather conditions and your entry door is well-sheltered, you can extend the time periods between cleanings. You can clean the door once a month or once every two months, depending on your availability and any noticeable changes in the door’s appearance.
Usage Patterns
You’ll also want to consider your front door's usage. If it serves as the main entrance with constant foot traffic, fingerprints and smudges will accumulate rapidly. You’ll have to clean it every week in this case.
If it’s a secondary entry door or an entry door to rarely-visited rooms, you can extend your cleaning intervals to once every two weeks or monthly.
Type of Glass
Glass doors are usually made of two types of materials. These are:
- Textured or obscured glass
- Clear glass
Textured glass hides smudges and dirt better than clear glass. However, it is also more difficult to clean.
If you have a door with textured glass, you can clean it once a month (especially in moderate climates and low-traffic areas). If you have clear glass, you’ll have to clean it every week.
How to Clean Glass in Entry Doors?
To clean glass in entry doors, you’ll first need the right supplies, including:
- Mild dish soap or glass cleaner
- Water
- A bucket
- Sponge or soft cloths
- A squeegee
- Towels
Once you have these items on hand, prepare the door by removing loose dirt with a dry cloth. Next, mix the dish soap with warm water in a bucket (avoid using abrasive cleaners).
Then, gently scrub the glass in a circular motion with the soapy sponge, focusing on visible stains. Rinse the sponge regularly. Also, use a squeegee to remove excess water.
Lastly, use a dry, lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe the edges and corners. This will ensure a spotless, gleaming entry door.
In Summary
Cleaning is not usually at the top of everyone’s list of fun things to do, but establishing a regular routine for cleaning the glass in an entry door will do miracles when it comes to keeping a clean and visually appealing entrance to your home or building.
For more information, check out our recent posts on how to paint a door with glass panels and how much a commercial glass door costs!
