Effective ways to clean and maintain the quality of colored glass

Stained or colored glass accessories are great pieces of art, as are stained glass windows or even doors, and are used as decorations in many homes. However, over time, these pieces of art can lose their luster due to dust and pollution, requiring careful cleaning steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning stained glass to restore its aesthetic appeal.

How to clean colored glass

Colored glass

Before cleaning stained glass, it is important to prepare the right tools: A soft-bristled brush, a lint-free cloth, a gentle glass cleaner, an ammonia-free glass cleaner, distilled water, a bucket, and gloves.

On the other hand, you should avoid using any abrasive materials, sharp tools, or harsh chemicals that could damage the colored glass. Keep away from abrasive pads and steel wool, which can scratch colored glass.

The modus operandi is to:

• My husband wears gloves.
• Gently wipe the colored glass with a soft cloth to remove dirt, which helps prevent scratching the glass during the cleaning process.
• To clean the colored glass material, pour a mild glass cleaner and distilled water into a bucket, then dip a soft cloth towel into the cleaning solution and gently wipe the glass, applying small circular motions, from top to bottom. Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the glass.
• The top of the glass, the metal structure that holds the pieces of glass together after soldering, must also be cleaned. For this purpose, use a soft brush, avoiding too much pressure to prevent bending the material.
• After the cleaning process, rinse the stained glass surfaces with clean distilled water, remove any remaining cleaning solutions, and dry the glass and its top with a soft cloth towel.

How to remove corrosion from colored glass?

When the glass windows in your home are colored and old, they can look corroded; in other words, the lead in the glass turns into a white powder-like mold. It also happens to colored glass art pieces. So, to remove corrosion from colored glass, prepare the following: Baking soda powder, an old toothbrush (or cleaning brush), a microfiber cloth, and a finishing compound.

First, moisten the brush with water, then dip it in baking soda and scrub the corroded areas, repeating the process as needed. Afterward, use a cloth towel, dampened with water, to remove the baking soda residue. And dry.

Decorative accessories made of colored glass are “sensitive” to high or low temperatures and humidity. Therefore, in order to maintain their condition, stained glass pieces should not be placed near heating or cooling vents, and it is best to choose a cool, dry place for them.

Steps involved in cleaning a colored glass lamp

Distilled white vinegar is a great choice for regular cleaning of most colored glass lamps, especially for light dust and fingerprints. However, it may not be strong enough for heavily soiled or stained lamps. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by removing any dust or cobwebs, using a soft brush (or microfiber cloth).
2. In a spray bottle, add a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.
3. Sprinkle a small amount of vinegar solution on the lamp and wait for a few minutes, depending on the severity of the stains.
4. Take a soft, clean cloth and gently wipe the lamp shade.
5. Wash the lampshade with fresh water, which will remove any remaining vinegar residue that may leave streaks or cloud the glass.