A glass table may seem like a relatively simple piece of furniture, but it can elevate the overall look of a space. The transparency of glass is minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing to look at, and it spares you from any unwanted stains and spills from absorbing into the material and permanently damaging it.
While glass tables aren’t as susceptible to food and drink related accidents as other materials like wood, they still need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to retain their natural shine. Dust and fingerprint smudges can ruin the appeal of a glass table, so here’s everything you need to know to keep yours clean and shining.
How to Clean Glass Tables
Regular Cleaning
When you want your glass table to remain in the best condition possible, it’s important that you integrate it into your regular cleaning routine. Make it a habit to dust your glass tables often.
This can be done with either a feather duster or a microfiber cloth, and the only thing you need to do in preparation is remove anything that could get in the way. As simple as the task may seem, it can make a really big difference in how your glass table looks over time.
Deep Cleaning
For those times when you feel like your glass table can use a more thorough cleaning, there are a few ways that you can go about this without risking any permanent damage or marks on the glass.
Stuck On Particles
There are two ways to remove stubborn and hard particles sticking to the glass table. The first way will require a spoon, knife or card made out of plastic as plastic doesn’t scratch against glass. Gently scrape off the stain with one of these tools until no traces remain.
The second way includes a bit of hot water and a soft cloth. Soak the cloth until just damp, then let the water from the cloth soften the particles before trying to remove them. If that doesn’t work, add a bit of dishwashing soap to the hot water.
Smudges and Stains
Dealing with any fingerprints or smudges on glass can be difficult to deal with when not done properly. You could end up further aggravating these stains and leaving white streaks all over your glass table. Luckily, cleaning these the right way doesn’t have to be hard.
Use any commercial glass cleaner by following the instructions on the package, or you can choose to create your own homemade cleaning solution by combining equal parts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle. This is a good ratio to start with, but you can add some more vinegar later on if you feel the need to.
Spray the solution onto the table and use a microfiber cloth to wipe the glass surface. Repeat these steps until you’re satisfied with the results. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, a crumpled piece of newspaper can be just as effective without leaving any streaks behind.
Cloudy Appearance
Over time, glass can slowly have a cloudy or hazy appearance, but you can easily handle this with a few ingredients. In a spray bottle, mix together a cup of water, a cup of rubbing alcohol and around a tablespoon of white vinegar before giving everything a good shake. The only thing left to do is to spray the solution onto the glass and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.
Tips to Maintain Your Glass Table
Use the Right Cleaning Materials
When cleaning glass tables and surfaces, there are a lot of options to choose from. Commercial glass cleaners can get the job done, but you can also make your own household cleaning solution with simple ingredients that are already found in your kitchen.
Make sure that you don’t use any abrasive cleaning products because these can leave permanent damage on the glass surface. You can easily tell which these are as they commonly contain any acids or ammonia in the ingredient list. The same can be said for paper towels. Instead, opt for microfiber cloths that are softer.
Avoid Streak Marks
It might seem counterintuitive to exert a bit of force when wiping down a glass surface, but putting in a little pressure with a soft microfiber cloth can actually be the secret to avoiding those dreaded streak marks on your glass table.
Streaks can be caused by anything: from using cloths that aren’t absorbent enough, to even using low quality cleaners. Another way to make sure that your glass table is spotless after cleaning is to make sure that you don’t clean your glass table under direct sunlight. The heat from the sun will dry the cleaning solution before you can wipe it off properly, leaving streaks.
Be Careful of What You Place Over It
While a table is generally known as a surface that you can place objects over, glass tables are a bit more delicate and require more care. To make sure that the surface of the table remains smooth and polished, avoid placing items with roughened bases or sharp corners over it because these can leave scratches over the surface.
Over time, this could cause the glass table to look dull. A great way to avoid this is to use placemats or coasters for objects that might leave permanent marks. They also work to keep fingerprints and dust away.
When in Doubt, Call Luce Home
Not everyone has the time or energy to clean their homes thoroughly, but that’s okay because Luce Home is here to take care of all your household cleaning needs! Our well-trained cleaners will make keeping a clean home look easy and effortless so that you can come home to freshness every day.
Send us a message and schedule a cleaning appointment today!
