Stained glass windows look amazing in your home. They maintain your privacy while still giving you lots of beautiful natural sunlight, and the colors and designs of the windows can add a lot of visual interest to your space. You’ll need to keep your stained glass clean to get the most out of your windows, though. For the most part, cleaning your stained glass custom windows is going to be a lot like cleaning any other window in your home, but there may be some special considerations that you will want to be aware of so you can prolong the life and look of your windows. We’ve been installing custom windows in Las Vegas homes for years, and during that time we’ve shared with our customers our tips for keeping windows looking their best. Check out some of our best tips!

WANT TO KEEP YOUR STAINED GLASS WINDOWS LOOKING THEIR BEST?

• The Number One Rule of Cleaning Stained Glass: Don’t Clean It Too Much

This first tip might surprise you, but trust us, it’s true. It’s even truer if your stained glass is vintage or historic, but it’s a good rule of thumb to abide by for our new custom windows as well. Cleaning your stained glass too much can end up damaging it, and depending on the kind of glass and method used to color it, certain cleaners could harm the pigmentation of the glass and end up leaving them looking washed out. Leaving them alone as much as possible will help extend their life, and it’s one less thing to go on your to-do list. But eventually, all stained glass is going to need to be cleaned. Read on to learn how to do it safely!

• Dust them regularly.

This is the best way to clean your stained glass regularly. Simply wipe down your windows with a clean, dry cloth to remove the dust and smudges from the surface. This will help preserve the look of the windows for longer, and you’ll be surprised at how much a good microfiber dusting cloth can actually do for your windows. It’s worth investing in a pack of these inexpensive cleaning cloths; you’ll end up using them all over your home, not just on your windows.

• Give it a gentle cleaning.

If your windows need a deeper clean, make it as gentle as possible. Use a mild detergent that’s pH-neutral and isn’t abrasive. Mix it with warm water and wet your rag. Using distilled water will help prevent water spots. Before you clean the windows, make sure that you wring out your rag tightly to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Then wipe down the windows, starting at the top and working your way to the bottom. If there is a window sill below the stained glass, take a moment to wipe that off, too.

• Make sure you dry completely.

When you’ve finished cleaning the glass, make sure that you wipe it down a second time with a clean, dry cloth to remove any moisture on the surface of the windows. Too much moisture can damage the windows, particularly the elements that are holding the glass together as well as the frames around the windows.

• Examine all parts of the window closely.

While you are cleaning the surface, take a moment to examine the elements that make up the window for any damage. Any damage should be attended to as soon as possible, as it could become a more serious issue quickly. That can result in your beautiful custom stained glass needing to be repaired at greater expense; most issues that are caught early on are relatively inexpensive and quick to repair.

• Deep clean your windows annually.

Once a year, take some time to really deep clean your window. Stained glass windows often have textured elements to them or bezels where dirt and dust can become trapped. You can remove that dirt by dipping a q-tip into your cleaning solution and then running it along the cracks and bezels. That will provide the deep cleaning your windows need and help them shine even bright. Just be sure to dry the windows thoroughly when you are done!

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR HISTORIC STAINED GLASS?

If you have vintage or antique stained glass windows in your home, they may require additional care. It’s worth talking to a preservationist or experienced antiques broker about how to best preserve the color and beauty of your old stained glass windows. They’ll be able to give you tips on cleaning, repairing, and maintaining the stained glass. Whatever you do, don’t try to remove the stained glass on your own. Some pieces can be valuable, but you’ll want to ensure they are removed safely by an expert.

WANT MORE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS IN YOUR HOME?

Stained glass windows are a gorgeous addition to your home. And because you won’t need to clean them very often, they are really quite low maintenance as well! If you’d like to bring more stained glass into your home, contact our Las Vegas team about our custom windows service. We can help you design a window that’s just right for your space, then manufacture and install it all at a great price. It can completely transform the look of your home and turn a boring window into a deeply personal and beautiful one. Get in touch with our team today to get started. You can give us a call or contact us through our website for a quote on our custom window services today!