Routine Care & Maintenance Tips: Cleaning the Glass on Windows & Doors

Glass Cleaning - How To's

For best results, do not clean glass when it is exposed to direct sunlight.

  1. Start cleaning glass at the top of the building and continue to lower levels.
  2. Soak the glass surface with a clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt and debris.
  3. Use a mild, non abrasive window washing solution and apply with a non abrasive applicator.
  4. Immediately after washing the glass, remove all of the cleaning solution with a squeegee, taking care not to allow any metal surface of the cleaning equipment to touch the glass surface.
  5. Dry all cleaning solution from window gaskets, sealants and frames. Also, make sure that no abrasive particles are trapped between the glass and the cleaning material. Window and door gasket, sealants and frames are susceptible to deterioration if the water and cleaning solutions are not dried away immediately after cleaning.

Removing Labels From Glass

Use of razor blades or knifes is not recommended on any coated glass such as Low E II. However, if paint or other construction residue cannot be removed from any non-coated glass surface with normal cleaning, a new 1" razor blade may need to be used on small areas only! Scraping should be done in one direction only. Never scrape in a back and forth motion, this will only trap debris under the blade and permanently scratch the glass.

WARNING: Do not use scrapers for cleaning glass. Glass scratched by a scraper is not covered under the Marvin Window and Door warranty.

The Do's and Don'ts of Glass Cleaning

DO:
  • Clean glass when dirt and residue appear
  • Determine if coated glass surfaces are exposed
  • Exercise special care when cleaning coated glass surfaces
  • Avoid cleaning tinted and coated glass surfaces in direct sunlight
  • Start cleaning at the top of the building and continue to lower levels
  • Soak the glass surface with a clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt and debris
  • Use a mild, non abrasive commercial window cleaning solution
  • Dry all cleaning solution from window gaskets, sealants and frames
  • Clean one small window and check to see if procedures have caused any damage before continuing
DON'T:
  • Use scrapers of any size or type for cleaning glass
  • Allow dirt and residue to remain on glass for an extended period of time
  • Clean tinted or coated glass in direct sunlight
  • Allow water or cleaning residue to remain on the glass or adjacent materials
  • Begin cleaning without rinsing off excessive dirt and debris
  • Use abrasive cleaning solutions or materials
  • Allow metal parts of cleaning equipment to contact the glass
  • Trap abrasive particles between the cleaning materials and the glass surface
  • Allow splashed materials to dry on the glass surface