Cleaning on the patio is an important part of keeping it looking clean and inviting, but what’s the best method? How do you clean glass patio doors?
To clean glass patio doors, use a microfiber cloth and rub glass cleaner on the surface. Dry the surface, and then apply a solution. Once done, round off your treatment by buffing the doors until they are dry.
There’s a lot that goes into getting that beautiful, see-your-reflection clean look on your patio doors, but with a little elbow grease, you can have the best-looking glass patio doors in town. The rest of this article will walk you through the steps to cleaning your glass patio doors.
Prep Work
A little prep work goes a long way when cleaning your glass patio doors, and you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools for the job.
You should have several microfiber cloths, a sponge, window cleaner, solution, and a vacuum on hand. Microfiber cloths are important because they aren’t as abrasive as regular cloths and won’t damage the surface of your glass with tiny scratches.
Time your cleaning session so that it’s not in the heat of the day. Direct sunlight can cause the window cleaning solution to dry prematurely and become blotchy.
In addition, you should avoid using abrasive or coarse cleaning implements to avoid damaging the glass. Before even touching the glass, you’ll want to give some attention to your track, frame, and handles.
Track
Vacuum out any debris in the track using an indoor shop vac or vacuum, getting rid of any obvious cobwebs or debris that may have formed.
Next, use a mild solution such as equal parts warm water with white vinegar on your tracks (a harsh one might damage the finish) and use a dedicated cleaning toothbrush to get inside the tight spaces and clean out any grime or muck in there.
Once cleaned, open and close your windows several times to test them and add lubrication where necessary.
Frame and Handles
Use the aforementioned mild solution to spray the solution on both sides of the door handle and rub it in thoroughly with a soft cloth. Depending on the material of your handle, you might need a more heavy-duty cleaner. Just be sure not to get any on the glass itself.
Cleaning the Glass
Of course, the most noticeable part of a beautiful patio glass door is the squeaky-clean glass. Take your preferred window cleaner or the same white vinegar/water solution and scrub away at the window.
Pay extra attention to sticky, blotchy, or otherwise dirty areas and apply extra solution where needed. Once you’ve dried the surface with a microfiber cloth, add a mild solution to the surface of your window and remove the water carefully from top to bottom with a clean microfiber cloth.
Buff the glass with a fresh cloth and repeat the process on the other side for an even finish. Be sure to address any drippage on the frame and track so that it doesn’t stain.
For best results, you should give your glass patio doors a clean every few weeks. Getting into the habit of cleaning your doors regularly is wise since it prevents the buildup of stains and grime that can make cleaning more difficult over time.
Final Thoughts
Glass patio doors are a beautiful part of a good-looking patio setup, but windows definitely take some elbow grease to clean.
The most important thing to remember in keeping the shine on your windows is to actively maintain them once every couple of weeks. If you stick to a regular cleaning schedule, the clarity of the glass will reflect your diligence.
Thankfully, you don’t need much to get started cleaning your patio—simply head down to your local store to pick up a few microfiber clothes, a squeegee, and some window cleaner.
Apply liberally and be sure to put some elbow grease into any areas with stains for the best results in having beautiful glass patio doors in your home.
FAQs
How Do You Clean a Foggy Sliding Glass Door?
A foggy sliding glass door is a nuisance that many homeowners have to deal with at some point. The issue usually occurs when the gasket isn’t sealed properly, allowing moisture in the space between the panes. This moisture settles on the glass, giving it a foggy look.
Drilling a hole in the gasket will allow the moisture to escape, but this is only a temporary solution since the moisture will eventually work its way back in. A desiccant, a substance used as a drying agent, can be used effectively to absorb moisture from the in-between space of the panes.
A valve also works well to allow moisture to escape from the trapped space while not admitting any more moisture into the space.
What Is the Best Way to Clean the Inside of Glass?
Using a microfiber cloth or sponge with your preferred window cleaner is the best way to clean the inside of glass.
Simply apply the window cleaner to the surface, rub it in with a microfiber cloth, and then wipe it off with a squeegee. Retry with a stronger cleaning solution if your windows prove to be too dirty for conventional window cleaner.
Should You Clean or Replace Your Sliding Glass Doors?
The question of whether to clean or replace a sliding glass door depends on the condition of the individual door.
If the door won’t open and close properly, consider giving it a thorough clean with a shop vac and using a cleaning toothbrush to get at the dirt and grime in there. It could simply be that some debris is blocking it from opening.
If you’re finding that the window is irredeemably dirty and the sliding door doesn’t work well, if at all, then it might be worth considering a replacement option. Just keep in mind that a well-maintained glass door will last much longer than a neglected one.