A simple guide to cleaning glass balustrades

When it comes to glass balustrades, regularly maintaining them and keeping them clean is key to making sure they remain in good condition, especially when installed outdoors.

Luckily, unlike metal and wooden balconies, they don't require much maintenance, other than using the right products and taking care of any metal parts. 

To make your task easier, we’ve created an easy guide for homeowners or business owners who are new to balustrades so that you can get the most out of your purchase. You can say goodbye to streaks, stains, and muddy handprints that are ruining your view.

With WPS Handrails, you can enjoy top-quality glass balustrades in a variety of modern and trendy designs, including semi-frameless and frameless balustrades. Get your free quote today!

Why clean glass balustrades regularly?

Many people believe that glass cleans itself, especially when placed outside, as the rain washes dirt away— but this is where people go wrong. 

Yes, rain can rinse away certain flecks of dirt and dust, but it does nothing for bird droppings, grease and oils, sticky residues, or rust on any metal components. Plus, rain can actually leave behind marks or streaks that ruin the look of your balustrades. 

While the clarity of glass balustrades is part of the appeal, it also means any specks of dirt, dust, and stains are always visible. Regularly maintaining your balustrade helps you spot early signs of wear or loose fittings, saving you from costly repairs down the line - while keeping your home or business looking clean and hygienic. 

Effective cleaning methods for glass panels

There are a few different ways you can clean your glass, and they don’t take much time or effort. 

Cleaning little and often will do wonders for keeping your balustrade in great condition

1. Basic glass cleaning with soap and water

Sometimes, a little bit of soap and wonder goes a long way. If your balustrades have become dusty or have lots of fingerprints and smudges on the glass, all you need is warm water, mild detergent, a soft sponge, and a dry cloth. 

1. Wipe down the glass: Get your dry cloth, and give the glass a quick wipe down to remove any residue. It’ll prevent anything from scratching the glass as you clean.

2. Prepare the solution: Mix a few drops of mild detergent or washing-up liquid in a bowl with warm water until it's slightly foamy.

3. Clean the glass: Dip your sponge into the solution and gently clean the glass in circular motions, working the soap in. If you’re cleaning a staircase or balcony, clean from the top panel down to avoid the water dripping onto clean areas.

4. Rinse and dry: Get a bucket of fresh water and rinse away any soap residue with a clean cloth— leaving suds on the glass will result in streaks. Then, use a microfibre cloth to dry the glass.

Tip: ALWAYS avoid bleach and ammonia, as this can damage the glass and any metal parts.

2. Deeper glass clean with vinegar solution

Are there a few stubborn stains on your balustrades that just won’t budge? If so, try this cost-effective and natural cleaning hack.

The acidity in the vinegar helps to break down mineral buildup, which is perfect for outdoor glass.

1. Mix the solution: In a spray bottle, combine equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. For outdoor balustrades, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar and water.

2. Dust the panels: Grab a dry cloth and wipe away any dust and loose dirt to avoid scratches. 

3. Spray the solution onto the glass: Grab your spray bottle and cover the surface evenly, without applying too much. If it’s sunny, work in sections to avoid the solution drying up.

4. Wipe in circular motions: Use a clean cloth to gently scrub the solution into the glass, repeating on areas with stubborn marks or stains. 

5. Buff for a streak-free finish: Then, use a dry cloth or some scrunched-up newspaper to get rid of any streaks for a shiny finish.

Tip: Don’t spray vinegar directly onto aluminium, zinc, or stainless steel fittings, as it can corrode the metal over time.

3. Use commercial glass cleaner for high-traffic areas

Whether you have a busy home or a bustling office, balustrades in areas with lots of traffic will need more attention. 

Commercial glass cleaner can remove oily residues, outdoor grime, and smudges that the classic soap and water trick cannot handle.

1. Choose the right cleaner: Pick a cleaning solution that’s ammonia-free and non-abrasive to protect glass coatings and metal parts from damage. A quick-drying formula also offers excellent convenience. 

2. Dust the surface: Before cleaning, grab a clean cloth and gently scrub away any loose dirt, dust, and debris on the glass.

3. Spray the cleaner: Apply the solution generously to the glass, or onto a clean cloth if you’re near metal fittings.

4. Work the solution in: Using a clean cloth, gently scrub the solution into the glass in smooth vertical strokes. Work in sections for larger panels.

5. Buff the surface: Once you’ve scrubbed away any stains, use a dry cloth to buff the surface.

Tip: Never mix cleaners— if you’ve already used a vinegar or soap solution beforehand, make sure it’s thoroughly rinsed off before applying commercial cleaner.

4. Remove stubborn glass stains with baking soda

Are you still having trouble with certain stains that won’t move, no matter what you do?

That’s when it’s time to get the baking soda out. This ingredient is in most people's cupboards, so it’s an easy fix for hard water stains, bird droppings, and other tough grime.

1. Mix the paste: Grab a bowl and mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste (aim for the consistency of toothpaste). You can also add a small amount of vinegar for an extra boost.

2. Apply the stain: Dab the paste directly onto the area with your cloth or a soft sponge, gently pressing it into the stain.

3. Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit for 5–10 minutes to give it time to break down the residue.

4. Wipe the area clean: Then, get a dry cloth and remove the paste, rinsing the area afterwards. If the stain hasn’t completely lifted, repeat the process.

5. Buff the area: Buff the glass with a dry microfibre cloth for a streak-free shine.

Tip: Don’t use a rough cloth or scrubbing pad, as this, combined with baking soda, can cause micro-scratches.

Cleaning stainless steel components

Now, cleaning stainless steel components is not that different from cleaning glass panels. 

However, when cleaning stainless steel parts, only use a mild soap or washing-up liquid, a microfibre cloth, and a dry lint-free towel. To do so, follow the tips in the soap and water section, paying attention to areas where posts meet the base, as these are common dirt traps.

You can also use a non-abrasive stainless steel polish to get that shiny finish. If there are any signs of rust, use a stainless steel cleaner containing oxalic acid to gently lift surface rust without damaging the finish.

We also suggest using cotton buds to reach any hard-to-clean areas on the metal structure— trust us, it makes a world of difference!

Want to make the job easier?

Forking out on a few advanced tools can help make the cleaning process a whole lot easier and rewarding.

• Squeegee – This is deal for outdoor or larger panels.

• Telescopic cleaning pole – These poles are great for hard-to-reach areas like stairwells or balcony glass.

• Lint-free cloths – These can be used to create that seamless finishing touch.

How often should I clean my glass balustrades?

As a general guideline, we suggest giving your glass balustrades a quick clean every 2 to 4 weeks for indoor balustrades and 1 to 2 weeks for outdoor balustrades. 

When placed in your garden or on a terrace, the glass panels are exposed to more, so it makes sense that they’ll need regular attention. Wiping your balustrades down with a dry cloth daily can make all the difference in your thorough, scheduled clean.

Are you considering glass balustrades for your property?

If you want to uplift your home or commercial space with a beautiful balustrade, then look no further.

At WPS Handrails, we provide a range of sturdy, modern balustrades for indoor and outdoor applications. In minutes, you can get a free quote and 3D visual design of your feature!

Just contact us today to get started on your project. We have something for everyone.