How to Clean Stained Glass: A Care guide
How to Clean Stained Glass: A Care Guide
With the right care, you can protect your stained glass and keep it sparkling for years to come. In this guide I’ll teach you how to clean your glass art without causing any unnecessary damage. The best part? It’s simple and only requires a couple of items! ☺️
Understanding Oxidation
Oxidation in stained glass refers to the natural process of lead weathering over time. It cannot be prevented. You’ll find the solder lines will darken gradually.
However, by taking care of your stained glass we can slow this process.
Cleaning
Most stained glass pieces need an occasional dust and then a polish to keep them protected/shiny. So feel free to skip right to polishing if you don’t think it needs a full clean.
For a full clean, gather the following supplies:
- Soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth
- Distilled water
- Mild dish soap
1. Dusting
Start by gently dusting the stained glass with a soft, dry cloth to remove loose dirt and debris. If the Avoid using harsh brushes or abrasive cloths that could scratch the glass or damage the lead.
note: if you find part of the lead has formed a white crust, this is easily removed with a dry toothbrush or the green side of a dry sponge.
2. Preparing the Cleaning Solution
Mix a solution of warm distilled water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive, ammonia-based or vinegar-based cleaners.
3. Cleaning the Glass
Dip your cleaning cloth into the soapy water and wring out excess liquid. You want to avoid flooding the piece with soapy water. Gently wipe the stained glass surface.
4. Rinsing and Drying
I do not recommend rinsing under running water. Instead wet your cloth in distilled water and remove any excess before wiping the piece clean. The distilled part is important as chemicals in tap water can damage the lead. Gently pat dry afterwards.
Polishing
Although all of my art leaves the work bench thoroughly polished and protected. To keep your stained glass looking its best, it’s best to polish it every now and again.
To polish your stained glass you will need:
- 2 soft, lint-free cloth or microfibre cloths
- Carnauba wax OR a Pledge polish for wood (make sure it contains wax so it not only polishes but protects your glass)t
1. Polishing
Apply your polish of choice with clean soft cloth in gentle swirling motions. Careful not to add too much (especially if you’re using wax), as it’s hard to remove once it gets into tight corners.
Once applied, leave it alone until it’s fully dried and looks dull.
2. Buffing
Now you can take a different cloth and very gently buff your piece to a beautiful shine! Be patient and do this step gently to avoid cracking the glass.
Notes:
• Your cloth may come away “dirty” if it has black lead lines. This is normal and I don’t advise you to scrub at them too much, as you can actually start to remove the patina (the chemical that turned them black) if you’re too vigorous. It only takes a gentle hand to polish to a shine.
• If the wax does manage to get itself into the corners, a toothpick works wonders at removing any excess.
Happy Cleaning!
I hope this guide helps you. By following the steps outlined above you can ensure that your stained glass remains a cherished part of your home for years to come!