If you have stained glass windows in your home or office, you should be diligent in maintaining the elements. In general, stained glass does not require extensive care and upkeep for ideal appearance and prolonged service. The coloured nature of the feature conceals dirt for longer than standard glass. Therefore, periodic cleaning can keep the windows looking great. However, it is important to remember that stained glass is quite delicate in design and construction. If the material is handled roughly, you might have to deal with premature failure. Here are some tips to help you protect your stained glass windows, particularly during your maintenance tasks.

Use Soft Cleaning Cloths

Stained glass will not show dirt clearly like regular glass, but you cannot ignore the dust and grime which will build up over time. Otherwise, the beautiful glass will lose its beautiful lustre. On the other hand, you cannot wash the window vigorously like normal glass. Rough actions might cause the dislodgement of stained glass pieces. Ideally, you should have a soft dry cloth for regular dusting. The fabric can be used to eliminate dust without exerting pressure on the windows. You can also use a duster or brush, but you must ensure that the items will not apply undue force on the glass. If you must wash the windows, you should use clean water and neutral soap along with a soft cloth.

Prevent Window Abrasion

You should protect the stained glass from abrasion during cleaning and general maintenance. The selling point of these windows is their beauty, and a simple scratch will ruin the entire effect. Therefore, you should take precautions to prevent scratches. In general, you must avoid using a scoring pad to remove stains from the glass. If you are attempting to eliminate spots from a difficult to reach area, you should use a cotton bud or a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also remember to avoid acidic cleaning solutions. These products might not harm the glass, but they could cause the deterioration of the pieces of metal holding the glass.

Perform Inspections

Finally, you should perform inspections of the glass during your maintenance processes. Early detection of problems can help you prevent complete failure of your windows and minimise your repair expenses. You should ensure that the glass still fits in the window frame. If you notice frame warping, shrinkage and other unusual movements, you should consult a stained glass repair specialist. If your glass cracks or breaks, you should commission immediate restoration to prevent further degradation of the feature.