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Caring for Architectural Glass Products During Construction & Beyond

Recommendations on how to best clean and maintain glass installed in your wood door.

Why Proper Cleaning Matters

Architectural glass brings light, beauty, and connection to every space. But it's also vulnerable to damage from improper cleaning and construction activities.

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Scratches, stains, and etching can permanently affect clarity and performance - often caused by everyday materials on the jobsite.

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Following the right cleaning methods from the start helps protect your investment and avoids costly replacement.

Folding glass patio doors opening to a scenic lake view.

Recommended Cleaning Procedure

For routine cleaning and post-construction maintenance, follow these practices:

1

Start at the top and work downward to prevent dirty water from running onto cleaned glass.

2

Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water to remove loose debris.

3

Apply a mild, non-abrasive cleaner using a soft cloth, spray bottle, or non-abrasive applicator.

4

Remove the cleaning solution with a clean rubber squeegee.

5

Dry any remaining moisture from wood, gaskets, and sealants.

Test a small area first.

Inspect the glass in natural sunlight to ensure your method is effective and not causing damage.

Clean glass door with decorative lattice on a home entrance

Clean Promptly

Remove dirt, concrete, mortar, and debris as soon as it appears.

Know Your Glass

Identify whether the glass is clear, tinted, coated, or reflective.

Use the Right Method

Use proper tools and techniques designed to protect the surface.

Inspect Often

Check your results in natural light before moving on to the next area.

Protect During Construction

Most damage happens after installation - stay vigilant.

Do

Clean glass whenever dirt or debris become visible.

Use mild, non-abrasive cleaning solutions and soft tools.

Remove cleaning solution promptly with a squeegee.

Dry lumber, gaskets, and sealants after cleaning.

Protect glass from other trades and construction materials.

Follow the cleaning instruction provided by the manufacturer.

Don't

Don't use razor blades or metal scrapers for routine cleaning.

Don't allow concrete, mortar, paint, or debris to dry on glass.

Don't clean coated or tinted glass in direct sunlight.

Don't use abrasive cleaners , scouring pads, or harsh chemicals.

Don't allow metal tools or hardware to contact the glass.

Don't leave cleaning solution to dry on the surface.

Protect the Clarity. Preserve the Craft.

Architectural glass is built to last - when it's cared for the right way.

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When in doubt, consult your glass manufacturer for specific guidance.

Related Resources

Protection & Maintenance

Key information on how to best protect and maintain wood doors to preserve their timeless beauty.

Learn More

Color Choice

Key information on how color choice will impact the serviceability of a door relative to the environmental conditions it is exposed to.

Learn More

Caring for a Wood Door

Consistent maintenance helps preserve both appearance and performance for many years.

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