Cleaning tempered glass doors is a similar process to cleaning regular glass doors, but there are some important differences of which to be aware for successful, safe results. Tempered glass is treated to break into pebblelike fragments with dull edges rather than the razor-sharp shards of regular glass, which is why it is sometimes called safety glass.
This feature is the reason there are fewer options for tempered glass cleaners than regular glass cleaners. You must avoid harsh and abrasive cleaning products and tools when cleaning tempered glass, which includes commercial glass cleaning sprays, as they can damage a door's protective coating. Fortunately, the best tempered glass cleaners are inexpensive, readily available and effective on even the grimiest doors.
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The Best Tempered Glass Cleaners
The number one choice of cleaning product for tempered glass doors is regular liquid dish soap. Mix a generous squirt into a basin of warm water. If you prefer to be precise, add 1 tablespoon of soap to 2 cups of water. Dish soap is uniquely tough enough to cut through even serious grease and grime while gentle enough for cleaning tempered glass without risk of damage. A second option is a 50-50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water. Mix these in a spray bottle to apply directly to the tempered glass door or put it in a bowl for soaking a cloth.
Products not to use on tempered glass include mild abrasives, such as baking soda and white vinegar, and harsh cleaners, like commercial glass cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, cream-type cleaners and bleach.
Tempered Glass Cleaning Tools
Microfiber cloths are the ideal tool for cleaning tempered glass. They are soft, lint-free and highly absorbent, which means there's no risk of scratching the glass or leaving behind any fluff, and they can thoroughly dry tempered glass doors quickly enough to eliminate streaks. You might use a sponge or other soft cloth for cleaning the doors with your choice of soapy water or diluted alcohol but opt for a dry microfiber cloth for drying the doors. Scrunched-up newspaper is a good alternative for streak-free drying.
Do not use any abrasive cleaning tools on tempered glass, such as scrubbing brushes, scouring pads or melamine sponges. Also reject scraping tools, like razor blades or paint scrapers, and be cautious with squeegees, as some can scratch.
How to Clean Tempered Glass Doors
Things You'll Need
Dish soap or rubbing alcohol
Spray bottle (optional)
Microfiber cloth, sponge or lint-free rag
Second dry microfiber cloth or newspaper
Step 1
Prepare your choice of tempered glass cleaner: 2 cups of hot water with 1 tablespoon of dish soap or a 50-50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water, which can be in a spray bottle or dish.
Step 2
Soak a microfiber cloth, sponge or lint-free rag in the soapy water or diluted alcohol, squeeze out most of the liquid and apply the cleanser all over the tempered glass door. Alternatively, spray the entire tempered glass door liberally.
Step 3
Gently scrub the door all over with the cloth, sponge or rag, concentrating on any especially dirty areas or stuck-on grime.
Step 4
If you used diluted alcohol, buff the glass door with a dry microfiber cloth or scrunched-up newspaper until it's dry. This should only take a few moments, as the alcohol will evaporate quickly as you work.
Step 5
If you used soapy water, rinse the cloth or sponge in plain water, squeeze out the excess liquid and wipe down the door to remove any soapy residue.
Step 6
Dry the door with a dry microfiber cloth or scrunched-up newspaper. Work quickly to avoid streaks.
Tip
Clean tempered glass doors during a cooler time of day. This will delay the drying of the cleaning product and will give you time to buff the doors dry before streaks can appear.