How to Clean Stained Glass Windows, Artwork, and Mirrors

Stained glass looks beautiful and delicate, no matter where it may be in your home. The appeal of stained glass comes from the brilliant colors produced when the light shines through it. Unfortunately, over time, dirt, dust, and residue can build up and lessen the beauty of the colors. Use this handy guide to keep your stained glass looking like new, without any streaks or film left over to diminish its appearance.

Before you begin cleaning your stained glass, dust it well to remove any loose dirt. Test small areas of your glass to see how colorfast the pieces are. Stained glass in the home is usually made of painted pieces, which are fired in a kiln after the color is added. If the pieces have been under fired, the color may begin to peel off with very little effort. If this happens, discontinue your cleaning efforts and seek the attention of a professional. Likewise, if your stained glass shows any signs of cracks or other damage, you should not attempt to clean it yourself.

If you are cleaning a window or mirror, protect the windowsill or floor beneath the glass with towels or a thick layer of paper towels. This will prevent any damage done by wayward drips. If your stained glass is held together with lead pieces, avoid trying to clean those. Lead is meant to look dark and weathered, and cleaning it even with water can cause a reaction.

No matter how dirty your stained glass appears to be, your first approach should be to clean it with distilled water. Stained glass, especially when used in windows, is waterproof to withstand outdoor elements. A good scrubbing with a soft, damp cloth will usually remove most of the grime on the glass without damaging the colors or the putty used to hold the pieces together. Dry the stained glass with paper towels or a dry, soft sponge after cleaning.

Using distilled water will ensure that no residue is left over after cleaning. Plain tap water contains additives and impurities that will leave a thin film on your stained glass. Distilled water is the same liquid used in steam cleaners, and is readily available in grocery stores.

If the distilled water doesn’t remove all of the film or grime on your stained glass, the next step is to try soap and water solutions. Start with the mildest soap you can find, such as liquid dish soap, and dilute it well with distilled water. Wash with a soft cloth and make sure you rinse each section well after cleaning. Try a stronger concentration of soap to water next, and if that still doesn’t work move on to a stronger soap product. Never use abrasive powders or scrubbers when cleaning stained glass, as they can cause damage to the glass itself.

Some hardware stores sell a glass waxing product that is designed to treat stained glass and repel dust and grime. These waxy substances may indeed protect the glass from the elements, but they also leave a film on the glass which makes the colors look cloudy. The wax is also difficult to remove without using harsh abrasives or chemicals, which may damage your piece.

Avoid using commercial glass cleaners, ammonia, vinegar, or other acidic products on stained glass. These products will erode the putty used to keep the glass pieces together, and could also bleed into the color in the glass making it murky or washed out. You should also avoid spraying water or the soap and water mixture directly onto the glass. Instead, dampen the cleaning cloth and wring it out to remove excess water, then clean the glass directly with the dampened cloth. Keep your stained glass looking beautiful after cleaning with frequent dusting.

A gentle touch and simple cleaning solutions will keep your stained glass windows, artwork, and mirrors looking rich and lovely. You’ll be amazed at the difference in light and color once you’ve cleaned your pieces!