Glass dining tables can add a sophisticated or modern atmosphere to the interior design of your home. But they can be high maintenance, especially if you have kids and are trying to keep the tabletop clean and shiny. Glass dining tables often require more maintenance than wooden or ceramic table tops.
If you're struggling to keep your glass dining table clean, we've put together a list of cleaning products that, along with some cleaning techniques, will work wonders to keep your table sparkling and sparkling clean without too much effort. Read on to learn how to properly clean a glass table and I will share some of the best products and methods for cleaning a glass table. The same methods can also be used to clean other glass surfaces such as windows.
*This post contains affiliate links.Full disclosure here.
Use plastic to scrape off stubborn substances
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If sticky substances such as dried food, hair gel, makeup, etc. are stuck to your table, it may be best to scrape them off. You could use a plastic spoon or some sort of scraper to loosen the substance, but you probably want to avoid scratching too hard because you don't want to damage the surface underneath. Avoid using sharp or metal objects; You don't want to scratch or permanently damage the glass table tops.
If the residue is not easily removed and you are concerned about damaging the glass surface, you can choose one of the following glass cleaning methods instead:
plastic spoon method
Simply place the end of a plastic spoon on the spot where the residue seems to be sticking and slowly press down. Keep pressing down until the residue comes loose. Then repeat the same process again.
Paper towel and plastic spoon method
Place a piece of kitchen paper over the area where the residue is, then press down on the kitchen paper with a plastic spoon. Keep pressing down until the residue comes loose. Once the residue is removed, simply wipe away the excess with another clean paper towel.
Hot water, dish soap and fabric method
With this method, you try to loosen the residue with hot water and a clean cloth. First, heat a cup of water, add a few drops of dish soap and rub with a clean cloth on the area where the residue seems to be most noticeable. Leave the soapy mixture on for about five minutes and wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in warm water. Repeat this process once or twice depending on how much residue is left.
Clean your glass table top without leaving streaks
There are a few methods you can use to clean your tabletop without leaving streaks. You can choose between a commercial glass cleaner or a homemade glass cleaner like baking soda and vinegar or spraying vinegar and lemon juice. Any of these methods leave no streaks.
Spray with glass cleaner
If you prefer to use your commercial glass cleaner, you simply need to follow the directions on the bottle to get the best results. Use the amount of product recommended on the bottle. Be sure to spray enough to completely cover the surfaces and corners of the table. To avoid streaks, before applying the cleaner, wipe any obvious dirt off the table with a microfiber cloth (lint-free cloth) or other soft material.
If you don't have glass cleaner at home, you can also wipe down the glass table with a mixture of dish soap and a damp paper towel.
With baking soda and vinegar
If you want to clean your glass tabletop without harsh chemicals, just follow these steps:
Step 1: water and vinegar mixture
Fill a small jar with equal parts water and vinegar for later use. The size of your glass table top affects how you should make the vinegar solution. Start by combining 1 cup of water and vinegar; You can always do more afterwards. While you make the baking soda paste, set the vinegar mixture aside.
Step 2: Baking Soda Paste
Make a baking soda paste by combining 1/2 cup of baking soda with at least 3 teaspoons of water. In a small basin, combine the water and baking soda and stir until a thick paste forms. This is used to clean your glass surface.
Step 3: Apply the paste and vinegar
Using a sponge, cover the surface with the baking soda mixture. Use a soft sponge that will not scratch or leave marks on the glass. Dip the sponge into the bowl of paste mixture, then rub across the table in a circular, sweeping motion. Make sure you've covered the entire glass surface by being as thorough as possible.
Step 4: Rinse
Rinse the table after dipping your sponge in the vinegar mixture. After dipping one end of the sponge into the vinegar solution, wipe down the table in one long, broad motion. Continue until all of the baking soda has been removed. This may take a while depending on the size of your table. Use a bucket to catch excess liquid.
Step 5: Let it dry
Dry the glass surface by wiping it with a squeegee. Run long, straight lines across the table. After cleaning the table, let it dry naturally.
Spraying vinegar and lemon juice
Lemons are also an excellent option for cleaning glass tables, especially if you have hard water stains. This process works best with freshly squeezed lemon juice, rather than store-bought, since store-bought lemon juice sometimes contains preservatives that will streak clean glass.
Simply cut a lemon in half (or two) and squeeze the juice onto the tabletop. Wipe the juice off the table with a microfiber cloth or newspaper.
If you don't have any lemons lying around, you can also use vinegar. White vinegar is known for its many uses around the home, including some unrelated to cooking. And it works especially well as a glass cleaner. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar and 2 cups of tap water into a spray bottle (50:50) and use it to clean your glass dining table. Warm water is preferred.
When the spray bottle is full, spray the mixture on the table and immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth. You could smell vinegar for the next few minutes, but it should go away soon. This can be accelerated by opening the windows.
Thorough cleaning of a cloudy glass table top
If you have a glass tabletop that seems to have clouded over time, you can take care of it yourself. All you need are three common household items - water, rubbing alcohol, and white vinegar. Mixing these ingredients creates an easy cleaning solution that you can use to wipe down the surface.
To ensure you don't end up with too much residue, start with a light coat of the cleaner. Then when you have wiped away most of the dirt, add another coat and wipe the surface clean.
Tips for different types of tables
Glass table without frame
If the frame of your table is not a problem, you can use one of the glass cleaners mentioned above (commercially available, vinegar and baking soda or lemon juice) to make the glass shine. You can also try rubbing alcohol to remove greasy or oily stains on the glass surface.
Glass table with wooden frame
If you have a wood-framed glass table, you can use a vinegar solution to clean your table. To do this, follow these steps:
- Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of white vinegar if you don't have one.
- Spray the table with the cleaner. Try to minimize absorption of the liquid into the wood by wiping off the solution as soon as possible. You don't want to permanently damage the wood.
- Wipe the table with a clean, soft cloth.
- Dry the wood with a cloth. Be sure to check that the wood is completely dry.
Glass table with metal frame
Bar Keepers Friend is a perfect cleaning solution for glass tabletops with metal frames. To properly use this cleaning powder to clean your tabletop, just follow these steps:
- Dampen a sponge with water. Squeeze out most of the liquid and pre-wet the surface.
- The damp surface should be covered with Bar Keepers Friend Powder. When cleaning the underside of a table, apply Bar Keepers Friend directly to the damp sponge before wiping the pre-moistened glass.
- The glass can be “washed” with the wet powder using the same sponge.
- Dry the glass by wiping it with some paper towels.
- Buff the surface with a lint-free towel or microfiber cloth.
Diploma
There are many ways to clean a glass table. The best way depends on what kind of table you have and how dirty it is. Some methods may work better than others depending on the type of stain you are trying to remove.
If you don't get the results you want, try another method. Whichever method you choose, however, remember to keep your glass dining table clean to keep it looking brand new and in tip-top shape for years to come.
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FAQs
What's the best way to clean a glass table? ›
You can do this by mixing a solution of water (1 cup), rubbing alcohol (1 cup) and white vinegar (about 1 tablespoon or so) in your trusty spray bottle, and wiping your table down as before. This mixture should restore the shine and get rid of the film.
How do you clean a glass table without Windex? ›Mix one cup distilled water, three tablespoons vinegar, and ¼ cup rubbing alcohol in a new spray bottle and label it. Shake up your glass cleaning solution and spray it on your glass.
What is the method of cleaning glass? ›Most slides and glass surfaces can be effectively cleaned with soapy water. Prepare a bath of soapy water. Use a lint-free wipe and cotton swab to gently rub the surface clean of dirt and residues. Rinse thoroughly in DI water and blow dry with nitrogen.
How do you clean glass without leaving the mark? ›Mix one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Wipe down the window with a a soft, clean, lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove dust before you spray your solution, then spray the entire surface.
How do you make a glass table look new again? ›- Step 1: Clear the Space. The first step to getting a sparkling clean table top is to first clear the space by removing everything on top. ...
- Step 2: Wipe With a Dry Cloth. ...
- Step 3: Use Water to Wipe a Second Time. ...
- Step 4: Dry and Shine.
Rubbing alcohol has tons of uses, and is the secret ingredient for cleaning stains on microfiber couches, according to HGTV. Using a spray bottle, spritz, spritz, spritz the rubbing alcohol until the stain is saturated. Then use a light-colored sponge to rub away the dirt. Voila!
Does Windex clean microfiber? ›Clean Microfiber Upholstery
Even water can leave unsightly spots on microfiber upholstery! But a spritz of Windex can work wonders. Simply spray the surface lightly—careful not to soak the fibers—then brush very gently with a soft-bristled scrub brush, working in the same direction.
A: We do not recommend using dish soap on your microfiber towels. Even the free and clear products have fragrances and other chemicals in them that could harm or hinder the microfiber and what it's intended to do.
What are the six steps of cleaning glassware? ›- Clean It as Soon as You Can. ...
- Use the Right Brush. ...
- Don't Forget the Cleaner. ...
- Try Giving it a Soak. ...
- If All Else Fails, Get Aggressive. ...
- Sterilize Before Cleaning When Necessary. ...
- Rinse All Glassware. ...
- Dry It, Too.
For example, vinegar does a decent job removing dust and water spots, but it doesn't cut through a lot of sticky stuff and tends to streak more than other cleaners. Rubbing alcohol is a potent cleaner but is harsh and strong-smelling, so it's not a great glass cleaner by itself.
Does vinegar clean glass better than Windex? ›
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
Does vinegar clean glass streak free? ›Whether you are out of name brand glass cleaner or you want to use a more natural cleaner, vinegar works wonders on windows. Try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a streak-free clean. You can use a spray bottle or dip a rag in the solution, just like you would an ordinary cleaner.
Does vinegar and dish soap clean glass? ›For very dirty windows, especially exterior windows, combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 1/2 tsp of dish detergent. If you're cleaning immediately, use warm but not hot water for added cleaning power. Shake the bottle to combine.
How do you make streak free glass cleaner? ›It contains vinegar and isopropyl alcohol, which both cut through grease and kill bacteria. Simply mix one cup of alcohol and water and add a tablespoon of vinegar. Add the mixture to a spray bottle, and you're good to go! This cleaner works on any glass surface, from your windows to the lenses in your glasses.
Can vinegar remove glass stains? ›Pure White Vinegar:
If there are some really tough stains on the mirror, then you can use pure white vinegar to clean it up. Spray the vinegar on to the glass or soak a towel in it and use it to rub away the stains. Make sure you wear proper rubber gloves to protect your hands from the acidity of vinegar.
Professional window cleaners use a squeegee and scrubber tool with a soap and water solution to wash windows. Some pros rely on a water-fed pole cleaning setup with filtered water for cleaning exterior windows.
How do you revive old glass? ›Leave the object in vinegar and water overnight to loosen calcium deposits, rinse with water and dry with a microfiber towel. Vaseline or petroleum jelly can sometimes remove light calcium build-up. Let it sit for 4-5 days before removing.
Is rubbing alcohol a good window cleaner? ›Rubbing alcohol (also known as isopropyl alcohol) can be used to help achieve a streak-free finish on your glass surfaces. You can mix a small amount (around 10% of the total volume) into the cleaning solutions above, or you can use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water as a final step in your cleaning process.
How do you stop a glass table from scratching? ›To protect your tabletop from scratching, avoid placing hot items such as plates, bowls, or cooking utensils directly on the table. Encourage family members to always use placemats and coasters whenever they put something on the table. That way, you can still enjoy meals at the table without scratching the glass.
Can I use Dawn to clean microfiber cloth? ›It is best to only wash microfiber cloth with other microfiber materials. Use a gentle, clear, liquid laundry detergent. Stronger laundry detergents can damage microfiber fabric and make cleaning cloths less efficient.
What can you not clean with rubbing alcohol? ›
Avoid using any rubbing alcohol on painted, shellacked, lacquered, or varnished surfaces, including treated wood. Certain fabrics: The isopropyl in alcohol can be a great stain treatment on certain fabrics, removing all evidence of difficult stains like ink, grass, grease, or sap.
Can you use hydrogen peroxide to clean microfiber? ›Hydrogen Peroxide
It's a great disinfectant and safe to use to disinfect microfiber cloths.
- Don't use window cleaner to clean your laptop. ...
- Don't put window cleaner your skin. ...
- Don't mix window cleaner with bleach. ...
- Don't use window cleaner on granite countertops. ...
- Don't use window cleaner to wipe down your HDTV. ...
- Don't spray window cleaner on fine or uncoated wood.
The science behind why damp dusting is more efficient than a dry cloth comes from the fact that a damp cloth introduces capillary force to the dust particles. In short, the damp cloth draws the particles in and lifts dust from the area instead of moving them around.
Why is Windex blue? ›The reason most glass cleaners on the market are blue is that, during the 1960s, Windex's original recipe used a translucent blue dye to help it stand out from the pack. In response to this product's popularity, many customers began associating the color of light blue spray with glass cleaners.
What is the best detergent for microfiber towels? ›There are detergents created specifically for microfiber, like Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash Cleaning Detergent, but a gentle soap without chemicals or harsh ingredients, like Seventh Generation's Free & Clear Laundry Detergent or one of these detergents for sensitive skin, will get the job done just as effectively.
Can you put microfiber towels in the dryer? ›Dry microfiber towels separately from other items. Don't add dryer sheets or dryer balls. Clean the lint trap thoroughly before drying to avoid any lint transfer. Use only low heat or an air-dry setting.
Can you wash microfiber towels with regular towels? ›Microfiber cloths can be machine-washed for convenience or if the fabric is excessively dirty or stained. Do not wash microfiber cleaning cloths with other types of fabric. Other fabrics can ruin the fibers of your microfiber cleaning cloths, abrading the fibers and leaving lint on the microfiber surface.
Can Dawn clean glass? ›Dawn as a substitute glass cleaner
There is no need to panic. One of the most effective ways to clean glass is dish soap – it's what professional window cleaners use when cleaning exterior windows. Dish soap can remove stuck-on dirt and cuts any hazy build-up. It also works well on cloudy mirrors.
Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar to one cup of water and, either using a spray bottle or a paper towel, apply the solution to the glass. The acid within the vinegar will break down any cloudiness. It will also give a more sparkling finish to the glass.
What are the three rules of glassware? ›
- Never carry a flask by its neck.
- Never carry a beaker by its side.
- Always use two hands carrying any glassware (position one hand under the glass for support).
The seven-step cleaning process includes emptying the trash; high dusting; sanitizing and spot cleaning; restocking supplies; cleaning the bathrooms; mopping the floors; and hand hygiene and inspection.
What are the three most common ways that glassware is washed? ›- Sheeting Test. The sheeting test involves dipping a glass in water. ...
- Salt Test. For the salt test, sprinkle salt on the inside of a wet glass - it will not adhere to the parts that still contain a greasy film.
- Lacing Test.
Bleach And Vinegar
This is because vinegar is a great cleaning agent for crockery and utensils because of its acidic nature. However, you should never mix it with bleach for cleaning purposes or in any other situation. It can be extremely dangerous as it produces chlorine gas when mixed even at low levels.
“Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner, so there is a chance that it will scratch your glass or mirror,” says Marcos Franco, an employee of Mighty Clean Home. If you're looking for an all-natural cleaning substance, he suggests using vinegar on your glass surfaces instead.
What happens if you mix rubbing alcohol and vinegar? ›Using isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar together makes a quickly evaporating spray glass and mirror cleaner that competes with national brands. This can also be used to give a nice shine to hard tiles, chrome, and other surfaces.
How do you remove tough stains from a glass table? ›- Mix a Cleaning Solution. In a spray bottle, combine one part of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice with one part of distilled water. ...
- Spray on the Solution. Place an old towel at the bottom of the glass panel to catch drips. ...
- Scrub and Wipe Away the Mineral Deposits. ...
- Rinse and Dry.
- Use coasters or place mats to reduce the risk of spillages and marks.
- Avoid putting heavy items on to the glass.
- Regularly use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to wipe the surface.
- Buff the surface with a dry cotton cloth.
- Mix baking soda and white vinegar with warm water to remove grime.
Fill the bucket with about a gallon of warm water and add a couple squirts of dish soap. Step 3: Take cloth or towel and dip into solution, wipe away fingerprints from glass. If the fingerprints are being super stubborn, add a few more squirts of dish soap to the warm water and attempt to wipe it away again.
Will Magic Eraser remove hard water stains from glass? ›STEP ONE: WET YOUR MAGIC ERASER.
Water activates the tough micro-scrubbers, so they can dig deep and remove hard water stains from glass and the toughest soap scum, making cleaning shower glass easier than ever.
How do you clean stubborn glass? ›
One of the most common is a solution of 50 percent vinegar mixed with 50 percent tap water. For extremely tough stains, you may find you need a higher concentration of vinegar. It's important not to spray any solution directly onto the glass (see “How to Keep Your Door Glass Clean”).
Does vinegar remove cloudiness from glass? ›Soak a small rag or dish towel in vinegar, then rub a portion of the glass with the rag. A glass that's milky from hard water buildup should become clearer with each wipe.
What should you not put on a glass table? ›Prevent scratches
You should never place items on your table that could scratch it—such as toys, books, and any other items with sharp edges or a rough and textured base. Plates, bowls, and silverware can also cause scratches, and should be set on placemats.
It is very easy to clean and maintain a glass dining room table. Wipe it regularly with a damp cloth to keep it in good shape. If spills occur, a simple wipe is enough. Glass also does not tarnish or fade over time, so there is no need to use cleaning products to retain the its original shine.
What can I put on my glass table to prevent scratches? ›Make sure to place mug coasters, rubber pads, and placemats on the table. These protective pads will take all the heat and save your beautiful glass table from getting affected. The best way to ensure all-out protection is to use decorative table runners.
Does Windex get rid of fingerprints? ›For an unbeatable streak-free shine!*
Windex® Original Glass Cleaner starts working on dirt, grime, fingerprints and other messes even before you wipe.
A: Windex® Electronics Wipes are safe to use on television screens, laptops, computer screens, phones, and camera lenses. These wipes are safe and effective on removing fingerprints, dust and grime without damaging the screen.
Does hand sanitizer remove fingerprints? ›But if you have hand sanitizer lying in your reach, use that instead—it helps eliminate fingerprints and even hairspray from your eyeglasses.
Can I clean tempered glass with Windex? ›Avoid excessively harsh cleaners and chemicals like Windex or alcohol. These formulas could remove the oleophobic coating off your protector, making it much less pleasant to use. Scrubbing with abrasive materials is a big no-no.
Can you clean glass-top with vinegar? ›Daily cleaning and maintenance
To make a vinegar solution for cleaning your stovetop, fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar and two parts water. Spray your stovetop with the mixture and wipe down the glass top with a microfiber cloth, which will prevent scratching the surface.
How do you clean a glass table with baking soda? ›
If you want to get an extra polish on your glass table, mix ½ cup of baking soda with three tablespoons of water into a paste. Rub the paste on your glass table with a soft, clean sponge. Rinse off well with a damp, microfibre cloth.