Tag Archives: glass cleaning

What is Mineral Staining?

Mineral Staining consists of milky white spot stains that appear on the surface of the glass. This chemical reaction is brought about by the build-up of different minerals and alkaline in water. These are water-borne chemicals that may often leave permanent stains on glass surfaces.

printed glass splashbacks melbourneMineral stains are very difficult to remove but can easily be prevented by immediately drying or wiping off the droplets or water, especially those that remain near the glass shower doors and around the sinks or faucets.

Different chemical reactions cause mineral staining such as:

 

  • Hard water can precipitate lime and scum deposits on glass surfaces, glassware, fiberglass, porcelain, stainless steel, tile, and enamel; among others. You can prevent this from happening by installing a water treatment system. More so, hard water when in contact with soaps or other minerals can increase staining. Or scaling formation in sinks and bathroom fixtures.
  • Magnesium and calcium content in hard water can also trigger limescale. Or hard film build-up that creeps on kitchen and bathroom fixtures as well as equipment. That most often exposed to water.
  • Metallic stains may also appear when your glass surfaces come in contact with manganese and iron that leave blackish or brownish stains.
  • Acidic water can cause corrosive damage to fixtures and plumbing.
  • Copper and brass fittings can leave green and blue stains on your plumbing fixtures.
Here are some tried-and-tested tips on cleaning up or removing mineral stains on glass surfaces:
  • auto glassSimply wiping or drying up shower doors after use can remove streaky white stains etched on glassware.
  • Install water softening equipment to avoid the harsh effects of hard water on your fixtures.
  • The use of cleaning solutions with sequestrants like Calgon has proven effective in the reduction of staining properties as it deactivates the mineral components in water that can cause staining.
  • Acidic cleaners like lemon juice, oxalic acid, white vinegar, and sulphuric and hydrochloric acids effective in removing iron rust stains and eliminating discoloration. Cream of tartar which considers a mild acid can mix with water to fight off stains.
  • Chlorine bleach can also use to remove stains but must not leave on fixtures for prolonged periods to prevent dulling of surfaces, especially in porcelain.
  • All-purpose cleaners or nonabrasive types of cleaners are good for regular clean-ups. These are safe to use and do not leave scratches on the surface. Even when the solution left on the surface for long periods of time.

Keeping your glass surfaces and equipment in mint condition can be a lot of work especially. If you have no extra hands to help you out in managing a home. Prevention is certainly way better than cure –even when keeping your glass fixtures in sparkling condition.

In this case, cleaning up excess water in spaces prone to rusting or staining certainly pays off in the end. You can prevent permanent staining on your bathroom and kitchen fixtures by making sure that you have the right cleaners at hand and that you are able to effectively clean and wipe as you go about your daily grind.

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How to Clean Your New Glass Products

frameless glasses

Glass makes everything look modern, stylish, and sophisticated. But like anything, it can easily collect dirt, dust and grime. To make sure it stays looking new and shiny, it does need some level of care and maintenance–a task many people do not look forward to doing.

Part of what makes glass cleaning a frustrating and tiring job is that homeowners insist on using the infamous newspaper and spray cleaner method. This is not a good idea as rubbing the glass with wadded-up paper towels or newspaper only moves the dirt around and produces static electricity, causing streaks and attracting more dust.

In order to keep your glass products in tip-top condition, you can’t simply spray on a bit of polish or glass cleaner and wipe it with crumpled paper. You’ll require the right tools and the right set of knowledge to make your glass products sparkle like new.

Below, we give you some simple tricks to ensure you don’t leave behind streaks, stains, and lint on glass surfaces.

Get Rid of Loose Dirt

Prior to cleaning your glass products, make sure to remove as much loose dust and dirt first. If you don’t, this loose debris could potentially cause scratches and streaks.

Use a Strip Applicator for Picture Windows

Large glass surfaces call for large tools, such as a strip applicator. So, This tool has a long cloth head that soaks up soapy water and effectively knocks dirt and grime lose without leaving scratches on the glass. Partner it with a cleaning solution made of warm water and dishwashing liquid.

For glass products with smaller surfaces, a handheld hog-bristle brush or sponge will do the trick. Opt for a natural one instead of synthetics. They are firmer and more absorbent.

Wipe Clean with a Squeegee

Instead of rinsing the glass with water, wipe it clean with a squeegee. So, Before having another go at it, wipe the tool’s blade clean with a microfiber cloth or lint-free rags, such as old linen napkins or cloth diapers, to avoid streaks and watermarks.

Swipe from Top to Bottom

Whether you are cleaning shower screens, windows, doors, or mirrors. It is important to note starting from the top and working your way down is the way to go it. And make sure to wipe it clean in one go. Otherwise, you risk leaving streaks along the glass.

Dry off the Drips on the Glass’s Edges

Remove any remaining soapy water on the edges of the glass and along the windowsill using a wrung-dry microfiber cloth or chamois.

To remove stubborn stains and spots that normal glass cleaning can’t. Gently rub it with either a fine 0000 steel wool. Or a wet towel dipped in a cleansing powder that contains oxalic acid. Adding a coating of surface protectant after “super cleaning” it will get rid of the stains for good.

If a good, meticulous cleaning just isn’t enough, consider having it professionally cleaned, repaired, or replaced.

Image courtesy of 123rf.com

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