TRANSFORMING HOMES SINCE 2007
MADE IN BRITAIN
NATIONWIDE SUPPLY & INSTALL SERVICE
HOW TO CLEAN BALCONY GLASS INSIDE AND OUT
Lifestyle
Did you know that by cleaning your balcony glass inside and out, you can help to bring more light in? Dirty window marks not only cast shadows, but are also a major culprit for blocking out the light.
Glass balcony marks can arise from various sources. Over time, outside balcony glass dirt can accumulate from rainwater, airborne dust and pesty bugs, while inside balcony glass marks can appear from finger prints and the residue left over from condensation.
Achieving a streak-free finish adds another layer to the challenge. There’s nothing more disheartening than to pour time and effort into cleaning your balcony glass, only to realise there are smear marks when the sunlight hits it.
Discover the step-by-step process and essential tools needed to achieve crystal-clear balcony glass, and ensure a completely streak-free finish.
WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED FOR CLEANING BALCONY GLASS?
To clean your balcony glass, we recommend using the following tools:
- A bucket of warm soapy water (one part vinegar to two parts water) – for tackling the stains.
- A long-handled microfibre mop – for cleaning stubborn areas.
- A long-handled squeegee – for removing the water.
- A soft sponge – for tackling tough stains.
- A microfibre cloth – for buffing the glass.
WHAT TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN CLEANING BALCONY GLASS
First off, check the weather. For a streak-free finish, you’ll need your outside balcony door to air dry after cleaning it. So, try to clean your balcony glass on a sunny day when it’s less likely to rain.
It’s also worth giving your balcony a thorough inspection to ensure there are no potential problems that could arise as a result of you cleaning the doors. For instance, too much water near the bottom of the window panes may lead to corrosion later on, so be mindful of susceptible areas that may require extra care.
When cleaning balcony glass, we would always recommend cleaning from the inside first, as the inner window panes are likely to be the least dirty. Doing it this way around will enable you to easily see what needs cleaning on the outside.
HOW TO CLEAN BALCONY GLASS – THE PROCESS
Cleaning your balcony glass can be a straightforward process when done systematically. Here’s a step-by-step guide for cleaning both the inside and outside:
HOW TO CLEAN A GLASS BALCONY DOOR FROM THE INSIDE
To clean the glass from the inside, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- Start by prepping a bucket of warm, cleaning mixture with equal parts of water and white vinegar
- Soak a long-handled microfibre mop in the soapy water and use circular motions to clean the glass, working from top to bottom. Allow the water to soak for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, use a sponge to tackle tougher areas, employing a windscreen wiper-like motion.
- Take a clean microfibre and carefully dry any notches or fixtures to prevent water drips.
- Utilise a long-handled squeegee to remove the water by pushing it down towards the bottom of the door – this will ensure a streak-free finish.
- If there are still marks, buff them with a dry and clean microfibre cloth.
HOW TO CLEAN OUTSIDE BALCONY GLASS
Cleaning the outside of the balcony glass may require additional effort, especially for stubborn dirt build-up:
- Identify stubborn areas that need extra attention due to dirt accumulation.
- Reach for a long-handled brush or mop to efficiently tackle these problematic areas.
- Follow similar steps as cleaning from the inside, using soapy water, circular motions, a sponge for tough spots, and a squeegee for a streak-free finish.
- Pay special attention to areas with dirt build-up, applying extra elbow grease as needed.
Safety is, of course, crucial when you’re working from heights. If the balcony is too hard to reach, it’s advisable to hire a professional for the task instead.
HOW TO CLEAN SELF-CLEANING GLASS
Self-cleaning glass is made with a specialised surface that keeps dirt and grime at bay. However, self-cleaning glass still needs to be cleaned and maintained from time to time. Because of the specialised surface, you’ll need to be extra careful when cleaning it.
It’s generally recommended to use purified water, which is likely one of the only options to clean the glass without jeopardising the warranty. We’d advise not to use the following:
- Do not use a squeegee.
- Do not use any kind of cleaning liquid or soap that contains dye.
- Avoid using metal cleaning tools as this can damage the surface.
It’s always worth double checking the manufacturer’s instructions to find out what they recommend.
HOW TO CLEAN A JULIETTE BALCONY
Juliette balconies generally lack a platform to stand on, and if present, the space is usually minimal. It’s therefore crucial to exercise extreme caution when cleaning a Juliette balcony. It’s wise to seek professional when cleaning it, or alternatively, if it’s safe to do so, you could consider using a ladder to access it from the outside – using the right safety equipment is, of course, vital when opting to clean your balcony this way.
If the Juliette balcony features a small platform and you can reach the exterior glass for cleaning, use a long-handled microfiber mop and follow the cleaning steps as outlined earlier. Ensure you have someone on standby to support you if needed, and maintain a secure footing by keeping your feet flat on the interior side.
TIPS AND TRICK TO PROLONG THE CLEANLINESS
The number one trick we would suggest to prolong the cleanliness of your glass balcony doors or balustrade is to simply keep on top of the grime and dirt by cleaning it regularly, as and when they need doing.
A little work often will result in sparkling doors that require minimal effort to spruce up. To effectively combat the grime build-up, and to remind you to keep on top of it, we’d recommend incorporating a monthly balcony glass cleaning routine.
By following these steps, you can maintain clean and clear balcony glass both from the inside and outside, enhancing the light and overall aesthetic of your space. For more related cleaning tips, take a look at our article on how to clean skylights inside and out and how to clean bifold doors.
Explore our bespoke glass solutions to discover more about the glass options that we offer, or visit our showrooms where our team of experts will take you through our entire product range.
