Does Stained Glass Need to Be Cleaned and How Do You Clean It?

Stained glass windows are a popular feature in churches and cathedrals. But churches aren’t the only place they show up. They’re also very common for historic homes, especially those built between the years 1880 and 1930. Many homeowners appreciate their decorative glass because it provides privacy and adds character to their home, and therefore choose to keep it in tact.

However, over time, these windows can sag and deteriorate if they’re not cared for properly. Many homeowners are confused about whether they need to clean the stained glass in their Austin home, and if so, how to do it properly. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the things that owners can do to keep their leaded glass in good condition.

Does Stained Glass Need to Be Cleaned?

Yes, absolutely. Over time, dust will build up on the surface of your window. This can cause it to look cloudy and dull. Your stained glass should be carefully cleaned as needed and, when necessary, restored by a professional.

How to Take Care of Your Stained Glass

Just like any part of your Austin home’s exterior, stained glass windows need some attention from time to time in order to remain in the best shape. Three important things you can do to preserve your windows are inspecting it regularly, gently cleaning the surface, and getting repairs done immediately whenever problems show up.

Inspecting Stained Glass

Stained glass windows are very old. Their condition should be observed and monitored throughout the duration of their lifespan. Many times, owners miss serious issues because they don’t inspect their leaded glass as often as they should. By the time they realize it needs to be repaired, it’s too late. To inspect your stained glass, simply stand beneath the window and look upward. Do you see any signs of cracks or bent leading? Does it need to be cleaned? These are all important things to look for.

Cleaning

Cleaning stained glass is relatively easy. All you have to do is gently remove the dust on its surface from time to time. To do this, use a microfiber cloth and a pH-neutral soap. Do not rub the glass or use harsh chemicals. If the glass is painted, leave the cleaning to an expert.

Restoration

If during one of your inspections, you spot something that looks a little unusual, like a small chip, discoloration, or bent pieces, it’s time to contact an expert. In these cases, you need someone who knows how to properly perform stained glass restoration, which is a very complicated process. Whatever you do, don’t wait to fix the damage. Get it done as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could lose your beloved artwork forever.

Caring for leaded glass is easy. By following these simple steps, you can keep your stained glass windows looking bright and beautiful for many years to come.

Get More Information

Looking for more information on stained glass? Have questions about cleaning? Our Austin team would be happy to help. Call or email our office to get more information.