How to Clean Stained Glass

Perhaps one of the greatest things about stained glass is that its appearance is constantly being transformed by light. However, dirt, soot, and grime deposits can build up on both sides of the glass potentially reducing the transmission of light and making an originally bright and beautiful window look dull and lifeless.  The deposits come from a number of sources including pollution, smoke, and oxidation. Simply cleaning the glass will remove the built up deposits, and restore much of the glass’ original beauty. 

Whether your piece is a window, sun catcher, or some other beautiful piece does not matter.  All stained glass pieces should be cared for in the same way. 

The easiest way to care for your stained glass is by cleansing your glass with a damp cloth.  Gently wipe off any dust buildup that may have accumulated.  Use only a soft damp cloth to remove the dirt.  It is recommended that soft or distilled water be used, because hard water could cause the glass to spot.  Remember all stained glass pieces have two sides.  Be sure to cleanse both sides of the stained glass to make sure no deposits build up and begin blocking out the light. 

Never over wet the cloth, spray water directly onto the stained glass or allow the water to leak between the glass panes, because all can potentially damage your piece.  Excessive moisture on a window will lift the gold in the mirrored pieces and eventually rot the wooden sash. 

Cleaning with water alone should always be tried first.  If for some reason water is insufficient in cleaning the piece, the next step is to use a non-ionic detergent on the glass. We use Joy or Dawn liquid in the studio. 

Never use a dusting spray as they can leave chemical residue behind and compromise the stained glass.  Also never use any sort of acidic, caustic or abrasive cleansers.  They can damage the glass.  And any cleaners containing ammonia can not be used as the ammonia can react with the putty or metallic came. 

Also, for the sake and integrity of your piece please:

• Do not remove the putty under the came.  If your stained glass is part of a window, the window will leak and the glass will rattle and may eventually break without the putty.
• Do not polish the lead or zinc came.  They are supposed to be dull gray or black. If they are really dirty, run steel wool over them lightly, but avoid making contact with the glass.

If you follow these simple stained glass cleaning suggestions, your stained glass piece should have a long beautiful, bright life and continue to shine the way it did when it was first purchased.

E&E Stained Glass Studio, 4066 Jefferson, Clarklake, MI 49234

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