Cleaning And Maintenance For Your Frosted Glass

Frosted glass adds elegance and privacy to any space, but proper care is essential to maintain its beauty and functionality. Whether you have sandblasted, acid-etched, painted, or stained glass features, this comprehensive guide will help you keep them looking pristine for years to come.

Sandblast Etched, Carved and Acid Etched Glass

You will clean your Sans Soucie Art Glass as you would other plain glass, wiping gently using light pressure and a good quality glass cleaner (such as “Windex”). Clean with a soft microfiber towel. Paper towels are fine too, but can leave behind lint. Never use any kind of abrasive (such as “Comet”) or harsh chemicals (such as “Lime Away”) on any of your Sans Soucie Art Glass.

The sandblasted surface is hardy and permanent, and cannot be “rubbed off”. Acid etching is not quite as durable as a sandblasted surface, to take more care to be gentle when cleaning. No harsh scrubbing! Use gentle pressure.

The most common maintenance problem on sandblasted glass is occasional small “darkened areas” that may appear over time. These are usually the result of oil getting on the surface from fingerprints. These spots can be stubborn but do come off. If these spots appear, try first cleaning with regular glass cleaner. If they remain, use pure clear acetone or lacquer thinner to clean and remove. See below.

CLEANING STUBBORN OIL SPOTS

Using a clean WHITE towel (microfiber is best) apply a small amount of lacquer thinner or acetone on the towel. Using light pressure, gently rub the oily spot on the glass. The acetone dries very quickly and as it does the spot will disappear, often after one application. If the spot remains repeat the process, continuing to gently rub the area with the acetone moistened towel. A SMALL amount of pressure may be needed. If the spot is still there, try using a Magic Eraser cleaning sponge. Once the spot disappears you may see a faint, white area on the glass. Follow up by cleaning with regular glass cleaner. Use a generous amount of cleaner and use quick, large strokes to dry. This will create a consistent, clean surface and any darkened areas will be gone.

Painted Glass

Dusting is usually the only kind of regular cleaning that will be needed for 3D painted areas. If any area becomes soiled somehow, first clear the area using plain, warm water (again using a microfiber towel). Wipe gently, being careful not to scratch or rub off any of the paint (this can happen with very aggressive rubbing). If the area has OIL, apply a small amount of regular glass cleaner to the towel and lightly wipe the area. Remember to clean gently and never use any kind of harsh chemicals or abrasives. NEVER apply acetone to glass areas where PAINT has been applied!

Stained & Leaded Glass

You will clean stained glass and beveled glass as you would normally clean other glass surfaces. Use a good quality glass cleaner and a microfiber towel. As described above, stay away from harsh chemicals or abrasives.

When to Call a Professional

While most frosted glass cleaning can be done safely at home, certain situations require professional attention:

• Severe staining or discoloration that doesn’t respond to standard cleaning methods
• Damage to the frosted surface such as scratches or chips
• Large commercial installations where safety equipment is needed
• Antique or valuable pieces that require specialized care
• Chemical damage from improper cleaning attempts

Long-Term Care and Protection

To ensure your frosted glass maintains its beauty over time:

Environmental Considerations:

• Control humidity levels to prevent water damage
• Protect from direct sunlight if the glass has painted elements
• Ensure proper ventilation in bathroom and kitchen applications

Seasonal Maintenance:

• Spring: Deep clean and inspect for winter damage
• Summer: Focus on removing fingerprints and dust from increased use
• Fall: Prepare for winter by ensuring all seals and hardware are clean
• Winter: Monitor for condensation issues and clean as needed

Conclusion

Proper care of your frosted glass doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right supplies, techniques, and regular maintenance schedule, you can keep your Sans Soucie Art Glass and other frosted glass features looking beautiful for decades. Remember that gentle, consistent care is always better than aggressive cleaning that might cause permanent damage.

By following these guidelines and understanding the specific needs of your glass type, you’ll be able to maintain the elegant appearance and functionality that drew you to frosted glass in the first place. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and consult with professionals for valuable or irreplaceable pieces.