Glass in your home
Ordinary window glass, toughened glass, laminated glass, frosted glass and mirrors: how they differ and why it matters for safety, without technical tables.
glass at home: a guide to windows, mirrors and their care
Steklo Servise — glass at home
Glass is everywhere in a home: windows, mirrors, cupboard doors, shower screens, shelves and tabletops. We explain the kinds of household glass, how to look after it without streaks or scratches, how to live with it calmly, especially with small children around, and when it is time to call a professional. We do not cut or replace glass; we explain how to treat it.
Glass puts up with a great deal, but not with haste: it dislikes sudden changes of temperature, scouring pads and any attempt to fix a crack yourself.
Where to start
Windows and condensation
Why a double-glazed unit has more than one pane, what the seals are for and where the droplets on the glass come from in winter. We explain how ventilation helps.
Mirrors and doors
How to clean a mirror without damaging its edge and backing, and how to look after glass doors and shower screens without anything abrasive.
Safety
How broken glass behaves, how to clear up the pieces, why clear doors should be marked with stickers and why you should never stand on glass.
Guide sections
- Materials
Window glass, toughened and laminated glass, frosted glass, mirrors and glass blocks, plus our article catalogue.
- Ideas
A hallway mirror, a glass partition, a shower screen, shelves and display cabinets: glass as part of the interior.
- How-to
How to clean a window without streaks, how to care for a mirror and what never to do with glass.
- Planning
If glass cracks or a double-glazed unit mists up inside: what to do and what to ask a professional.
- Tools
A cloth, a squeegee, a spray bottle, gloves and a box for broken glass, a frame brush: no brands.
- Care
Looking after glass through the seasons, after building work and when moving, plus the safety essentials.
- FAQ
Answers about this guide, about windows and mirrors and about staying safe around glass.
Checking the glass in your home: five steps
Windows and seals
On a bright day, walk through each room and look at every window. Watch for cracks and chips near the edges, misting between the panes and the rubber seals around the opening sashes: they should be soft and intact, with no splits.
Doors and showers
Check glass doors, glazed panels in internal doors and the shower screen. Chips along the edge or loose hinges and handles are a reason to have the door looked at by a professional, not to tighten the fixings by guesswork.
Mirrors and fixings
See whether each mirror is held securely and whether dark spots have appeared around the edge. If a mirror wobbles on the wall or hangs from a single fixing, do not take it down and rehang it on your own.
Shelves and tabletops
Glass shelves dislike overloading and tabletops dislike sharp knocks. Move anything too heavy off the shelves, use mats under hot dishes and never put a pan straight from the hob onto glass.
Stickers for children
If you have clear glass doors or partitions, mark them with stickers or a bright strip at the eye level of both a child and an adult. That way the glass is no longer invisible, and people are less likely to run into it.
Common questions in brief
Are you a glazing workshop?
No. Steklo Servise is an independent reference about glass and mirrors at home. We do not take orders, carry out work or sell anything, and we do not recommend particular tradespeople.
Can I replace a pane of glass myself?
No, this is a job for a professional. Cutting glass and replacing a double-glazed unit take experience, the right tools and protective gear, and a mistake means cuts and another broken pane. That is why we do not publish instructions for cutting or replacing glass.
What is the best way to clean glass without streaks?
Warm water with a little mild glass cleaner and a clean, lint-free cloth. Start at the top, then dry the glass with a second, dry cloth. Abrasive powders and scouring pads leave scratches on glass.
What should I do if the glass cracks?
Do not try to tape over the crack or hold it together with anything. Keep children and pets away from the glass, avoid opening and closing the window or door unless you have to, and call a professional.
About this guide
Steklo Servise is an independent guide to glass at home for English-speaking readers. It has no connection with any earlier website on this domain and does not reproduce any of its content.
We write about types of household glass, windows and mirrors, glass doors, shelves and shower screens, gentle care and safety. We do not cut or replace glass, we name no brands, tradespeople or shops, and we deliberately do not publish instructions for jobs that need a professional.
Related sections
- Materials
Window glass, toughened and laminated glass, frosted glass, mirrors and glass blocks, plus our article catalogue.
- How-to
How to clean a window without streaks, how to care for a mirror and what never to do with glass.
- Care
Looking after glass through the seasons, after building work and when moving, plus the safety essentials.
Sources
- General reference material on types of architectural glass
- General manufacturer guidance on caring for glass and mirrors
- Editorial material from this guide
Information about glass and mirrors is given in general terms, based on reference material on types of architectural glass and manufacturers' care guidance. Only a professional who sees your glass in person can judge how badly it is damaged and whether it is still safe to use.