Spring
Time for a thorough window clean after the winter. First clear dust and grit from the frames and seals, then wash the glass. While you are at it, check for any cracks or chips that appeared over the winter.
Care
Care and upkeep: glass all year round
Glass lives alongside the home and feels the change of seasons: dust builds up in spring, rain marks and sun appear in summer, and condensation arrives in winter. We have put together a relaxed care calendar for each season and for special occasions, followed by a short list of safety essentials around glass.
Droplets on a window in winter are no cause for alarm, just a reminder to open a window and let your home breathe.
How this section works: we describe seasonal care for undamaged glass in general terms. If a double-glazed unit mists up between the panes, a window has dropped out of alignment or the glass is damaged, that is a matter for a professional, not for seasonal care.
Seasonal care
What to see to at different times of year and on special occasions.
Summer
On the sunny side of the house, clean windows in the morning or evening so the solution does not dry in streaks. If you have insect screens, wipe them too: dust quickly transfers from them onto the glass.
Autumn
Before the cold weather, check that windows close snugly and the seals are intact. If a seal has cracked or gone hard, it is best to discuss replacing it with a professional in good time.
Winter: condensation
Droplets form on the inside of the glass when the air indoors is humid and it is cold outside. Short, regular airing helps, as does keeping the sill above the radiator clear. Moisture between the panes of a sealed unit is a reason to call a professional.
After building work
Building dust contains hard particles that scratch glass. Rinse it off first with plenty of water, without rubbing, and only then wipe the glass with a cloth.
When moving home
Mirrors and glass shelves are carried by two people, upright and wrapped in soft material. Never put anything on top of a mirror and do not transport glass lying flat under other belongings.
Safety essentials
- Toughened glass breaks into many small pieces with blunt edges, but you should still wear gloves to pick them up
- Laminated glass cracks when struck, while the fragments are held by the film between the layers
- Ordinary window glass breaks into large, sharp pieces; never pick them up with bare hands
- Pick up tiny fragments with a damp paper towel or a piece of soft bread, then go over the area with a vacuum cleaner
- Mark clear doors and partitions with stickers at the eye level of both a child and an adult
- Never stand on glass, not even to reach a high shelf
- If someone is injured by glass, call 112 or your local emergency number
Related sections
- How-to
How to clean a window without streaks, how to care for a mirror and what never to do with glass.
- Tools
A cloth, a squeegee, a spray bottle, gloves and a box for broken glass, a frame brush: no brands.
- Planning
If glass cracks or a double-glazed unit mists up inside: what to do and what to ask a professional.
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.