Frameless glass staircase railings have become increasingly popular because of the beauty and elegance they add to a space. They’re also installed around balconies and decks to give a wider and clearer view of the outdoors.
Since frameless glass panels for staircase railings are prized for their clear and unobstructed view, it’s important to keep them clean. However, glass panels easily get dirty and form streaks if left unaddressed for a long time.
Durability is one of the major benefits offered by glass railings, as they have a lifespan of several decades if properly cleaned and maintained. Though dirt and dust accumulate on the glass, quality cleaning solutions can be used to keep the glass panels looking brand new. This guide will walk you through the basic cleaning regime for your glass staircase railing and the factors that form streaks and stains on the panels.
Reasons Why Glass Staircase Railings Get Dirty
Grime Buildup on Hardware
Grime buildup is not just limited to your kitchen and washroom. Glass staircase railing can also accumulate grime based on their location within the property. While walking up and down the stairs, people instinctively hold the railings for support. That’s how grime builds up in the hardware of glass staircase railings.
Dust and Dirt Accumulation on the Glass
Regardless of where your glass railings are located, they will always accumulate dust and dirt. Small particles of dirt and other substances easily cling to the glass. Dust is a common issue inside your home, while dirt pesters outdoor glass railings on a windy day when ground materials are blown around the property. Fortunately, dirt and dust are easy to remove to maintain the shine of your glass panels.
Spotting and Streaking from Water
This happens very frequently when glass staircase railings are located outdoors, and the area receives a lot of precipitation. As water droplets land on the railing, they slide down the panels, leaving dots and streaks everywhere. Edges of the glass panels where they’re secured with the hardware are likely to accumulate grime and dirt.
Animal Waste
If you own a dog, it will leave its scent in many spots around your house to mark its territory. So if you notice that your outdoor staircase glass railings look slightly yellow, your dog or the neighbor’s dog may have done its business.
Aerial attacks such as bird dropping are also very common. Though this kind of mess is easy to clean, always wear gloves while doing such work and throw away the cloth once you’re done with the task.
Cleaning Glass Stairs
Glass cleaning sprays often leave streaks or residue, so they must be avoided. But general cleaning chemicals should also be avoided as they’re stronger and can damage the panels, as can abrasive sponges, towels, or scrubbing tools.
To ensure the least damage and achieve the best results, wipe down the panels with a soft microfiber cloth. Dip the cloth in a solution made with some washing liquid and warm water. You can also add a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice if you find a dried or particularly stubborn stain.
The last step is to use a soft, dry cloth and rub the panels in gentle, circular motions to buff out the remaining smudgy fingerprints, streaks, or spots and bring back the reflective polish on its surface.
Add a Protective Finish to the Glass Panels
Glass staircase railings are made from tempered glass, which is resistant to scratches and scuff and features a dirt-resistant and water-repellant coating. However, you still need to clean the glass regularly to make the job much easier and prevent tough stains from developing on the panels.
For extra protection on the staircase panels, you can apply a transparent coating. Though this layer is unnoticeable, its effects are certainly visible. Get this task done professionally right after the glass installation is completed. If the glass panels in your staircase feature a wooden frame, you must also look after this element by doing a wax treatment or applying a wood polish.
Watch Out for Potential Damages
To prevent any damage to your glass staircase railing, follow complete guidance on the protection, cleaning, and usage of frameless glass panels. Remember that there’s always a small chance of an accident that may result in scratching, cracking, or chipping the panels.
To keep an eye out for the damages, you can do a quick visual inspection every few times when you use the staircase. If you notice a liquid spillage, smudge, spot, or stain, clean it up immediately. Some cleaning liquids may damage the joints and hardware if they seep in.
Moreover, loosely fit panels and scratches should also be addressed right away. But you must reach out to your glass contractor instead of attempting to make the repairs on your own. With professional help, you can avoid serious damages and injuries.
The Right Way to Use Your Stairs
Though tempered glass is valued for its durability and robustness, everyone using the stairs should be very careful. For instance, if you need to carry objects up and down the stairs at any point, avoid carrying sharp or heavy objects that may scratch or chip the glass.
You can also implement the rule of ‘no shoes on the stairs’ for everyone. That’s because pointy heels cause serious damage, while the shoes spread dirt on the steps. Moreover, everyone should be careful about the way they go up and come down. Avoid running or swinging laundry baskets or heavy bags on the stairs.
Get Reliable Glass Services in Austin
To make sure your glass staircase panels do not incur any damages, hire professional glass contractors at Shower Doors of Austin. They’re trained to work with high-quality tempered glass. The glass company offers a wide variety of frameless glass for your staircase railings.
They also specialize in frameless glass shower doors and enclosures, custom table tops, custom mirrors, custom wine rooms, and more.
For details, contact them here.
