How to Clean Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is more durable and stronger than ordinary glass. However, you can accidentally scratch it if you don’t use the proper cleaning methods. Don’t worry, the following information will give you everything you need to learn how to clean tempered glass.  

How to Clean Tempered Glass

The good news is you can easily clean tempered glass items using materials you can find in any household. If you don’t have them, you can find them in any local store.

Materials You Need

• Clean microfibre cloth
• Clean and damp sponge (non-abrasive)
• Spray bottle
• Water 
• Dishwashing soap

Cleaning Process for Glass that’s Tempered

The first thing you need to do is to make sure all your materials are clean. For instance, make sure you thoroughly wash the spray bottle before you use it. Use warm water if possible. 

If you don’t have a clean microfibre cloth, use a paper towel. A lint-free paper towel is the best option. Once you have the right materials, use the following steps to clean your tempered glass items. 

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

How you make your cleaning solution affects the entire cleaning process. You want to go for the perfect balance of water and dishwashing soap. Ideally, go with 1 part of water for 1 part of dishwashing soap. Mix this solution thoroughly and pour it into the spray bottle. 

Step 2: Spray the Glass

Hold the spray bottle approximately 7 to 8 inches from the surface of the glass table and start spraying. Make sure you spray equally across the entire surface. The idea is to ensure you cannot see through the glass when you are done. 

Let the solution sit for at least half a minute. This is the best duration as it ensures the solution has enough time to absorb all the dirt. If you let it sit for longer, it may start drying and will make the next step a challenge. 

Step 3: Rinse the Glass

Since you cannot use a hose to rinse the solution, use the clean and damp sponge. The reason why you use a non-abrasive sponge is to prevent scratching the glass. Use gentle rubbing strokes to get rid of all the cleaning solution applied earlier.

In some cases, the sponge may be soaked with the solution making it hard to rinse the glass. If this happens, rinse the sponge with running water and squeeze to dry. 

Repeat the rinsing process until you get rid of all the cleaning solution. You will know you have done a good job when you can almost see clearly through the glass. 

Step 4: Dry the Glass

Use the microfibre cloth or lint-free paper towel to dry the glass. A circular motion gives the best drying results and does not scratch your glass. You should avoid squeegees of any kind when you clean and dry the glass. They tend to cause scratches by dragging microscopic dirt across the surface. 

Cleaning Tempered Glass Phone Screen Protectors

The majority of current phone screen protectors use tempered glass. With time they get dirty and will need cleaning. To clean them use the same materials mentioned above with the addition of a blunt tool such as a nail file. 

Step 1: Prepare the Screen Protector

You will need to remove the screen protector from the phone before you clean it. Excess cleaning solutions may seep through the ends and damage the phone. Additionally, you will not be able to clean the entire screen cover. 

Pick a corner of the phone and wedge a nail file through it. Be gentle to avoid scratching the main screen underneath. Wiggle the nail file as you wedge it around the phone’s screen as you detach the screen protector. The motion will ease the detaching process. 

Step 2: Clean the Screen Protector

Start by rinsing the protector in warm soapy water. You can use your fingers to gently rub both sides of the glass. This will ensure you remove the majority of dirt and debris from the glass as well as reducing any smudges from oily substances. Use running water to finish this part of the process. 

Use the microfiber cloth to dry the glass. Inspect the protector and decide if it is clean. If there are some stains, you may need to use baby wipes to clean these stains. Baby wipes use non-abrasive materials and products. As such, they will not damage the protector. 

Step 3: Finish the Cleaning Process

Once you feel satisfied the protector is clean, you should dry it. You can use a microfiber cloth for this step. Rub it thoroughly on both sides of the glass. For the best results, you should consider using a lint roller.  

If the phone’s main screen is also dirty, wipe using the microfibre cloth. Do not use baby wipes on this screen. The screen may have spaces between it and the phone’s internal circuit. Since baby wipes are not alcohol-based, the liquid may seep to the internal parts and cause a short circuit.

The best way to dry the phone’s screen and its protector is by letting them sit in a cool dry place. A good suggestion would be using a plastic food container. Fill this with paper towels and place the phone and the screen protector. 

You should keep both items separated. Never dry any of these items in direct sunlight or by using hot air. Sunlight and hot air tend to weaken screen protectors and phone screens. 

Step 4: Replace the Screen Protector

You can replace the screen protector only after it has completely dried. Make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid leaving smudges on the screen protector when you replace it on the phone. 

Align every edge of the protector to the edges of the phone’s screen. This process needs to be done gently and slowly. Once the screen protector has been aligned to the corners of the phone’s screen, press each corner gently. 

Use your thumb and forefinger for this process. Try and apply equal pressure on each finger. Start at the corner closest to you and move to the corner furthest from you. 

This way, you can prevent any air bubbles from forming between the screen protector and the phone’s screen. Air bubbles will cause dust to enter and appear on the screen. Additionally, they will prevent the screen protector from securely attaching to the screen. That’s it! 

How to Deal with Stubborn Stains

Removing stubborn stains from tempered glass is simple if you know how to go about it. Here are some tips:

• You need a non-abrasive sponge and a product known as Cerium Oxide Powder. The good thing about this substance is it can also get rid of scuffs and light scratches.
• Mineral deposits are what usually cause stubborn stains. These are hard to remove even with effective methods like the ones stated above. 
• Cerium Oxide can do the work without damaging the tempered glass. Unfortunately, finding Cerium Oxide in your local stores may prove to be a challenge. Look for it in large hardware stores or online. 
• Do not order a large pack. All you need is the smallest available packaged amount. If you find anything less than half a pound will be enough as this is all you need. 
• Cerium Oxide does not expire easily and you can use it for several years. 
• Do not go for the expensive stuff as you will only need the lowest grade. 

Mix about 10 ounces of Cerium Water with very little water to form a paste. Use a clean non-abrasive sponge to rub it on the areas of your tempered glass with stubborn stains or scuffs. Do this for about 5 minutes and you should be done. Rinse using the above-mentioned methods and your stubborn stains should be a thing of the past.

Bottom Line

Cleaning tempered glass is not the same as cleaning ordinary glass. You need to be careful not to scratch the surface. Use the above methods to thoroughly clean any type of tempered glass.

If you want to use cleaning products from local or online stores, make sure they are non-abrasive. Following the above steps will guarantee your tempered glass will stay cleaned and look as good as new. In any doubt, consult a professional tempered glass cleaning company.