Low-E glass windows are the best solution to filter the harmful rays of the sun. They are quite popular these days for use in homes and offices. This HomeQuicks article tells you about the dos and don’ts of cleaning them.
Tip
Always use a towel or a cloth to clean low-E glass windows. It will ensure minimal damage to the coating on the glass.
Nowadays, we experience extreme weather conditions due to the changing behavior of nature. Sustaining in such harsh weathers is difficult enough. In addition to that, the heat and rays entering our house can be damaging. However, there is a way to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Using low-E glass for the windows is the way to go. It also helps cut down the air-conditioner and heater bills.
The E in low-E stands for emissivity, which is the ability of the glass to radiate energy. These glass windows work in a way same as a silver lining thermos, keeping cool things cool and hot things hot. Low-E glass reduces the amount of harmful rays like ultraviolet and infrared that enter the house through the windows. In effect, the heat generated due to these rays is reduced. Likewise, in winters, the low-E glass lessens the heat that is lost from the house through the windows.
Like every other type of windows, low-E glass windows need proper cleaning. Here are some useful tips.
Dos
Don’ts
➥ Clean the windows every time any dirt or residues appear on the glass.
➥ Avoid letting dirt and residue remain on the window for a long time.
➥ Use a water and soap solution to remove the dirt and residues.
➥ Do not start cleaning the window before removing dirt and residues.
➥ Use vinegar-based glass cleaners that give you a clean and streak-free surface.
➥ Do not use ammonia or alcohol-based glass cleaners as they will leave streaks on the glass.
➥ You could also use a mild dish soap and water to clean the windows.
➥ Petroleum-based cleaners might damage the glass permanently.
➥ Apply the cleaner with a spray or a cloth.
➥ Avoid using a high-pressure spray nozzle.
➥ Use a lint-free cloth to scrub and dry the surface of the window.
➥ Using a squeegee or razor blades on the low-E coating is not recommended.
➥ Acetone is recommended for spot cleaning.
➥ Do not use metallic objects while spot cleaning as they might leave discolored stains on the glass.
➥ Use diluted hydrochloric acid for a specialized cleaning of stains that are hard to remove.
➥ The acid should not come in contact with the window frames.
➥ Clean the glass screens by removing, washing, drying, and re-installing them.
➥ Avoid washing the window in direct sunlight.
➥ Wipe the cleaner off the glass surface with water.
➥ Do not let the cleaner dry on the window surface.
How to Clean Low-E Glass Windows
Routine Cleaning
Step 1: Apply generous amounts of cleaner on the window surface.
Step 2: Rub the surface with a lint-free cloth.
Step 3: Wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth or towel.
Step 4: Stop wiping when the window surface is almost dry.
Step 5: Let the remaining thin layer of moisture evaporate on its own.
Spot Cleaning
Step 1: Apply a small quantity of the cleaner on the problem area.
Step 2: Rub that area with a cloth.
Step 3: Wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
Specialized Cleaning
Step 1: Apply a small quantity of the specialized cleaner on the problem area.
Step 2: Rub that area in many directions with a cloth.
Step 3: Wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
Voila! Your low-E glass window is streak-free and clean!
We hope the article helped you understand the dos and don’ts of cleaning low-E glass windows and also how to clean them. Use these tips and keep those windows clean and shiny always.