Glass is one of the easier backsplash materials to care for. Following these glass backsplash cleaning, care and maintenance tips will ensure your backsplash looks great for decades.
Seal the Glass at the Perimeter
It’s important to keep moisture from behind your glass where it could produce mold and stains on the walls. Therefore, be sure the perimeter of the glass is completely sealed.
Cleaning your Glass Backsplash
Choose a quality glass cleaner, and follow the instructions. Spray a moderate amount of the cleaner on a soft, preferably lint-free, cloth and wipe away grease and dirt. It’s that simple.
For dried food and juice, spray a small amount of water on it. When it is soft, wipe it away with a paper towel. Then, clean the glass as indicated above.
Don’t use steel wool or other abrasive cleaner on your glass. Avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals too. Glass is non-porous, so dirt and grease can’t penetrate the surface. It is very easy to clean with gentle means.
Use a Chip Repair Kit or Call a Professional
Chip repair kits are available from home improvement stores. They are discussed in our Glass Backsplash Repair Guide. For the least visible and longest lasting results, have the chip professionally repaired with the type of products and equipment used to make chips in car windshields virtually disappear.
Glass Kitchen Backsplash Maintenance and Care FAQ
Here are common questions about glass backsplash care.
A glass panel is cracked. Can it be repaired?
The answer is probably not, but it is still worth having it looked at by the glass dealer you bought the panels from.
Are glass tiles easier to care for than glass panels?
No. Actually, because glass tiles have seams where dirt and debris can accumulate, they are harder to keep clean.
The surface of my glass is cloudy. What has caused that?
Detergents like dish soap leave behind a cloudy residue if not rinsed thoroughly. Use a cloth dampened with warm water to wipe the cloudy areas to remove the residue.
If the cloudiness is behind the glass, it might be that moisture has gotten behind it. The moisture should dry in a few days, especially if you don’t boil water on the stove top or run hot water near where the cloudy area is. Once the moisture dries, clean the area where the glass meets the countertop, and add a fresh bead of silicone caulk.
Other causes of cloudiness are damage to the glass caused by a chemical cleaner and failure of the coat applied to the glass. Your glass retailer will help you determine the cause and the best solution.
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