Glass doors can be a stunning installation that breathes beauty, functionality, and convenience into your home. But if you don’t clean them regularly, you’ll notice a filmy buildup on the glass surface that can get pretty gross over time. So how do you clean a glass door without streaks?
To clean a glass door, make a DIY cleaning solution with 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts distilled water. Start with the door rails, then clean the glass surface and handles. To ensure you don’t leave streaks, squeegee the glass from top to bottom and dry it with a lint-free cloth.
Soap scum, hard water minerals, dust, and smudges are much more noticeable on glass doors than on conventional wooden ones. However, by using certain cleaning methods, you can get rid of all that gunky stuff and improve the look of your home while also beefing up the door’s functionality. Let’s get started so you know how to do it properly.
How to Make a DIY Cleaning Solution for Cleaning Glass Doors
Commercial glass cleaners are an excellent option for removing smudges and grime on glass doors and windows, but you can also make a natural, cost-effective cleaner at home. You’ll need distilled water, white vinegar, and essential oils. And to apply the product more efficiently, be sure to grab a clean spray bottle.
The acidic properties of distilled white vinegar (on Amazon) make it effective at removing hard water mineral deposits on your glass door while also disinfecting it. And if you add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar solution, you can mask its smell and give it a refreshing scent.
Strawberry, eucalyptus, lavender, and orange blossom work great without compromising the cleaning power of this homemade glass cleaner. Here’s how to make your DIY cleaning solution for glass doors:
- Mix a cup of distilled white vinegar with two cups of distilled water.
- Add 5 drops of essential oil.
- Put the solution in a clean, well-labeled spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle to mix its contents well, then keep it in a safe place.
Now that your cleaning solution is ready, it’s time to start cleaning your glass door. Let’s look at how to do it in easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Clean the Rails
People often neglect the rails of their glass doors during cleaning, but the rails tend to collect the most dirt and grime. You’ll need the following supplies to give your glass door rails a thorough cleaning:
- Flathead screwdriver (or putty knife)
- Vacuum with crevice attachment
- Microfiber cloths (on Amazon)
- Soft-bristled brush (a toothbrush may also help)
- Lubricating grease
- Acetone (on Amazon)
Lightly grease the microfiber cloth and use it to wipe off the door rails. The door should operate smoothly after cleaning the tracks. But if it doesn’t, follow these steps to safely remove it and clean the tracks:
- Carefully guide the rollers onto a flathead screwdriver or putty knife and lift them off the sliding track.
- Gently pull the door upwards and towards you to remove it.
- Use your vacuum to blow out the grime and debris from the sliding track.
- Dip a soft-bristled brush into acetone and use it to clear any remaining grime from the tracks.
- Wipe the tracks dry with a microfiber cloth and grease them before fixing the door back.
Step 2: Clean the Glass Surface
Once you’ve cleaned the door rails, it’s time to deal with the actual glass pane. This part may get messy, so if you live in a condo or an apartment building, you should lay some old rugs or towels below the glass. After all, you don’t want stuff dripping into your neighbors’ spaces.
Once you’re ready, follow these steps:
- Soak a clean microfiber cloth in soapy water and use it to wet the glass.
- Let the glass sit for 10-15 minutes to loosen stubborn dirt.
- Wipe the glass clean in a top-to-bottom fashion.
- Dip another clean microfiber cloth into the DIY glass cleaner you made.
- Apply the solution onto both sides of the glass, moving in the shape of an S.
- Use a squeegee to wipe off the solution immediately to prevent blotchy spots and streaks.
How to Clean Glass Doors Without Streaks
Follow these tips to clean your glass doors without leaving streaks and blotchy spots:
Clean From Top to Bottom
Experts recommend you clean your glass doors, windows, and mirrors from top to bottom to leave them streak-free. Remember, the cleaning solution can drip, and it often leaves noticeable streaks if you don’t wipe it off immediately and it dries.
Wiping from top to bottom ensures the cleaning product drips to areas you haven’t cleaned already rather than going sideways. So start at the top and work your way down to eliminate fresh streaks before they dry out.
Use a Squeegee
It’s incredible what difference you can achieve with a squeegee on a glass surface. Let’s face it — the first wipe won’t always remove all of the cleaning solution, even if you use a microfiber cloth. Moreover, re-wiping areas of the glass door isn’t a guarantee you’ll get rid of streaks.
But with a squeegee, you’ll be surprised at how effortless it is to rinse the glass without leaving streaks. Be sure to get one with a long-enough handle.
Wipe With a Lint-Free Cloth
Lint-free cloths are ideal for cleaning glass surfaces because they won’t leave behind any fibers. They’re also absorbent enough and will get your glass door sparkling and shiny like the day you bought it. If you have old t-shirts that won’t leave lint residue, feel free to use them as well.
Scrub Gently With Crumpled Newspaper
Crumpled newspaper is also great for polishing glass doors. The good thing is that you won’t get newsprint on your hands, especially if you polish the glass when it’s dry enough.
Crumple up a piece of old newspaper sheet into a ball and use it to scrub the glass surface gently. Don’t get the newspaper damp or wet, as it won’t hold up well.
Step 3: Clean the Hardware
Door hardware — like handles — gets heavy usage, making it more prone to smears, smudges, and germs. That said, you don’t want to neglect the hardware while cleaning.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with your DIY glass cleaner and use it to clean the door handles carefully.
- Spray the handles with disinfectant or rubbing alcohol and dry them with a paper towel.
- For best results, polish the metal hardware lightly by rubbing it with a lint-free cloth.