Balustrades. Shower screens. Kitchen splashbacks.Toughened glass is used in many different areas of the home and has become a popular option thanks to its superior strength, durability, and unmatched aesthetic appeal.
Whether you’re considering incorporating it into your home to offer a much-needed modern makeover or you’ve already taken the plunge, there are some things you should know about maintenance if you want to keep it looking its best for decades to come.
The experts at Express Toughening reveal all in this article.
Stick to a regular cleaning routine
The key to keeping toughened glass gleaming is regular cleaning, so grab your rubber gloves and get cracking!
Once every week, or more often if you live with particularly messy children and pets, use a mild cleaning solution (warm water and washing up liquid will do) and a soft, microfibre cloth to gently buff away dust, dirt, and fingerprints that have accumulated on the surface.
If you’ve got a stain that just won’t shift, avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia-based agents, as well as abrasive scrubbing tools like steel wool, as these can damage the glass.
Instead, add a drop of lemon juice or distilled vinegar to your usual warm water and washing up liquid, and let the solution work its magic.
Inspect frequently for scratches, chips, and cracks
Damage, especially small scratches or chips, often goes undetected, only becoming noticeable when it develops into larger, more costly issues.
To avoid extensive damage and eye-watering repairs and replacements, inspect your toughened glass products frequently – it’s a good idea to keep a lookout whilst completing your weekly clean. Identifying potential problem areas early means you can take appropriate action before they cause bigger issues.
Avoid excessive pressure and sudden temperature changes
Toughened glass can be up to five times stronger than regular everyday glass.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s 100% resistant to high impacts and localised pressure, and it can still crack when struck or exposed to extreme or sudden temperature changes.
So, when cleaning, steer clear of pouring extremely hot water on the surface, as thermal shock can reduce the integrity of the glass over time. Also, if you’re using glass tabletops or shelves, ensure proper support, distribute weight evenly, and avoid overloading with objects.
Protect edges and corners
9 times out of 10, wear and tear will occur around the edges and corners of toughened glass products.
Not to worry, though. There are plenty of things you can do to prevent this, including using protective trims or covers.
This is particularly useful if you have toughened glass products in high-traffic areas of the home. Not only do they maintain aesthetic appeal and prevent scratches and scuffs, but they further enhance safety for you, your family, and your guests.
Steer clear of hard water stains
Hard water stains are white, cloudy, or chalky deposits that form on glass surfaces – like shower screens and kitchen splashbacks – as a result of mineral buildup.
When water droplets dry on the surface of your glass, they leave behind these mineral residues that can, over time, etch the glass and make the stains much more difficult to remove.
To prevent hard water stains, wipe your toughened glass surfaces down after each use with a squeegee or soft microfibre cloth.
You can also apply water repellents, install a water softener if you live in a hard water area, and use distilled water for cleaning to reduce mineral deposits.
Need more expert advice?
When taken good care of, toughened glass can stand strong in your home for decades, no matter where or what it’s used for.
For more expert maintenance tips or to find out more about the benefits of using toughened glass in your home, get in touch with the experts at Express Toughening.
With decades of experience in the industry, they’re the best-placed team to offer tips, advice, and personalised product recommendations!
