When we say “modern living spaces,” what does your mind think of? For most people, they instantly think of the kitchen. It’s the most heavily used area within a house, and is a popular “target” for renovation when a refresh is needed within a home. With such a refresh—or renovation—comes updates to cabinetry, appliances, and more. Here, we’re going to focus on an area we’re quite familiar with: the backsplash. While not the highlight of a kitchen, it can add personality and style. A great way to achieve that modern feel within your kitchen is with a solid glass backsplash.
Contemporary architecture tends to favor solid surfaces and sleek, clean aesthetics—all characteristics solid glass can provide. With that in mind, a bit of upkeep is required to keep it looking nice. Here’s how you can keep it clean!
Gather the Right Cleaning Supplies
Before we start spraying and scrubbing, we have to get the right cleaning supplies for the job. To ensure you’re using materials that won’t harm your solid glass backsplash (or even glass backsplash tiles, if you choose that route), you’ll need:
- Soft microfiber cloths that won’t leave scratches or streaks
- Non-abrasive sponges for heavier grime
- A gentle glass cleaner (preferably free of ammonia)
Harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, or overly rough scrubbers are a big no-no here. When it comes to custom glass solutions like this, the last thing you want is to cause irreparable scratches. If you don’t have any proper cleaner on-hand, you’re not out of options! A simple mixture of vinegar and water can act as a great cleaner that isn’t too harsh.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Consistency is key here. Just as you have a daily routine for washing dishes, incorporating that habit into your backsplash can work wonders for it. When it’s time to perform your after-dinner tidying, wipe the backsplash with your microfiber cloth (we’ve found these cloths to be of good quality) after dampening it. This will remove dust and light splashes. For slightly tougher things like minor smudges and fingerprints, a spritz of the aforementioned glass cleaner followed by a gentle wipe should get the job done! Incorporating this quick and easy task into your daily routine can help keep your kitchen looking nice and polished day in and day out.
Deep Cleaning Tips for Tough Stains
Of course, you’ll run into more difficult blemishes than a few fingerprints from time to time. Considering the various types of cooking that take place in your kitchen, cooking oils and splatters will find their way onto your backsplash, creating grease spots that can be a bit stubborn. Time for a deeper clean!
- Apply your cleaner (or water-vinegar solution) to the affected surface.
- Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes so it can break down whatever is caked onto the surface. Then, wipe it down with your non-abrasive sponge.
- For instances where grease buildup is particularly heavy, use a degreaser. Make sure it’s specifically labeled as safe for use on glass surfaces!
No matter what level of cleaning you perform on your solid glass backsplash, always rinse the area thoroughly when you’re finished.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Cleaning glass seems straightforward enough, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for error. Make sure you steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Abrasive scrubbers and scouring pads that can leave permanent scratches
- Ammonia-based cleaners that can leave streaks and dull the finish over a long period of time
- Rough paper towels that can cause micro-scratches and leave lint behind
Whether you have a solid glass backsplash or glass backsplash tiles, sticking to the right materials makes a big difference, even if the results aren’t immediately apparent.
Maintaining the Shine Long-Term
Why don’t you take it one step further? Don’t worry, we’re not about to suggest a big, time-consuming step. Just a couple of checkboxes to fill out to ensure your solid glass backsplash stands the test of time:
- Clean it regularly using the steps outlined above to prevent strong buildup of grime.
- Every few days, polish it with a dry microfiber cloth.
See? Easy as pie!
Trust Us for Your Quality Custom Glass Solutions
A solid glass backsplash can provide a serious visual upgrade to your kitchen or bathroom. With that said, it still requires proper care in order to maintain that immaculate appearance. When you use the right cleaning supplies and get into a routine, the area will keep looking as clean as the day it was installed.
And speaking of glass installation, we’d love to be a part of your renovation with a quality, beautiful backsplash. Get in touch for custom glass solutions that are created with care.
