How to Care for Stained Glass Windows - Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out

Design Ideas

How to Care for Stained Glass Windows

The experts offer suggestions for maintaining stained glass windows.

Spray almost any window cleaner on a soft cotton cloth, such as an old undershirt, Richard Diens says. Wipe the window with the cloth; avoid spraying directly on the window so as not to leave a streak. Don’t use paper towels because they can leave an oily film, and they sometimes leave streaks on the... Keep Scrolling

Written by Judy Seckler

Photo from Pexels

Spray almost any window cleaner on a soft cotton cloth, such as an old undershirt, Richard Diens says. Wipe the window with the cloth; avoid spraying directly on the window so as not to leave a streak. Don’t use paper towels because they can leave an oily film, and they sometimes leave streaks on the window. John Hamm says that dish soap with water and a gentle brush works well.

For old windows, use a warm diluted vinegar solution to wipe away minor residue.

For old windows with a lot of grime, spray the diluted vinegar solution over the entire surface to be cleaned. Let the solution sit, and then scrub with a vegetable brush. Wipe away residue with clean water. When using this technique, remove the window from the wall and lay it flat. Diens says removing a window is easier than it sounds. Most old stained glass windows are double hung, using a rope and pulley system. Carefully remove the inside trim, which will reveal the ropes. Undo the ropes and counterweights. Locate where the rope is knotted, and insert a nail in the knot to prevent the rope from disappearing into the wall. Next, remove the window. Another alternative is to track down a window specialist through a local historical society or preservation group to do the maintenance.

To polish the glass, use a small amount of whiting spread on the window and buff with a dry vegetable brush. Whiting, also known as dolomitic limestone, comes in a powder and can be bought through regional chemical companies found online.