How to clean stained glass art
People always ask me how to clean or care for their stained glass art, here is a handout I give to all people that commission a piece of stained glass art from me.
Moving forward I will give anyone who buys a piece of stained glass from me one so they can take proper care of their art pieces.
What You’ll Need:
Soft microfiber or lint-free cloths
Distilled water
Mild dish soap (like Dawn)
Cotton swabs (for corners)
Soft natural bristle brush (optional)
Soft toothbrush (optional)
Gloves (to avoid fingerprints or patina damage)
🪟 Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Dust First
Use a dry microfiber cloth or soft brush to gently remove surface dust and cobwebs. Don’t use feather dusters on detailed or soldered areas—they can snag and pull.
2. Mild Soap Solution
Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of distilled water. Avoid hard tap water if your area has high mineral content.
Dip a cloth in the solution, wring it out, and gently wipe down the glass. Don’t saturate the piece, especially if it’s older or foiled (Tiffany-style), as moisture can seep into seams.
3. Focus on Details
Use cotton swabs or a soft toothbrush for edges, corners, and textured glass. Lightly dampen, don’t soak.
4. Rinse & Wipe
Wipe the glass with a clean cloth dampened with just distilled water to remove any soapy residue.
5. Dry Gently
Use a dry, soft cloth to pat the surface dry. Let the panel air dry for a bit before rehanging or framing.
⚠️ What to Avoid
No ammonia or vinegar: They can damage solder, foil, or patina.
No abrasive pads: They’ll scratch the glass and metal.
No soaking: Never submerge stained glass, especially foiled or older leaded pieces.
✨ Optional Final Touch: Polishing
If your piece has a waxed patina finish (common with copper foil), use a small amount of carnauba-based stained glass polish and buff gently. Only do this occasionally, not every time you clean.
