Glass cabinets
add to the aesthetics of the room but only if they are well kept. Most people will gravitate towards a clean glass cabinet so it can be an awesome conversations starter as well. Unlike other surfaces like wood, the glass will not conceal dirt, dust or even fingerprints. You must, therefore, endeavor to keep it spick-and-span at all times. Here are some tricks to clean your glass display cabinets
- Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your glass cabinets regularly will also help to keep them clean and shiny. Plan for a weekly and a seasonal cleaning schedule and stick to it. For the weekly cleaning, spray a multipurpose cleaner on a piece of clean cloth and use it to wipe away any spatters, fingerprints and any other marks. For best results, use a microfiber cloth. In addition to the weekly cleaning, you should do a deeper cleaning 3-4 times a year. To do this, start by emptying your cabinet of all its contents before the cleaning. Once that is done, use a microfiber cloth dabbed with a mild cleaner to wipe the inside and outside of the cabinet. You can use a toothbrush to reach the corners and any small crevices. Once you are done with the cleaning, give it some time to dry completely before restocking it.
- Use a Toothpaste
You can use toothpaste to buff out small scratches on your glass display cabinets. For this, you will need non-gel toothpaste that has baking soda. Apply a small portion of toothpaste to a soft cloth and then rub the scratch gently. Use a circular motion for best results. After doing that for approximately 30 seconds, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth and finish by drying it off with a clean and dry piece of cloth. However, if the glass is dirty, wash it the normal way first and allow it to dry before attempting this procedure.
- Remove Stickers and Labels
Most people are afraid of removing any stickers on a glass surface because of the glue residue that will be left behind. But it is actually possible to remove the stickers without leaving any trace of glue. The secret is to use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Just soak a piece of soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and then rub the sticker gently with the cloth. Rub the sticker gently until it comes off. Most nail polish removers have isopropyl alcohol so you can use it. If you do not have isopropyl alcohol, lemon juice will do just fine.
- Clean Spills and Splatters Immediately
Any spill and splatter on your glass display cabinets should be cleaned as soon as it occurs. Food, water and any other substance that might have splattered on the glass will cause the glass to lose its luster. Additionally, some splatters might permanently discolor the glass, especially if not cleaned in good time. Once you have cleaned the spills and splatters, wipe the glass with a clean soft cloth. This will prevent the formation of water stains on the window once it dries.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products
Not every cleaning product can be used on glass. Glass is brittle and delicate and you shouldn’t use any cleaning product that can damage. Do not use strong soaps or harsh detergents. Also, avoid abrasive products like steel wool; scouring powder, etc. A few drops of liquid dishwashing soap should be good enough. You can add some more drops if you are cleaning a stubborn stain.
- Use Homemade Cleaners
A homemade glass cleaning solution will do just as good as a chemical cleaner but with the added advantage that it is non-toxic. And making a homemade cleaner is not hard either. Just mix some distilled vinegar with water in the ration of 1:1 and you are good to go. The vinegar will break down any grease on the glass and this will help you to get a streak-free surface. You can also make some home-made wipes for dusting the glass surfaces. To do this, mix half a cup of white vinegar with half a cup isopropyl alcohol and add two cups of water in the solution. Cut some paper towels in half and then store them in a zip bag.
Finally, make sure to pay attention to the other materials that make up the cabinet too. Wood and laminate are the commonest materials used. Clean these surfaces with a damp cloth and then wipe it dry. Also, avoid exposing the cabinets to direct sunlight because it will cause the color to fade. As you clean, start from the topmost part and work your way down. This helps to ensure you do not splash soapy water on the sections you have already cleaned. By following the tips above, your cabinet will continue to have that nice sparkly look.
