Cleaning Tips for Glass Railing

Let’s face it, most people would rather spend hours enjoying the outdoors, instead of maintaining the railing that provides safety to their outdoor spaces. While glass railings are not “no maintenance,” they can certainly be considered low maintenance railing systems.

Aluminum is naturally corrosion resistant, however eGlass Railing™ aluminum components have powder coating for an added layer of corrosion protection. In addition, the aluminum components have been designed with weep-holes to keep water from pooling anywhere on the system, further resisting corrosion. All eGlass Railing™ glass panels are coated with Carefree Clean™ coating, which repels water and oil and protects against scratching and staining. Every effort has been made to produce glass railing systems that take minimal time and energy to maintain.

The most important thing you can do to insure your eGlass Railing™ system continues to look and perform its best is to inspect your railings at least once every year to make sure the brackets and supports are still tight and that there are no other structural issues. If you live in a coastal area or if your railings are surrounding a pool or spa, you should do this inspection about every six months. Follow up the inspection by giving your railings a cleaning to brighten them up and remove any debris.

Both the aluminum and glass components can be cleaned using basically the same process and cleaners. A simple cleaning solution of liquid dish soap and water will work well, at a ratio of about 2-3 squirts of soap to a gallon of water. Wipe down the railings and glass with the soap solution and rinse thoroughly with warm water. You may wish to squeegee the glass when you are finished or wipe it down with a lint free cloth.

Another cleaning option is to use white vinegar, either straight, for dust and dirt that has been on the railing for a prolonged period, or diluted at a 50-50 ratio with water, for general cleaning. You can apply the solution with a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge before rinsing with warm water. Then just leave the railings and glass to air dry.

Other mild cleaners, like household glass cleaners, can be used as well. Do not use strong solvent type cleaners. If you aren’t sure how safe a cleaner is, test it in a small inconspicuous spot first. Do not use razor blades or scrapers on the glass as it may damage the panels, especially the Carefree Clean™ coating. Avoid cleaning glass in the hot sun and always rinse thoroughly with warm, not cold water to ensure sun heated glass doesn’t crack due to thermal shock. It is best to clean glass when it is in the shade or on an overcast day.