Cleaning Low E Glass and Window Films
Never use a blade on the glass !
(Includes ComfortPlus, EnergyTech, E Vantage, SolTech and Sunergy range of products).
These products have a very thin coating on the interior glass surface. It is this hard and durable coating which gives the products improved thermal insulation and solar control performance compared to ordinary clear glass. The coated surface of Low Emissivity glass cleans differently to ordinary glass and these guidelines are recommended for the most appropriate hand cleaning results
ROUTINE CLEANING
Hand cleaning of the coated (interior) surface, to visibly remove accumulated dust or fingerprints, can be accomplished using a number of different glass cleaning products. The exterior surface of the glass is not coated and so can be cleaned in the same way as ordinary glass.
RECOMMENDED ROUTINE CLEANING PRODUCTS
- A mixture of one part vinegar with ten parts water.
- In addition to the above, commercially available vinegar-based glass cleaners have generally demonstrated an ability to provide a clean, streak free glass surface. The use of ammonia-based and alcohol-based glass cleaners is not recommended as these products tend to leave visible streaks.
- WINDOW FILMS
- Warm soapy water with a soft nylon scourer squeegee off, or wipe with miro-fibre cloth; always using clean tools
ROUTINE CLEANING PROCEDURE
- It is recommended that jewellery and watches be removed prior to cleaning and that gloves be worn.
- Flood the glass surface with the spray-on cleaning solution or with a cloth saturated with the cleaning solution.
Be generous with the amount of solution applied. - Scrub the wet surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth.
- Wipe dry with a dry, clean, lint-free towel or cloth. Do not use a squeegee on the coated (interior) surface.
- To prevent streaking, stop wiping when the glass is almost dry and there is a uniform film of moisture left on the glass surface. The film will quickly evaporate leaving a clean surface.
SPOT CLEANING
Occasionally spot cleaning may be required to remove stubborn dirt or foreign materials which adhere to the surface. Spot cleaning products work to remove markings from grease, oil, tape adhesive and crayons or other waxy materials, as well as paint and rub-off marks from plastcs.
SPOT CLEANING PROCEDURE
- Apply a small quantity of the cleaner listed above to a clean, wet cloth or towel.
- Rub on areas of glass needing spot cleaning.
- Wipe clean using a dry, clean, lint-free towel or cloth followed by a routine cleaning procedure
- Plastic / nylon scourer and mild soapy water .
SPECIALISED CLEANING
Do not use razor blades, steel wool, scouring bristles or other metallic or abrasive objects on the coated surface. If metallic objects contact the coated surface, a thin layer of metal removed from the object may be deposited onto the surface which results in a discoloured stain which is difficult to remove using normal cleaning procedures.
RECOMMENDED SPECIALISED CLEANING PRODUCTS
- Hydrochloric Acid (available from hardware stores). Special care should be exercised with this product and gloves and protective eyewear should be worn when handling. Call RWT for advice or price to clean for you
- SPECIALISED CLEANING PROCEDURE
- Carefully follow the chemical manufacturer’s use and safety instructions. If there are none, pick a brand that has instructions and safety precautions or contact the manufacturer before use or application.
- Apply a small quantity of the specialised cleaning product listed above to a wet, clean cloth or towel. A cotton bud may be used for thin line type marks.
- Rub on areas of glass needing cleaning.
- Wipe clean using a dry, clean lint-free towel or cloth followed by a routine cleaning procedure.
- Ensure that the cleaner does not come into contact with framing materials.
ABOUT THIS CLEANING ADVICE
his information is offered as a general guide only and specific advice should always be sought from RWT or a reputable glazier or professional window cleaner before undertaking any cleaning. This guidance does not preclude the use of other methods, materials or equipment, however the user should undertake careful evaluation and make suitable enquiries as to the suitability of alternative methods, materials or equipment, before using them.
All reasonable care has been taken in producing this document.