Adding glass countertops to your kitchen is a great way to brighten up the space while adding a modern flair. Whether you opt for clear glass, back painted, cast or etched glass, a glass countertop is sure to add a unique and upscale element to your kitchen without the price tag of granite or marble options.
While a glass countertop option is certainly more economical, how easy are they to maintain over time? In this article, you’ll learn what to do and what not to do in caring for your glass countertops so you can be confident in your decision to add glass elements to your kitchen space.
How to Clean Your Glass Countertops
The good thing about glass countertops is that they require little maintenance to keep them looking shiny and new. For most daily wear and tear, you can use cleaners you may already have on hand. We recommend using a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner for disinfection in kitchen or food prep areas. You can also use a standard glass cleaner just as you would for windows or mirrors to remove any smudges or spots after disinfecting the surface. You can even use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down your countertops if there is no cleaner available. The key with each of these cleaning methods is that they are not abrasive and therefore will not scratch the surface of the glass.
If you have recycled glass countertops, you may want to take extra precautions with cleaning agents. Since recycled glass countertops often consist of smaller pieces of glass held together by a binding agent, you will need to use a very delicate cleaner that will not break down the binding agent. Generally, you can just use a damp sponge and mild soap to wipe the countertop clean. But it’s best to check with your countertop manufacturer or installer for the best cleaning options.
What Not To Do
One of the biggest issues with glass countertops is that while they are visually appealing and bright, they are often more susceptible to scratching than other countertop surfaces. For this reason, never use abrasive cleaners and/or abrasive brushes or sponges like steel wool to clean your countertop surface. It’s also beneficial to be mindful of the items placed on your countertops each day. Any items placed on these countertops should ideally be placed on coasters or placemats to avoid scratching. This includes serving utensils, mugs, bowls and other ceramic items that may cause damage to the glass surface. Upon installing glass countertops in your home, you will need to be mindful of the items that come into contact with them. Be sure to educate your family about the use of coasters and placemats on your new countertops to help avoid any excess scratching. Try to be conscious of children and pets to ensure that they do not accidentally leave scratches on the glass surface as well.
How to Remove or Limit Scratches
While using coasters and placemats is certainly a good idea with all glass surfaces, we understand that not all scratches are avoidable. Over time, some light scratching is likely to occur on your glass countertops. It’s important to monitor the scratches on your glass countertop as small scratches can quickly grow into larger, more serious ones. Minor scratches are very shallow and can hardly be felt to the touch if felt at all. These are typical scratches that are not visible to the naked eye and should not cause any large amount of alarm. Any scratches that can be felt when touched or seen from a distance pose a greater threat to the integrity of your countertops. For larger scratches, you will want to consult a glass repair expert who can help fill more serious scratches.
For smaller scratches, there are many at-home remedies that can help remove the appearance of these small imperfections.
- Clear nail polish: Many homeowners use clear nail polish to fill in small scratches in glass countertops. Simple clean the area well and allow to dry. Delicately paint the clear nail polish into the scratch, allow to dry and wipe off the excess with a wet cloth.
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste is great for polishing your teeth and your glass surfaces! Simply wet a cloth and add a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste. Gently apply the cloth to the countertop in a circular motion and wipe away the excess toothpaste to reveal a shiny new surface.
- Baking Soda: Create a baking soda paste using ½ a cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water. Gently rub the mixture onto the scratch using the same circular motion as above and wipe away the excess. Repeat as many times as necessary until your countertops are looking good-as-new.
While these home remedies may be effective for smaller scratches, a glass repair specialist should be called if anything more than a minor scratch is present on your countertop. It’s important to remember that the only way to truly prevent scratches on your glass countertops is by utilizing placemats, coasters and potholders regularly.
Contact More Than Glass to find the right glass countertop option for your needs. Our team of seasoned professionals is here to help you find and install the best glass products to fit your personal style. More Than Glass is available by phone at (804) 746-3086 or online at www.morethanglass.com.