General instructions for cleaning glass surfaces
I Cleaning the glass
1. General rules
Glass cleaning, as well as removal of residues of stickers and spacers, should be performed by the contractor using mild cleaning agents. Glass stains that cannot be removed by regular washing using large amounts of water, a sponge, a rubber roller, leather or commercially available sprayed cleaning agents and cloths can be removed using fine industrial table wool or household cleaning agents.
Sharp tools such as razor blades or scrapers may cause minor scratches on the surface and should therefore be avoided.
In particular, it is necessary to immediately remove lumps of cement or other remains of building materials, otherwise the glass may be etched and this may lead to "blinding" of the windows.
If any sealant remains on the glass during sealing work, they should be removed immediately. Typically, dirt should be removed as described above, but abrasive materials, e.g. scouring agents or steel wool, should not be used. Dirt that is difficult to remove, e.g. paint or tar stains or glue residues, should be removed using appropriate solvents, i.e. spirit, acetone or gasoline, and then the glass should be washed with water. It is important to prevent any solvent from coming into contact with the edges of the glass pack, gaskets or other organic materials (silicone joints) as this may damage them.
Cleaning agents not recommended
Do not use strong solutions of alkalis or acids, especially liquid acids or cleaning agents containing fluorides. Such solutions may cause irreversible damage to glass coatings and/or surfaces.
Facade and glass cleaning should be performed in accordance with recognized industry standards.
2. Glass coated with metal oxide
Glass coated with metal oxide requires special measures. Ordinary dirt should be removed as described above, but abrasive agents, e.g. scouring agents or steel wool, must not be used. Dirt that is difficult to remove, e.g. paint or tar stains or glue residues, should be removed using appropriate solvents, i.e. spirit, acetone or gasoline, and then wash the glass with water. It is important to prevent any solvent from coming into contact with the glass pack edge seal, gaskets or other organic materials (silicone joints) as this may damage them.
3. Cleaning satin glass
Satin glass has a slightly rougher surface on one side. It is therefore possible that this surface will get dirty more easily than a smooth surface. Therefore, it will be necessary to pay more attention to the maintenance of this type of glass .
Cleaning agents that do not contain silicones and acids must be used. Do not use strong alkaline solutions, acids or cleaning agents containing fluorides.
Cleaning the glass , as well as removing residues from stickers and spacers, must be done using mild cleaning agents. Window dirt should be removed using the usual "wet" method, using plenty of water, a sponge, a rubber roller, leather or commercially available sprayed cleaning agents and cloths. Difficult to remove dirt that cannot be removed with ordinary cleaning agents and should be initially removed using special cleaning agents (Pril, Ajax). It is recommended to then use the usual “wet” cleaning method. The use of steam cleaning devices with suction guarantees satisfactory cleaning of heavily soiled areas.
Heavy dirt should be removed using appropriate cleaning solutions, but do not use fine steel wool or sharp edges such as razor blades or scrapers.
Cleaning solutions containing abrasive particles are not recommended.
Appropriate solvents should be used to remove difficult stains, e.g. from paint or tar, or adhesive residues, e.g. spirit, acetone or gasoline, and then the dirty surfaces should be washed with water. It is important to prevent any solvent from coming into contact with the pack edge seal, gaskets or other organic materials (silicone joints) as this may damage them.
It is normal for glass to become dirty during plastering. Lime contained in plastering materials will damage the glass surface unless it is removed immediately with a sponge and plenty of water.
Due to the many possibilities of glass contamination, it is not possible to provide recommendations for each case. In particularly dirty areas, we suggest testing on parts of the surface that will not be visible. The information contained in this manual is based on many years of experience, but is not exhaustive. Please follow the instructions given for each cleaning agent.
4. Cleaning SGG BIOCLEAN self-cleaning glass
First contacts with SGG BIOCLEAN
- If the SGG BIOCLEAN label is still on the glass , carefully remove it. Do not use sharp tools that may scratch the coating or glass (razor blade, spatula, abrasive agents).
- The first glass cleaning should take place no earlier than a week after installing the window. Wash the outer glass with plenty of water.
- Within a week after installation and first washing, the self-cleaning property of SGG BIOCLEAN gradually becomes active under the influence of UV flames.
Ongoing maintenance
A feature of SGG BIOCLEAN is that it is less dirty than regular glass .
The frequency of washing depends on the degree of exposure of the windows to sun and rain and the level of atmospheric pollution.
- Cleaning tools : rubber window cleaner in good condition, clean and silicone-free; clean and soft cloth; sponge clean and non-abrasive.
- These tools should be cleaned regularly when washing to avoid leaving dirt on the glass.
- Cleaning agents : clean water and ordinary, neutral glass cleaners. As with any glass, the water should be low in calcium. If necessary, use softened or demineralized water.
- Do not use cleaning or glass processing agents containing silicones or abrasive particles; preservatives for materials other than glass (aluminum, wood...); chemicals: soda, javel water, lye; abrasive tools: abrasive sponges and cloths, steel wool, razor blades, knives.
II Surface damage
Damage to the glass surface can be caused by various reasons. It is necessary to take preventive measures appropriate to local conditions.
Welding and grinding activities
Welding or grinding performed near windows requires appropriate protection of the glass surface to avoid pitting from welding spatter or grinding sparks.
Pickling and leaching
Etching of the glass surface may occur when the glass comes into contact with chemicals commonly used in building materials and cleaning agents. Chemicals such as solutions of alkalis and acids, when used for a long time, lead to permanent etching of the surface. This applies to fresh concrete, plain and double-layer plasters, etc. in contact with the glass surface.
Water damage
It is also possible to damage the surface as a result of prolonged exposure to water, especially if the glass was exposed to dirt for a long time before cleaning the building. During construction, the glass should be cleaned regularly when necessary.