For commercial facilities, glass and window maintenance is essential to protect the appearance and functionality of the business. Clean, well-maintained doors and windows create a professional image, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of hardware components.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to operational issues, such as sticky sliding doors, broken seals, or cracked glass, which can disrupt building access and lead to costly repairs down the line. Regular cleaning and inspections help ensure your commercial glass doors and windows look great and operate smoothly.
Why Commercial Glass Maintenance is Essential
Here’s the thing – dirty, splotchy, fingerprint-covered glass isn’t just unattractive, it can cause real damage to exterior glass and aluminum doors.
Dirty entry doors and windows are at risk for:
- Permanent scratches from dirt and grime, which can compromise the glass’s strength over time.
- Damaged and brittle door and weather seals.
- Increased rates of corrosion in the metal frame.
- Increased cost and frequency of commercial glass door repair.
So, all in all, failing to take care of the glass on your facility’s exterior surfaces is failing to take care of your business. To keep that from happening, your best bet is probably to invest in a professional window cleaning service. But if the budget is tight and you or an employee have to step up to the cleaning duties, here’s a little primer on best practices.
Guide to DIY Glass Door & Window Cleaning
Want to clean your own glass doors and windows? Here’s how to get started.
Essential Glass Cleaning Supplies
The first step is making sure you have everything you’ll need:
- Squeegee
- Scraper
- Large bucket
- Specialized window-cleaning fluid (you can also use white vinegar)
- Water
- Towels
- Microfiber cloth
You can get as fancy as you like with window cleaning supplies, including squeegee handles, strip washer sleeves, scraper holsters, and buckets with sieves. So suit yourself, and purchase whatever your budget allows.
Note: The cleaning solution you use is important. There are cleaning solutions that are abrasive and will damage glass. Avoid any detergents or liquid soaps, as they can compromise any coatings that are on the glass.
Cleaning Procedure for Perfect Storefront Windows
Create your cleaning solution per the instructions of your glass-cleaning solution, or you can just spray the windows with a commercial glass cleaner. Wet the scraper or scrubber and scrub or scrape windows until they are clean. You can go in whatever direction works best, but some professional window washers like to start at the top and work down. Be systematic so you don’t miss any spots.
Once the grime is gone, use the squeegee to remove excess liquid. Start at the top and in one single motion wipe across the window. Stop every so often and wipe the blade clean to prevent smearing.
Give the window a once-over and wipe off any missed dirt or liquid. Use the microfiber cloth to polish the window to a shiny finish. But don’t go overboard with the microfiber cloth; wiping anything over dry glass can drive dust particles across the glass and cause scratches.
Key Maintenance Tasks for Commercial Glass Doors & Windows
Cleaning your storefront’s glass door is also a great time to perform general maintenance. Here are a few maintenance tips you can incorporate into your regular cleaning routine:
- Inspect your glass door’s hardware, such as hinges, handles, and locks, for any signs of wear, damage, or loose screws. Tighten or replace any loose or damaged door parts to ensure proper functionality and security.
- Apply a silicone-based lubricant to hinges, rollers, and tracks to keep them working. Lubrication helps prevent friction and wear, ensuring that the door opens and closes effortlessly.
- Check the weather-stripping around the glass door for signs of wear, cracking, or gaps. Replace any damaged or worn weather-stripping to maintain an airtight seal. This will prevent drafts, moisture, and debris from entering the premises.
- Wipe down the door seals with a mild detergent and water solution to remove dirt and debris. Inspect the seals for any cracks or gaps that may compromise insulation. Replace damaged seals to maintain energy efficiency and prevent air leaks.
- Test the functionality of your commercial door closer by opening and closing the door. Ensure that the door closes smoothly and securely. Adjust the tension if necessary or consult a professional if the door closer requires repair or replacement.
- If your storefront is in an area with hard water, you may notice mineral deposits on the glass. Use a commercial glass door cleaner. If you can’t find one, a mixture of vinegar and water can remove these deposits and restore the clarity of the glass.
Maintenance Tips for High-Traffic Businesses
Businesses with heavy foot traffic or frequent deliveries should prioritize proactive glass door maintenance:
- Schedule weekly cleaning and inspection for retail stores, restaurants, and office lobbies.
- Use heavy-duty lubricants for high-use sliding or automatic doors.
- Monitor seals and weatherstripping to prevent air leakage or water intrusion.
- Keep emergency exit doors in compliance with local safety codes through regular testing.
In addition, here are some things you can consider if door and window maintenance is a high priority for you.
Consider Hydrophobic and Oleophobic Coatings for Your Storefront
Depending on how much dust and wind there is in your business location, you may have to clean the windows every morning before you open up. But there are other solutions that can help you to avoid such constant maintenance. Commercial-grade hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings can keep your business’s glass doors and windows looking great for an extended time. After you thoroughly clean all your glass, you can apply one of these coatings.
Hydrophobic coatings are great for windows; they repel water, so the droplets bead up and run down the window, eliminating cloudy residue left from rainy days. Oleophobic coatings are great for storefront doors; they repel oils like those on your hands, preventing unsightly finger and palm prints that commercial glass entry doors tend to collect.
Look into Professional Maintenance Services
Hiring a professional team for your glass maintenance can have several advantages:
- Expertise with commercial systems ensures that all components of sliding doors, storefront windows, and automated systems continue to function correctly.
- Regular professional maintenance reduces the risk of unexpected repairs.
- Routine servicing keeps doors and windows in top condition.
- Clean, properly functioning doors and windows convey professionalism and reliability to clients, customers, and staff.
At SACS DOOR & GATE, our business is making sure your business appears and functions as smoothly as possible. If dirty glass doors and windows are a constant fight at your facility, give us a call! We’re always available for advice over the phone or for on-site consultations.