Different Types of Commercial Window Glass and How to Clean Them: Complete Guide

Commercial window glass plays a vital role in enhancing the aesthetics, energy efficiency, and safety of any building. Windows are not just functional they contribute to a clean, professional appearance in both commercial and residential spaces. The type of window glass you have determines how you clean, maintain, and protect it. Different glasses require specific cleaning methods, tools, and care to ensure longevity and a crystal-clear finish.

This guide covers the types of commercial window glass, how to clean each safely, the tools needed, costs involved, and answers to common questions from property owners and facility managers.

Why Understanding Your Window Glass Type Matters

Knowing the type of glass in your windows is crucial for ensuring safe, effective, and long-lasting cleaning. Different glass types react differently to cleaning methods and chemicals, so understanding their properties helps prevent damage and maintain performance.

Key Reasons to Understand Your Glass Type:

• Avoiding Damage: Coated, tinted, or decorative glass can be ruined by harsh chemicals or abrasive tools.
  
• Maximizing Lifespan: Proper care prevents scratches, thermal fractures, and coating degradation.
  
• Energy Efficiency: Clean Low-E or double-glazed windows maintain insulation, helping reduce energy costs.
  
• Safety: Tempered or laminated glass requires special handling to prevent injury during cleaning.

For detailed guidance on glass types and their performance, refer to Westlink Commercial Cleaning, which offers comprehensive information on selecting, maintaining, and safely handling different window glass.

Common Types of Commercial Window Glass

Understanding the type of window glass in your property is essential for selecting the right cleaning method, preventing damage, and maintaining longevity. Below are the most common types of glass used in residential and commercial settings:

1. Float Glass (Annealed / Standard Glass)

Properties:

• Clear, standard glass.
  
• Breaks into large shards.
  
• Often used in single-pane windows.
  

Cleaning Tips:

• Use mild detergent and warm water.
  
• Wipe with microfiber cloths or lint-free towels.
  
• Avoid abrasive scrapers.
  

Best For: Residential windows and standard commercial installations.

For cleaning product safety and guidance, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guide on safer cleaning products.

2. Tempered (Toughened) Glass

Properties:

• Heat-treated for extra strength.
  
• Shatters into small, blunt pieces for safety.
  
• Common in doors, shower enclosures, and shopfronts.
  

Cleaning Tips:

• Use high-quality, ammonia-free window cleaner.
  
• Wipe with microfiber cloths to avoid scratches.
  
• Avoid scrapers or harsh brushes.
  

Best For: Safety-critical areas.
For more on safety glass, see the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

3. Laminated Glass

Properties:

• Two or more layers of glass with a plastic interlayer.
  
• Provides security, soundproofing, and safety.
  

Cleaning Tips:

• Avoid water at edges to prevent delamination.
  
• Use mild soap solutions and soft brushes.
  
• Professional cleaning is recommended.

Best For: Banks, schools, and high-security areas.

4. Frosted / Etched Glass

Properties:

• Provides privacy while letting light through.
  
• Acid-etched or sandblasted surface.
  

Cleaning Tips:

• Clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
  
• Use a baking soda paste for stubborn stains.
  

5. Tinted Glass

Properties:

• Reduces glare, heat, and UV exposure.
  
• Often used in commercial buildings or vehicles.
  

Cleaning Tips:

• Use ammonia-free cleaners.
  
• Wipe with soft microfiber cloth only.
  
• Avoid scrapers or chemicals that can peel the tint.
  

6. Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass

Properties:

• Coated with a metallic layer to reflect UV and thermal radiation.
  
• Improves energy efficiency and reduces heat transfer.
  

Cleaning Tips:

• Avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
  
• Use a vinegar-water solution (1:10) with soft lint-free cloths.
  
• Do not squeeze or scrub the coated side.
  

7. Double-Glazed / Insulated Glass

Properties:

• Two panes of glass separated by air or gas.
  
• Reduces heat transfer and noise.

Cleaning Tips:

• Clean interior surfaces only.
  
• Avoid moisture between panes.
  

8. Reflective / Anti-Reflective Glass

Properties:

• Metallic coatings reduce glare.
  
• Common in commercial skyscrapers.
  

Cleaning Tips:

• Use non-abrasive, ammonia-free cleaners.
  
• Wipe with soft microfiber cloth.
  
• Professional cleaning is recommended.
  

9. Self-Cleaning Glass

Properties:

• A special coating breaks down dirt in sunlight.
  
• Rainwater naturally washes residues away.
  

Cleaning Tips:

• Rinse lightly with water only.
  
• Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing.

10. Specialty Glass (Acoustic, Fire-Resistant, Electrochromatic)

Type	Key Feature	Cleaning Note
Acoustic	Laminated, soundproof	Mild detergent, soft cloth, professional preferred
Fire-Resistant	Heat reinforced	Professional cleaning only
Electrochromatic	Changes opacity with light	Experts recommended

Tools & Cleaning Agents for Professional Window Cleaning

Effective window cleaning requires a combination of the right tools, cleaning agents, and techniques. Using improper tools or chemicals can damage glass coatings, reduce energy efficiency, or cause streaks. Professional window cleaners carefully select equipment and cleaning solutions based on the type of glass, building height, and property requirements.

Essential Tools for Window Cleaning

1. Microfiber Cloths and Pads
   

   • Soft, lint-free, and highly absorbent.
     
   • Ideal for wiping, buffing, and drying glass without leaving streaks.
     
   • Used on interior and exterior surfaces, especially delicate or coated glass.
     

2. Squeegees (Non-Coated Glass)
   

   • Essential for removing detergent or water from the surface efficiently.
     
   • Rubber blades prevent scratching and ensure a smooth finish.
     
   • Various sizes are used depending on window dimensions.
     

3. Soft-Bristle Brushes
   

   • Loosen stubborn dirt, dust, and debris, especially around frames and corners.
     
   • Useful for textured, frosted, or laminated glass surfaces.
     

4. Lint-Free Towels
   

   • Perfect for final drying and polishing.
     
   • Remove remaining water droplets or residue, leaving a crystal-clear finish.
     

5. Extension Poles and Step Ladders
   

   • Provide safe access to high or hard-to-reach windows.
     
   • Frequently used in both residential and commercial buildings for efficiency.

Cleaning Agents and Solutions

1. Mild Detergent Solutions
   

   • Safe for standard glass and coated windows.
     
   • Effective at removing dust, fingerprints, and light grime.
     

2. Vinegar-Water Solution 
   

   • Ideal for streak-free cleaning.
     
   • Helps dissolve hard water stains and mineral deposits without damaging coatings.
     

3. Ammonia-Free Commercial Cleaners
   

   • Recommended for tinted, Low-E, or coated glass.
     
   • Prevents peeling, discoloration, and chemical damage.
     

4. Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Products
   

   • Safe for indoor and outdoor use.
     
   • Environmentally responsible while maintaining professional cleaning standards.
     

Techniques for Effective Cleaning

1. Remove Dust and Debris First
   

   • Prevents scratching glass surfaces during wet cleaning.
     
   • Especially important for exterior windows exposed to dirt, sand, or pollution.
     

2. Flood Surface with Cleaner
   

   • Apply detergent or solution evenly across the glass surface.
     
   • Ensures dirt loosens and facilitates streak-free removal.
     

3. Top-to-Bottom Wipe
   

   • Helps prevent dirt or cleaning solution from running onto cleaned areas.
     
   • Essential for both interior and exterior window cleaning.
     

4. Buff Dry with Microfiber Cloth
   

   • Achieves a polished, streak-free finish.
     
   • Particularly important for professional-grade results in offices, retail stores, and homes.
     

5. Spot-Clean Stubborn Stains Carefully
   

   • Use gentle scrubbing or mild solutions for hard-to-remove marks.
     
   • Avoid abrasive tools or chemicals that may damage coatings or tints.

Professional Integration for Commercial Properties

For businesses, high-rise buildings, and large residential complexes, professional teams combine all tools, cleaning agents, and techniques into a systematic cleaning process. Teams like Westlink Commercial Cleaning ensure:

• Correct tools are matched to each type of glass.
  
• Safe and environmentally responsible cleaning agents are used.
  
• Standardized procedures guarantee consistent, streak-free results.
  
• All safety protocols are observed, especially for high-rise or difficult-to-access windows.

Pricing Table for Professional Window Cleaning

Glass Type	Residential Price per Window	Commercial Price per Window	Notes
Standard / Float	$8–$12	$10–$18	Easy cleaning, DIY possible
Tempered	$10–$15	$15–$25	Handle carefully
Laminated	$15–$25	$20–$35	Professional recommended
Frosted / Etched	$10–$18	$15–$28	Avoid abrasive cleaners
Tinted	$12–$20	$18–$30	Ammonia-free cleaners
Low-E	$12–$20	$20–$35	Coating-sensitive
Double-Glazed	$10–$18	$18–$30	Interior only cleaning
Reflective / Anti-Reflective	$15–$25	$25–$40	Professionals recommended
Self-Cleaning	$12–$20	$20–$35	Light rinse, minimal chemicals
Specialty	$20+	$30+	Acoustic, Fire, Electrochromatic

Note: Prices vary depending on window size, accessibility, and location.

FAQs

What are the most common types of window glass?
Float, tempered, laminated, frosted, tinted, Low-E, double-glazed, reflective, acoustic, self-cleaning.

How do you clean tinted windows safely?
Use ammonia-free cleaners and microfiber cloths; avoid scrapers.

Can vinegar be used on Low-E glass?
Yes, diluted vinegar (1:10) is safe and eco-friendly.

What is the difference between tempered and laminated glass?
Tempered shatters into small pieces; laminated holds together with a plastic layer.

How do you clean frosted or etched glass?
Soft cloth with mild detergent; baking soda paste for stubborn stains.

What is self-cleaning glass?
Glass coated to break down dirt in sunlight; rainwater washes it away.

How often should windows be professionally cleaned?
Residential: every 3–6 months. Commercial: every 1–3 months depending on exposure.

Can you use a squeegee on coated glass?
Avoid using squeegees on Low-E or self-cleaning surfaces.

Which glass types require professional cleaning?
Laminated, electro chromatic, acoustic, fire-resistant, reflective glass.

What cleaning products should you avoid?
Ammonia-based cleaners on coated glass, steel wool, abrasive pads, sharp blades, hydrofluoric acid.

Conclusion

Proper care and understanding of window glass types are key to maintaining clarity, energy efficiency, and safety. From residential float glass to specialty commercial coatings, each type requires the correct tools, techniques, and cleaners.

For expert and safe results, trust professionals like Westlink Commercial Cleaning.
You can also get a quote here for commercial or residential window cleaning services tailored to your building’s needs.