Whether you are a stained glass artist or owner, knowing how to clean and maintain it is essential. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite products for cleaning stained glass, ensuring it remains vibrant and well-preserved. In my previous article, I discussed achieving a rich black patina and polish for stained glass, but now let’s focus on the best products for long-term care and maintenance.
With all the products on the market these days, there’s probably a dozen or more that would work great for cleaning and polishing your stained glass – these products are just the ones I’ve used and recommend.
The products listed below will work great for cleaning leaded glass, and copper foiled stained glass, and are what I recommend to my clients/customers for long-term stained glass care.
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What To Look For In A Cleaner
When you think of cleaning stained glass your mind most likely goes to typical glass cleaners, such as Windex. While these products are great for cleaning the glass, they also contain harsh chemicals that can dull and dry out the metals.
Ideally you want a cleaning solution that cleans and protects both your glass and your metal.
You have to keep in mind that the metal elements of your stained glass will oxidize over time, and become dull, dry, and brittle. This is the natural process of these metals aging. Because of this, you want something that is conditioning, as well as cleansing.
Howard’s Feed-N-Wax
It’s not enough to simply clean stained glass – you want to condition it as well. This is what will help to keep its luster, longer. Howard’s Feed-N-Wax is by far the best thing I’ve used for this purpose.
It is popular for its versatility and effectiveness on a variety of surfaces, including stained glass. Composed of beeswax and carnauba wax, it is primarily used to clean and condition wood surfaces. However, over the years, this product has gained popularity amongst stained glass artists.
And rightfully so.
This is a heavier wax product, so it will leave a residue if you over-apply. A little goes a long way. Just a small dollop on a soft, lint-free rag can condition and shine a large area.
Benefits:
Super Moisturizing: Howard’s Feed-N-Wax is excellent for cleaning leaded glass and conditioning the lead came and solder. It prevents oxidation and maintains the flexibility of the lead, making it ideal for older stained glass.
Shine baby, shine: If you want your solder or came to shine – this product is it. However, as I mentioned above it is a heavier wax so if you apply too much to the glass surfaces it can and will leave a residue.
Protective layer: The wax creates a protective layer that repels dust and dirt while preventing oxidation.
Application:
To clean stained glass with Howard’s Feed-N-Wax, apply a small amount to a lint-free cloth and gently rub it over the entire stained glass piece in a circular motion. Be careful not to apply too much – a little goes a long way. Buff the glass with a clean cloth to remove any excess wax and achieve a polished finish.
2. The Original Bee’s Wax
The Original Bee’s Wax is another popular choice for cleaning and polishing stained glass. This product is made from pure beeswax, which makes it an excellent natural alternative to chemical-based cleaners.
Original Bee’s Wax is a much lighter wax than the Howard’s product above. It doesn’t create as intense of a shine, however you can spray a little more liberally and it won’t leave the same residue.
This is my GO TO product for cleaning stained glass, and the first one I recommend to my customers who purchase a stained glass piece from me.
Side note: Since discovering this product for my art, I’ve also started using it on most other surfaces around my house. It has replaced at least three other cleaners in my cabinet! We love that.
Benefits:
Natural Ingredients: It does not contain any harsh chemicals, and is made with 100% natural beeswax.
Cleans and Conditions: It cleans your stained glass art while also conditioning the lead came and solder.
Easy and Versatile: This product can be used on multiple different surfaces including glass, wood, leather, copper, antiques, ect. So you get a great clean on all parts of your stained glass.
Application:
Apply The Original Bee’s Wax using a soft, clean cloth. Work the wax into the glass surface in gentle, circular motions. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to let it settle. Then, buff the surface with a separate, dry cloth to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. Regular use helps to maintain the glass and lead in good condition.
3. Pledge Enhancing Polish
Pledge Enhancing Polish is widely known for its use on wood and other surfaces, but it can also be effective on stained glass. It is popular among other stained glass artists, which is what led me to trying it on my own pieces.
I really like this product for the fact that you can typically find it at just about any major retail store. So if I need something on the fly, this is perfect. It works well at providing a good clean without stripping any patina color. It also does give a shine and a protective coating to condition the metals.
Benefits:
Enhanced Shine: It provides a nice shine to help your stained glass look vibrant and refreshed.
Easy to Use: The aerosol format makes application quick and straightforward, particularly for larger areas of stained glass.
Dust Repellency: The polish helps to repel dust and prevents it from settling on the glass, making future cleanings easier.
Application:
Shake the can well before use. Hold it about 6-12 inches from the glass surface and spray a light, even coat. Use a soft cloth to spread the polish evenly and buff the glass to a gleaming finish. Avoid over-applying, as excess polish can lead to a sticky residue.
Conclusion
Each of these cleaning products offers distinct advantages for maintaining stained glass. Howard’s Feed-N-Wax excels at conditioning and protecting, The Original Bee’s Wax provides a natural, restorative touch, and Pledge Enhancing Polish delivers a quick shine with dust-repellent properties. By selecting the right product for your needs and applying it correctly, you can ensure that your stained glass continues to enhance the beauty of your space for years to come.
