If you’ve just spent a small fortune on installing beautiful new glass folding doors into your home or office, then it’d be a shame to let them get dirty! Unfortunately, the one drawback to folding glass doors is that they always seem to get smudged and filthy (especially if they see a lot of use).

Thankfully, though, keeping the glass on your exterior folding doors crystal-clear is simple and easy. As long as you’re willing to set aside 5 to 10 minutes a couple of times a week, your folding door system will continue to be the centerpiece of your home!

With that being said, here’s our guide to keeping your glass folding doors as beautiful as the day they were first installed.

What Cleaning Solution Should I Use For My Glass Doors?

If you visit your local supermarket, then you’re bound to see a number of options when it comes to solutions for cleaning glass. You’ll see all types of sprays, solutions, foams, and even electric window cleaning tools, all of which can present you with a difficult choice…

So, what’s the best cleaning solution to use for your glass folding doors? Here are some of our favorites.

White Vinegar + Water

One of the oldest methods of cleaning glass is also one of the easiest and fastest methods – using good old-fashioned vinegar and water! Take a spray bottle and mix one part white vinegar to nine parts warm tap water (1:9).

Shake the mixture vigorously and then spray down your glass doors. Let the solution sit for 20 or 30 seconds and then wipe it down! The only disadvantage to this method is that your hands and skin may smell like vinegar afterward, so if it’s not a smell you like, then you might try one of the other solutions on this list.

Windex or Glass Cleaning Solution

Windex was first formulated in 1933 and has been America’s favorite glass-cleaning solution ever since. Most other glass cleaners on the market today use similar ingredients and operate the same way, so you can usually save a bit by purchasing the off-brand.

One of the main advantages of using Windex is the streak-free formula. Glass cleaners are designed to leave minimal streaking, so as long as you’re using a clean cloth, you’ll get a crystal-clear finish! The only disadvantage to this method is that Windex has a strong smell, which some people may not like.

Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol

Using isopropyl rubbing alcohol is, by far, one of the simplest and most straightforward glass cleaning agents. Simply fill up a spray bottle with the alcohol and spray down the glass folding doors. The alcohol will dissolve the oils that have bonded to the glass and any and all smudges will come right off!

Another reason to use rubbing alcohol is that it will kill any bacteria and germs that could be sitting on the surface of your door. This is especially important if your folding door is located in a commercial or public space.

What Should I Use To Clean My Glass Door?

Alright, so you’ve got your cleaner picked out. Now, you just have to select your cleaning tool! Here are the best options that have been recommended by folding door manufacturers.

Pro Tip: Avoid Paper Towels!

It may be tempting to reach for that easy-to-grab roll of paper towels, but we’d encourage you not to do this! Paper towels are notorious for leaving behind traces of “paper dust,” which can be quite unsightly once the glass dries.

Microfiber Cloth

Microfiber cloths are the easiest and most efficient way to clean your windows. They won’t leave behind any fibers or residue and will work with your cleaning solution to remove any thick smudges or grease stuck on the glass. Just make sure to rinse them out when you’re done!

Squeegee

If you’ve ever seen professional window cleaners work, this is the tool they use. Simply spray down the window with your cleaner, let it sit for 30 seconds, and then use your squeegee in a tight S-shaped pattern starting at the top and going down towards the bottom of the door panel.

Electric Window Vacuum

If you like high-tech gadgets, you can buy an electric window vacuum. These act just like a squeegee, but also suck up residual cleaner so you’re left with a bone-dry pane of glass and no smudges or streaks. They’re a little over-priced, but they’re still pretty cool!

Final Tips

As long as you’re willing to spend an extra 5 or 10 minutes a couple of times per week, you’ll be able to keep your glass folding doors crystal clear year-round. Just make sure to remember to clean both sides of the glass!