Traditional tips…with nuance!
We often hear the same advice passed down through generations: newspaper, white vinegar, acetone.
Yes, these methods work.
But today’s glass is no longer the same as it was 30 years ago.
As professional glaziers on the South Shore, here is our honest perspective.
Newspaper: yes… but inks have changed.
For a long time, newspaper was the ultimate trick for getting glass that was shiny and streak-free.
Yes, it can still work.
But:
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Modern inks are no longer made from the same compounds.
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Some newspapers now leave residue behind.
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On Low-E or energy-efficient glass, repeated rubbing is not always ideal.
Today, a quality microfiber cloth provides a more uniform and safer result for modern glazing.
White vinegar: yes… but in moderation.
White vinegar is effective against limescale.
It’s chemical, logical, and eco-friendly.
Yes, it dissolves mineral deposits.
But:
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Its acidity can weaken certain seals over time.
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Prolonged contact with sensitive frames should be avoided.
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Rinsing is recommended after application.
For regular maintenance, mild soap and lukewarm water are more than sufficient.
Acetone: yes… but use it with caution.
Yes, acetone removes greasy stains.
But:
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It is a powerful solvent.
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It can damage certain surrounding materials.
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Its use should remain occasional and controlled.
Always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Modern glass deserves a modern approach!
Thermal windows, glass showers, glass railings, wine cellars:
today’s surfaces are often treated, energy-efficient, and safety-enhanced.
They require fewer “miracle solutions” and more gentle care.
The recommended professional method:
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Lukewarm water
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Mild soap
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Dry microfiber cloth for finishing
- Our ammonia-free homemade « JUSTALEX » spray.
Simple. Effective. Durable.
Our local advice
On the South Shore — Varennes, Saint-Bruno, Boucherville, Sainte-Julie —
we often see glass damaged not by time… but by products that are too harsh.
Grandmother’s remedies are useful.
But glass has evolved.
And maintenance must evolve as well.