Glass tiles are not the most affordable material for a kitchen backsplash, but they tend to be the most cost-effective. They are second place when it comes to price; ceramic tiles are the cheapest. However, a glass tile kitchen backsplash is among the best choices in terms of aesthetics and maintenance. While it is relatively easy to clean, it pays to know how to maintain your glass tile backsplash properly.
Materials You’ll Need
- Microfiber cloths or towels
- Soft-bristled toothbrushes
- Sponges
- Spraying bottles
- Mixing bowls (or any other container)
- All-purpose cleaner/White vinegar and water solution (1:1)
- Detergent and hot water solution (1:2)
- Grout cleaner/Bleach and water solution (3:1)
- Glass cleaner
- Utility knife
- Grout
- Grout float
Daily Maintenance
You don’t have to wipe your glass tile backsplash every day. However, when it gets stained with any liquid, you should clean it right away. Make sure you have an easy-to-reach wiping cloth to help remind you to wipe stains immediately. If the stains are from sauces and drinks, use a sponge with a pinch of detergent to remove the blemishes. This is to prevent attracting bugs and having a nasty smell in the kitchen.
These maintenance habits only take a minute or two. Don’t wait for the stains to harden and accumulate because the needed cleanup will require more effort and cleaning solutions.
Weekly Maintenance
At least once a week, spend a few more minutes cleaning your backsplash. Use the all-purpose cleaner or the white vinegar and water solution for your weekly maintenance routine. You can put the solution in a spraying bottle or in a container. Spritz a tiny amount of your homemade cleaning solution for each square foot of your backsplash. Wipe the backsplash and rinse with water. Dry the surface using a soft towel or cloth to avoid water stains.
Instead of spraying, you may just soak your wiping cloth in a container filled with the vinegar and water solution. Aside from your backsplash, you may also use the said cleaning solution to clean your kitchen counters and sink.
Monthly Maintenance
Depending on your cooking habits, you may have to clear the grease on your glass tile kitchen backsplash on a monthly or a bi-monthly basis. The backsplash near your gas range is one of the grease-prone areas in your kitchen. If you tend to cook at least twice a day, removing the grease on your backsplash every two weeks is highly recommended. By doing so, you save your tiles from looking discolored.
To get rid of the grease, use a sponge soaked in the detergent and hot water solution. You may have to wipe and rinse multiple times to remove the said stains. Apply the vinegar and water solution in the end to neutralize the smell. For easier cleanup, wipe the grease right after you cook to prevent accumulation.
Your monthly backsplash maintenance also covers the removal of hardened stains, especially on the grout. To avoid scratching the surface of your glass tiles, make use of soft-bristled toothbrushes. Use the bleach and water solution or grout cleaner for the grout. As you clean the grout, notice if it is coming loose. Loosening grout calls for repair.
Yearly Maintenance
If the loosening grout in your backsplash appears extensive, you may have to remove and replace it. You are going to use grout, grout float, utility knife and sponges for this task. Refer to the product’s packaging for instructions on how to mix and apply the grout. In addition to the grout, you may also have to replace cracked tiles.
Aside from the abovementioned tips, you should also avoid throwing things and placing sharp objects near your backsplash. If you are careful when using your kitchen, maintaining your glass tile kitchen backsplash shouldn’t be a hassle. It will not cost you a lot as well.
