Glass Curtain Maintenance Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Glass curtains are a low-maintenance system, but like any element exposed to the weather, they need basic care to keep their smooth operation, transparency and long-term durability. This guide explains everything you need to know to keep your glass curtains in perfect condition for decades.

Glass cleaning

The tempered glass of glass curtains is cleaned just like any window, but with some extra precautions due to their size and weight.

Routine cleaning (monthly)

1. Rinse with low-pressure water to remove dust and particles that could scratch the glass when rubbed.
2. Apply soapy water (neutral soap or diluted washing-up liquid) with a soft sponge or microfibre cloth.
3. Wipe gently on both sides of the glass, paying special attention to the lower corners where dirt accumulates most.
4. Rinse with clean water and dry with a rubber squeegee or clean microfibre cloth to prevent marks.

Deep cleaning (quarterly)

Every 3 months, especially in coastal areas with salt spray, a more thorough clean is advisable:

• Use a specialist glass cleaner with anti-limescale action for hard water marks.
• Clean the aluminium profiles (upper and lower) with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Remove leaves, insects and accumulated dirt from the tracks and rails.

System lubrication

Smooth panel sliding depends on the good condition of the bearings and tracks. Proper lubrication prevents noise, jams and premature wear.

Every 6 months:

• Apply silicone spray (never mineral oil or WD-40) to the upper and lower tracks.
• Spray the bearings of each panel with the same silicone spray.
• Move all panels back and forth several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Seal and gasket inspection

The polycarbonate seals between panels and the draught-exclusion brushes are the components that suffer the most wear. Check their condition every 6 months:

• Transparent inter-panel seals: Should be flexible and crack-free. If they are yellowed, rigid or cracked, it is time to replace them.
• Lower rail brushes: Should have their fibres intact. If flattened or missing fibres, they need replacing.
• Rubber stops: Check that the lateral stops are in place and correctly cushion the closure.

Replacing seals and brushes is a simple operation that a technician can do in 30-60 minutes. The cost is minimal (20-50 euros in materials) and makes a significant difference to weathertightness and operation.

Seasonal maintenance

Spring

The ideal time for the full annual service: deep clean, lubrication, seal inspection and check of all hardware. After winter, the tracks may have accumulated dirt and the seals may have hardened in the cold.

Summer

Higher cleaning frequency due to intensive use. If the curtains face south, direct sun may heat the aluminium profiles: this is normal and does not affect the operation or safety of the tempered glass.

Autumn

Remove fallen leaves from the tracks. Check that the lower rail drainage is clear of obstructions so rainwater drains correctly.

Winter

Keep the curtains closed during severe storms. After episodes of heavy wind-driven rain, clean salt and accumulated dirt as soon as possible.

When to call a professional

Basic maintenance can be done by any user, but some situations require a specialist technician:

• A panel does not slide smoothly after lubrication (could be a damaged bearing).
• Looseness or abnormal movement appears in a panel when pushed.
• The tracks are deformed or misaligned (impact, excessive expansion).
• A glass has a chip or crack (from impact). Tempered glass cannot be repaired: the entire panel must be replaced.
• The wall or ceiling anchors show signs of corrosion or loosening.