Clear glass furniture brings lightness to a room, but fingerprints, dust and water marks are naturally more visible than they are on an opaque surface. The good news is that regular care is straightforward. A gentle routine and the right materials will keep the glass clear without scratching the surface or damaging vulnerable edges.
Always follow the care instructions supplied with your particular table. The guidance below is a practical starting point for routine household cleaning.
What you will need
- Two clean, soft microfibre cloths
- Warm water
- A small amount of mild washing-up liquid
- A spray bottle, if preferred
- A soft towel for the floor beneath the table
Avoid scouring pads, abrasive powders and rough paper towels. They can mark the surface or leave fine fibres behind. Do not use a product unless its label confirms that it is suitable for glass and for any other materials incorporated into the table.
A simple routine for everyday cleaning
- Remove loose dust first. Wipe gently with a dry microfibre cloth so that grit is not dragged across the surface.
- Use a lightly damp cloth. Mix warm water with a very small amount of mild washing-up liquid. The cloth should be damp rather than dripping.
- Work in sections. Wipe the top, edges and supports without allowing liquid to pool around joins or floor contact points.
- Rinse the cloth. Use clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry and polish. Finish immediately with a second clean microfibre cloth to reduce streaks and water marks.
Spraying the cloth instead of the furniture gives you more control and prevents excess cleaner from reaching the floor or collecting around the edges.
How to deal with fingerprints and streaks
Fingerprints usually lift with a clean, slightly damp microfibre cloth. If streaks remain, too much product may have been used. Wipe again with clean water and dry with a fresh cloth.
Clean in overlapping strokes and inspect the surface from more than one angle. Natural light often reveals residue that is difficult to see directly from above.
Protect the surface during everyday use
- Use coasters or mats under drinks, vases and decorative objects.
- Lift accessories rather than sliding them across the glass.
- Check the underside of ornaments for grit or rough edges before placing them down.
- Wipe spills promptly, especially around the edges.
- Avoid placing extremely hot or very cold items directly on the surface unless the manufacturer specifically confirms that this is safe.
Decorative books, trays and ceramics can look attractive, but they should not be used to hide grit. Lift and clean beneath them regularly.
Pay extra attention to the edges
The edges and corners of glass furniture deserve careful treatment. Do not knock them with vacuum cleaners, metal objects or other furniture. When cleaning near the floor, work slowly and avoid striking the lower edge with the bottle or nozzle.
If you notice a chip, crack or other damage, stop using the table and seek advice from the retailer or a qualified professional. Do not attempt a home repair to structural glass.
Moving a glass table safely
Check the product’s weight and moving instructions before repositioning it. Substantial bent-glass furniture can be much heavier than it looks. Clear the route, remove every object from the surface and use enough people for the weight and shape.
Lift the table—do not drag it across the floor. Support it as instructed by the manufacturer and protect the edges from door frames, walls and hard flooring. If the table needs to travel to another property, professional furniture handling may be the safest option.
Care for one-piece bent-glass designs
One-piece tables have a clean, frameless appearance, but the transparent sides mean that dust can be visible from several angles. Clean the top first, then the vertical panels and finally the lower edges. Place a soft towel underneath if drips could mark the floor.
Our glass table collection includes coffee tables, consoles, side tables and nesting sets in a range of clear, curved and angled profiles. For example, the 110cm Angled Clear Glass Coffee Table and Clear Glass Nest of 3 Side Tables are made from substantial 12mm bent glass. Their simple profiles make the full surface accessible for regular cleaning.
A quick weekly care checklist
- Dust the top, sides and lower edges.
- Check beneath trays, books and ornaments.
- Remove fingerprints with a damp microfibre cloth.
- Dry the glass completely.
- Inspect edges for accidental knocks.
- Check that the surrounding floor remains clean and dry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ordinary glass cleaner on a glass table?
Use only a cleaner whose label says it is suitable for the surface and follow both the product and furniture-care instructions. A small amount of mild washing-up liquid in warm water is often enough for routine cleaning.
Why does my glass table look streaky?
Streaks are commonly caused by excess cleaning product, a cloth that is not completely clean or allowing the surface to air-dry. Wipe with clean water and dry immediately with a fresh microfibre cloth.
How can I reduce scratches?
Remove grit before wiping, avoid abrasive materials, use coasters or mats and lift objects rather than sliding them. No surface is maintenance-free, so gentle handling matters.
Should I move a heavy glass table by myself?
Not if its weight or shape makes that unsafe. Check the specification, clear the route and use enough people or professional help. Never drag glass furniture.
A few minutes of regular care is more effective than occasional aggressive cleaning. Keep the routine gentle, protect the edges and dry the surface properly to maintain the clear, understated appearance that makes glass furniture so versatile.