Glass splashbacks are one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens and bathrooms. Why? Because they make for sparkling kitchens by combining style, hygiene, and practicality. They add instant brightness, protect your walls from stains, and create a sleek, uninterrupted surface that’s easy to maintain with the right routine.
If you want your glass splashbacks to stay crystal clear year after year, a few simple habits can make all the difference. In this article, we give you practical, easy to follow tips to help you keep your splashbacks looking as good as new.
Get in touch with Eltham Glass today. Our knowledgeable team delivers tailored glazing solutions and precise installation to help you achieve a clean, contemporary look that suits your home perfectly.
Why Glass Splashbacks Need Regular Care
Glass splashbacks are durable and designed to withstand everyday use, especially in spaces where heat, steam, oils, and daily cooking can leave marks behind.
While glass is naturally resistant to staining, neglecting regular cleaning can cause streaking, water spots, grease buildup, or dullness over time. The good news is that glass is one of the easiest materials to revive. Even simple home methods can restore clarity, shine, and transparency.
Keeping your splashbacks clean also ensures the colour or reflective finish underneath remains as vibrant as the day it was installed. Whether you have a coloured, mirrored, or printed design, maintaining the surface helps protect the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
Start with Daily Wipe Downs
Daily maintenance is the easiest way to prevent long term buildup. A quick surface wipe after cooking or washing up helps stop grease, steam, and splashes from setting into a film.
What to Use for Daily Cleaning
- Microfibre cloth
- Warm water
- Gentle dishwashing liquid (a few drops are enough)
Simply dampen your cloth with warm, soapy water and wipe down the splashback. Because microfibre lifts residue rather than spreading it, it leaves fewer streaks and keeps the surface smooth. Finish with a dry section of the cloth to avoid water spots.
Why Daily Care Works
- Prevents stubborn stains from forming
- Reduces how often you need deep cleans
- Keeps the surface looking polished all week
A daily wipe takes less than a minute and makes a noticeable impact on overall clarity.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
Glass is easy to maintain, but using the wrong products can damage coatings, create streaks, or leave residue. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners should be avoided at all costs.
Recommended Cleaning Products
- Glass cleaner formulated for household surfaces
- White vinegar mixed with water (one part vinegar to three parts water)
- pH balanced cleaners designed for glass
Products to Avoid
- Abrasive sponges
- Cream cleansers
- Harsh degreasers
- Ammonia based industrial cleaners
These products may scratch the glass, weaken protective coatings, or create micro-marks that affect clarity over time. Stick to gentle cleaning solutions whenever possible.
Deep Cleaning Your Glass Splashbacks
Even with regular maintenance, your splashbacks may need a deeper clean every few weeks or after heavy cooking. Deep cleaning removes grease films, dried splatters, and streaks that accumulate over time.
Step-by-Step Deep Clean Routine
- Spray your glass cleaner generously across the surface.
- Let the cleaner sit for one minute to break down oils.
- Wipe using a clean microfibre cloth, working from top to bottom.
- Repeat on stubborn areas if needed.
- Buff with a dry cloth for a streak free finish.
If you prefer a natural method, follow the same steps using your vinegar solution. Vinegar cuts through grease remarkably well and leaves a clear, reflective shine.
Tip for Tough Stains
If you have dried food splashes or baked on marks near the stove, place a warm damp cloth over the area for a minute before wiping. The warmth softens the residue, making removal easier.
Preventing Streaks and Cloudiness
Streaks are one of the most common issues when cleaning glass, but they are easy to prevent by adjusting your technique and tools.
How to Avoid Streaks
- Always use a dry section of your microfibre cloth for the final pass.
- Do not clean in direct sunlight if possible, as the cleaner may dry too fast.
- Avoid using too much product. More cleaner does not equal better results.
- Switch to a fresh cloth if your current one becomes too damp.
For mirrored or coloured splashbacks, streak prevention is especially important to maintain the depth and reflectiveness of the finish.
Managing Grease Around Cooking Areas
The area behind your cooktop is the most exposed to oils and heat. Over time, even light cooking can leave a thin greasy residue that builds up if not cleaned properly.
How to Manage Grease
- Use a glass degreaser spray or mix a tiny amount of dish soap with warm water.
- Let the solution sit for a minute or two before wiping.
- Finish with a glass cleaner to restore clarity.
Consistent care in this area prevents discolouration and keeps the entire splashback looking uniformly clear.
Protecting the Edges and Seals
Glass splashbacks are sealed along the edges to protect the walls behind them. These areas require gentle care to prevent damage.
What to Keep in Mind
- Avoid letting water pool at the bottom edge.
- Do not scrub silicone seams, as this may weaken the seal.
- Gently wipe the edges with a soft cloth rather than a hard sponge.
Maintaining the seals helps prevent moisture issues and ensures your splashback stays securely in place.
Use a Squeegee for a Professional Finish
A small hand squeegee is a simple tool that can leave your splashbacks completely streak free. This technique is especially helpful for larger splashback panels or mirrored surfaces.
How to Use It
- Spray the splashback with cleaner.
- Starting at the top, pull the squeegee down in straight lines.
- Wipe the blade after each pass.
- Finish with a dry cloth on the edges.
This method is fast, effective, and gives a polished, professional look.
Polish for Extra Shine
To enhance the natural shine of glass, you can use a small amount of glass polish or even clean, crumpled newspaper. The paper fibres help buff the surface and lift any remaining film.
Just make sure the newspaper ink does not transfer by testing on a small corner first.
Keeping Your Splashbacks Looking Their Best
From sleek kitchen upgrades to custom glass features that elevate your entire space, the right glazing can transform both the look and feel of your home.
At Eltham Glass, we bring these ideas to life with quality materials, expert workmanship, and friendly, local service you can rely on.
Start your next project with confidence. Get personalised advice and a free quote from Melbourne’s trusted glass specialists today.
