How to Clean a Stained Glass Suncatcher — Quick Answer
The short answer is this: cleaning stained glass is simple and gentle. For a little dust, just wipe your suncatcher with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. If you see fingerprints or light stains, use a cloth dampened with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap, then dry right away with a lint-free cloth. For a deeper clean, polish with a carnauba wax-based product to restore shine and protect the solder lines. The one golden rule — never use ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners, as they can strip the patina and damage the Tiffany-style joints.
In summary: dust it, wipe it, or give it a safe polish, and your stained glass will stay just as beautiful as the day you got it.
Why I wrote this article
When you’ve been making stained glass for more than 21 years, you hear all kinds of questions. Some are about design, some about where we get our glass, but there’s one that pops up again and again —
“How to clean stained glass?”
It first came up from someone who had a beautiful stained glass window in their hallway and didn’t dare touch it for months because they were afraid they’d ruin it. Then a customer with one of our suncatchers asked, “How to take care of stained glass suncatcher so it stays just as beautiful as the day I got it?”
Over time, I realized — people really do get nervous about this. They think it’s complicated, or that you need special products and tools. And I get it! When you look at stained glass, especially something handmade, it feels delicate and precious. But here’s the truth…
It’s actually very easy!
I can promise you this: you don’t need fancy sprays, expensive tools, or a degree in restoration. You just need to match the cleaning method to the level of dirt.
Navigation:
- If you have dust on your stained glass suncatcher
- If you left light strains or fingerprints on your stained glass
- How to clean stained glass in the hardest cases
- The one golden rule of cleaning stained glass
- Why you should never use alcohol or ammonia based cleaners with stained glass
Level 1 — Just a Little Dust
If your stained glass suncatcher looks clean but feels a bit dusty, all you need is a soft, dry cloth. Microfiber works beautifully, but even a clean cotton T-shirt will do the job.
Gently wipe each part, front and back, taking your time with the edges and corners.
That’s it. No water, no sprays, just a gentle wipe.
Level 2 — Light Stains or Fingerprints
If there are smudges, fingerprints, or a light layer of kitchen splatter, try a slightly damp cloth with plain water. Wipe the surface gently, then go over it with a dry cloth to remove any leftover moisture.
This method works in 99.9% of cases and is my go-to for keeping stained glass suncatchers looking brand new.
Level 3 — The Deep Clean
For the rare times when your stained glass suncatcher needs serious attention — maybe after a home renovation or a windy day with open windows, use gentle, alcohol-free wet wipes. Clean each section carefully, then dry it with a soft cloth right away.
This is safe for all types of dirt and gives the glass a fresh, polished look.
The One Golden Rule
The only real “rule” is this: never use alcohol or alcohol-containing products on stained glass made with the Tiffany technique. The solder lines are coated with patina and sometimes a protective wax, and alcohol can strip that away.
It’s a bit like washing silk with bleach, it might look okay at first, but the damage happens fast.
Why Alcohol and Ammonia Are the Enemy of Stained Glass
I learned this lesson in my very first year working with stained glass. Back then, I was just experimenting in my small in-house workshop (not as romantic as it sounds, lots of glass dust everywhere!).
I had made a small stained glass sunflower suncatcher, and a friend came over. She noticed a bit of dust on the piece, and in the most casual voice said, “It’s a bit dusty, let me help.” Before I could stop her, she grabbed a spray bottle of glass cleaner from under my sink (with alcohol in it), and gave it a good mist.
It looked fine for about two minutes. Then, I saw it. Tiny dull spots creeping along the edges of the solder.
That’s when I learned, the hard way, that alcohol-based cleaners are the enemy of the Tiffany technique. They can strip away the patina, dry out the solder lines, and even weaken the protective finish. Ammonia cleaners are just as bad — both can strip away the patina, dry out the solder lines, and even weaken the protective finish.
Lesson learned. And now, you don’t have to make the same mistake.
Your Stained Glass Suncatcher Can Last Forever
So if you’ve been putting off cleaning your stained glass because you’re worried you’ll harm it, I hope this gives you the confidence to go for it. It really is as simple as dust it, wipe it, or, in rare cases, give it a gentle wet wipe. And always, always skip the alcohol.
Have you ever cleaned a stained glass piece before? Or maybe you’ve found your own little trick for keeping it bright and beautiful? Share your story in the comments, I’d love to hear it!
After all, stained glass might be timeless, but a little care makes it last beautifully forever.
