Cleaning a Glass Splashback is actually incredibly easy. But if you use the wrong products or follow the wrong advice that I’ve seen written online you’ll end up with a greasy streaky mess. Here is how to clean a glass splashback and keep it looking pristine.
How to Clean a Glass Splashback
The best way to clean a glass splashback is by using regular dishwashing detergent. This is a gentle cleaner that won’t damage a glass splashback. It’s also strong enough to cut through grease and leave the surface streak free. The second item you’ll need is a basic squeegee. I keep one under the kitchen sink.
Here is how to clean a glass splashback:
- Fill a small bowl (or sink) with warm water, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid (less is more).
- Use any kitchen cloth to wipe down the glass splashback with the warm water solution.
- Use a Squeegee to wipe the liquid off the surface
This method just works! It will leave your glass splashback completely free of grease and streak free.
How to Get Grease off a Glass Splashback
The best way to remove grease from a glass splashback is with dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquid is specifically designed to cut through grease. A small amount of dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water will effectively remove all grease from a splashback.
Terrible Methods for Cleaning a Glass Splashback
I’ve seen some terrible advice online for cleaning. Here are some methods that I’ve tested at CleanLab and found to not work:
Cleaning a Glass Splashback with Vinegar
Vinegar is not a surfactant and is not effective for cleaning a glass splashback. Vinegar can’t trap grease and oil and remove it from a surface – have you ever tried making a salad dressing, you’ll notice that the oil and vinegar don’t mix. Vinegar will just push the grease around the splashback. Because a glass splashback will be covered in a grease and oil from cooking, the absolute worst thing you can use is vinegar.
Using Spray and Wipe on a Glass Splashback
The problem with most spray and wipes is they tend to leave a residue and don’t remove grease as well as regular dishwashing liquid. I’ve tried dozens of spray and wipe products. While these are great as a wetting agent to lift small spills off hard surfaces, they won’t remove grease. I found they all left grease on the splashback and it certainly wasn’t streak free.
A glass splashback is really good at showing streaks. If you want to avoid a streaks and have a sparkling finish avoid using a spray and wipe.
While I use products like Koh around the house, I didn’t find it effective at removing grease from a splashback.
Using a Glass Cleaner
Glass cleaners are great for surfaces that have a small amount of grime like a bathroom mirror. But a kitchen splashback will be covered in grease. These cleaners aren’t designed for this type of cleaning. You’re better off using dishwashing liquid.
Specialty Cleaners
I’ve seen some splashback manufacturers sells dedicated spray and wipe cleaners for glass and granite splash backs. These are just a waste of money and don’t work as well as regular dishwashing liquid. It’s no surprise that much of the “bad” info on cleaning glass splash backs came from these sources!
In Brief: Just use Dishwashing Liquid and Water
I haven’t found a method that leaves a cleaner finish that dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water, a cloth and then wiped down with a squeegee!
