Stained glass windows can add beauty, elegance, and value to a home. If you;re lucky enough to have a home with stained glass windows, or if you're thinking about installing one, you'll eventually need to know how to clean this special type of art glass. While it's best to clean as minimally as possible, if you want your stained glass windows to really shine and let in the light, it's necessary to remove any dirt and grime that tends to accumulate over time.

Wear protective gloves while cleaning your stained glass windows. Use a light touch and a delicate approach, taking care to not scratch the glass itself or the paint upon it. Choose a soft, dry cloth and begin by lightly brushing off the surface of the glass. If it still looks dirty, repeat the process using fresh dry cloth. Step back and see how the window looks from a further distance.

If it still looks dusty, carefully clean it again, this time with a damp cloth. Rinse the rag frequently to avoid spreading the dirt around the window instead of cleaning it off the window. Go over the window again with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture and avoid streaking.

Again, step back and admire your work. Does it still look a bit grimy? If so, note the trouble spots and go over the most offensive areas with a soft cloth moistened with a mild soap and water solution. Gently rub the grimy spots, but be careful to not press down too hard as this could damage the stained glass.

The rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning stained glass windows safely is don't overdo it. They're beautiful even with a smattering of dust, so don't wear yourself out and risk damaging your windows in the process trying to clean them. Do your best to follow these tips and use a gentle, careful, loving touch—your stained glass windows will look divine!