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How to Clean a Glass Top Outdoor Table

Irene A. Blake

Over time, an outdoor table with a glass tabletop can become grimy from pollen, leaves, twigs, spider webs, insect and bird droppings and other forms of dirt and debris without regular cleaning.

Removal of this debris is necessary to prevent the transfer of the dirt and debris to your cloth or skin as well as prevent illness that can occur from eating or sitting at an unclean table. Clean the top of your table once every two weeks or more often is heavy debris has built up.

Tip

If your table often has cobwebs, dust as needed with a long-handled duster or vacuum. To reduce the amount of cleaning, cover the table with an outdoor table cover when not in use.

Warning

Never use abrasive tools or cleansers on your glass outdoor table as doing so can scratch the glass.

  1. Wipe the glass tabletop with a damp, lint-free microfiber cloth or sponge before each use. If the tabletop has insect or bird droppings on it, wipe away the droppings with one or more cloths dampened with a glass-approved household cleaner or glass cleaner.

  2. Fill a bucket with hot water and enough mild dish detergent to make the water soapy. Place a microfiber cloth or large sponge in the water.

  3. Rinse off the glass tabletop and the legs thoroughly with a garden hose or bucket of water.

  4. Wash the entire table with the soapy cloth or sponge. Remove any stuck on debris or stains with a glass-safe nonabrasive scrubbing pad. When finished, rinse away the dirt and detergent residues.

  5. Place the table in the sun to dry or wipe it dry with large absorbent cloths.

  6. Spray white vinegar or glass cleaner on the glass tabletop after it dries. Wipe away the vinegar or cleaner with a microfiber cloth or paper towels.

  7. Clean the underside of the glass tabletop at least once a month or as needed. Remove the glass from the table if possible, clean both sides of it completely with vinegar or a glass cleaner and then return it to the table. If you can’t remove the glass, lay a piece of inch-thick foam or a thick blanket or soft carpet on the ground, turn the table upside down on the surface and repeat the cleaning methods used on the outside of the table underneath.

The Drip Cap

  • Over time, an outdoor table with a glass tabletop can become grimy from pollen, leaves, twigs, spider webs, insect and bird droppings and other forms of dirt and debris without regular cleaning.
  • Rinse off the glass tabletop and the legs thoroughly with a garden hose or bucket of water.
  • Place the table in the sun to dry or wipe it dry with large absorbent cloths.
  • Remove the glass from the table if possible, clean both sides of it completely with vinegar or a glass cleaner and then return it to the table.