Glass Floor Maintenance

Living with Glass: How to Keep Your Walk-On Floor Looking Pristine

You’ve made a stunning addition to your property. Whether it’s one of our hinged glass wine cellar doors revealing a basement collection below, a sleek fixed glass walkway bridging two spaces, or a custom exterior well cover, you now have a genuine architectural focal point.

Our structural glass floors are engineered to be incredibly tough. They are designed to be walked on, stand up to significant loads, and meet rigorous safety standards.

However, while the glass is structurally robust, the surface finish needs a little bit of care to keep that "brand new" transparency. Think of it like a high-end sports car: the engine is tough, but you wouldn't want to scratch the paintwork.

To keep your walk-on glass feature looking its best for years to come, we have put together some general guidance on everyday use and maintenance.

The Golden Rule: The "White Carpet" Analogy

The simplest way to think about caring for internal floor glass is to adopt the mindset you would have for a brand-new, deep-pile white carpet.

You wouldn't tramp muddy boots or gritty trainers across a pristine white carpet, and you should try to apply the same logic to your glass floor.

Glass is very hard, but it isn't scratch-proof. The biggest enemy of a glass floor isn't weight; it's grit. Small stones, sand, or debris stuck in the tread of a shoe can act like sandpaper across the surface.

Guidance for Internal Glass (Cellar Doors & Walkways)

For features located inside the home, such as our popular hinged wine cellar doors, maintaining that crystal-clear look is usually easier because you have more control over the environment.

• Adopt a "No Outside Shoes" Policy: The single best thing you can do to prevent surface scratches is to ban outdoor footwear from the glass. Encourage family and guests to step around the glass if they have shoes on, or better yet, take them off at the door.

• Socks or Bare Feet are Best: Walking across the glass in socks or bare feet eliminates the risk of grit scratching the surface.

• Watch Out for Indoor Footwear: Even "indoor" shoes or flip-flops that have been worn into the garden briefly can pick up debris. Ensure indoor footwear is actually clean before walking on the glass.

• Regular Sweeping/Vacuuming: Keep the area surrounding the glass floor clean. If there is grit on the adjacent timber or tiled floor, it will eventually migrate onto the glass.

Guidance for External Glass (Well Covers & Outdoor Panels)

We know that for external products, like our glass well covers, the "white carpet" rule is harder to follow. You cannot always expect people to remove shoes outside, and the weather will inevitably bring dirt and debris.

For external glass, a degree of realism is needed:

• Expect Some Wear: Over time, external walkable glass will accumulate some light surface scuffs. This is considered normal wear and tear for an outdoor feature exposed to the elements and foot traffic.

• Be Mindful: While you can't always avoid walking on it with shoes, being mindful helps. Try to avoid walking heavily on the glass with muddy boots or shoes with aggressive treads that are liable to trap stones.

• Placement Matters: If possible, try not to situate the glass immediately after a muddy area of the garden without a mat in between.

Cleaning Your Glass Floor

Keeping the glass clean is surprisingly straightforward. You don't need industrial machinery or specialist chemicals.

1. Remove Debris First: Before wiping the glass, always gently sweep or vacuum up any loose dust or grit. If you wipe a gritty surface with a cloth, you risk scratching it.

2. Standard Glass Cleaner: Any good quality household glass or window cleaner will work perfectly.

3. Soft Cloths: Use a soft microfibre cloth or paper towels to clean the glass. Avoid abrasive scouring pads or harsh chemical cleaners, which could damage the glass surface or the surrounding sealants and steelwork.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your walk-on glass feature remains a stunning, transparent talking point for many years to come.