Is there such a thing as self-cleaning glass?

Author: Ms. Cara Hyatt  |  Last update: Saturday, June 13, 2026

There are two types of self cleaning glass: hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Both types of windows clean themselves using water by rolling droplets down the glazing. However, hydrophilic coatings are based on titania and have an additional property that allows them to chemically break down absorbed dirt in the sunlight.

Is self-cleaning glass real?

Self-cleaning glass is a specific type of glass with a surface that keeps itself free of dirt and grime. The field of self-cleaning coatings on glass is divided into two categories: hydrophobic and hydrophilic.

What are the disadvantages of self-cleaning glass?

Any slight abrasion on the pane could take the coating clean off, which means heavy marks like splashes of paint can be difficult to remove. An accidental bump from a pole or ladder can also mark the coating. Secondly, and most importantly, self-cleaning glass is not totally failsafe.

How long does self-cleaning glass last?

Answer: Depending on how well it has been applied and how well maintained, it should last from 3-10 years.

How much does self-cleaning glass cost?

Initial Costs: The price for self-cleaning glass in the UK ranges between £30 and £150 per square metre. Labour costs for installation range from £20 to £40 per hour. You'll also need to budget for frames, sealants, and possibly additional treatments such as special coatings or tints.

DWL - Q&A - What is self-cleaning glass?

How can you tell if glass is self cleaning?

A simple test is to spray water at the surface and compare it with ordinary glass, see it sheet off the glass rather than form lots of rivulets.

Can you wipe self-cleaning glass?

To remove difficult stains, use a soft cloth and solvent-free soapy water. Rinse and repeat the process if necessary. For really stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive liquid glass cleaner. Always use a clean cloth and do not rub dirt or debris from your cloth onto the surface of the glass.

What are the different types of self-cleaning glass?

There are two types of self cleaning glass: hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Both types of windows clean themselves using water by rolling droplets down the glazing. However, hydrophilic coatings are based on titania and have an additional property that allows them to chemically break down absorbed dirt in the sunlight.

What is self-cleaning glass coated with?

The coating or applications of this type are silica based and create a nano scale film that covers the microscopic valleys and peaks on the surface of glass. This type of self clean coating prevents the contamination, dirt and grime from clinging onto the glass or fixing to the surface.

How long do you leave vinegar on glass to clean?

Use straight vinegar.

Simply warm 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar and apply it directly to glass (a spray bottle is best for this particular solution). If your windows are extra dirty, you can leave this solution on your windows to soak for a minute or two before you rinse it off.

How do you clean self-cleaning glass?

Clean water will normally suffice. Standard, mild glass cleaner products can also be used (visit www.selfcleaningglass.com to view a list of recommended cleaning products). 'Soft' water is best used for cleaning glass., in hard-water areas to a small amount of washing-up liquid can be used to soften water.

Is easy clean glass worth it?

The Easy Clean glass solution from RITEC not only keeps your windows looking pristine but also reduces the amount of time and effort needed to maintain them. The advanced coating technology repels dirt and grime, making it easier to keep your windows clean with minimal effort.

What are the disadvantages of Windex?

There are many different formulations of Windex. The ingredients vary between products, but they typically contain surfactants, solvents, and dyes. These chemicals are irritating when swallowed and can cause unwanted signs and symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain.

Why clean glass with vinegar?

Vinegar is not only safe and environmentally friendly, but it also provides a high standard of cleaning for your windows. Its acidic nature helps dissolve grime, stains, and dirt present on glass surfaces. Moreover, vinegar leaves a streak-free shine that makes windows look crystal clear.

What is the thickness of self-cleaning glass?

It has a thickness of about 25mm. The action of sunlight on the titanium dioxide generates a species known as electrons and holes. These electrons and holes, along with a specific property of titanium dioxide migrate to the surface and start a process known as oxidation of any organic material which is present.

Who makes self-cleaning glass?

Pilkington Activ™ Clear is the world's first self-cleaning glass with advanced dual-action for superior results.

Can you buy self-cleaning glass?

Self-cleaning glass is available from Morley Glass for any window, door or conservatory – regardless of elevation and how exposed the glass is to the sun and the rain.

What do professional cleaners use to clean glass?

Professional window cleaners typically use either a white vinegar solution or a commercial hard water stain remover to clean hard water stains on windows. A common vinegar solution for this purpose consists of one cup of white vinegar mixed with a gallon of distilled or bottled water.

Is self-cleaning glass any good?

Self-cleaning glass is designed to rid itself of light dirt marks caused by rain and perhaps air pollution, but it is not able to clean off harder bits of grime like bird droppings. As such, you will still need to call out a professional window cleaner to remove stubborn dirt like this.

Can you get self cleaning glasses?

Thanks to its revolutionary coating, our Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning range of glass stays cleaner, all-year round. Its unique dual-action coating uses the forces of nature to help keep the glass free from dirt, giving not only the practical benefit of less cleaning, but also clearer, better-looking windows.

What is the glass that doesn't need cleaning?

Self-cleaning glass is a specific type of glass with a surface that keeps itself free of dirt and grime. Self cleaning glass has a protective coating on the outside of the glass that acts as the 'self-cleaner'. It uses an organic process whereby dirt is broken down by daylight and is then washed away by rain.

Who invented self-cleaning glass?

In 2001 Pilkington announced the launch of Pilkington Activ™ coated glass, the world's first self-cleaning glass.

How to tell if glass is self-cleaning?

If you want to check if your windows are self cleaning, drop some water on them and see how it behaves: if the droplets spread evenly across the surface, then your windows are most likely coated with self cleaning glass.

Can I use Lysol wipes to clean glass?

Lysol lists uses for these wipes that include cleaning windows, toilet seats, wiping up spills and grease, disinfecting surfaces – where the house is concerned, the versatility of these wipes is impressive.

Can toilet bowl cleaner clean glass?

Because of the strong chemicals in toilet bowl cleaners, which can break glass or natural stone and pose health hazards from fumes, it is not advised to clean shower doors. To remove soap scum and hard water stains, a solution of similar parts of white vinegar and dish soap is a risk-free and efficient alternative.

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