Expert warns: careless cleaning can permanently damage windows and terraces in Estonia

Improper cleaning of glass surfaces and terraces is a common mistake in Estonian households. Urve Vanker, service manager at Krausberg Eesti OÜ, highlights the most frequent errors and offers practical advice on how to avoid long-term damage.

Many Estonian homeowners approach cleaning glass surfaces and terraces without much thought, relying mainly on what they remember from detergent commercials. While the enthusiasm is commendable, such careless habits can cause serious and lasting harm to windows, doors, and outdoor surfaces over time.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

Urve Vanker, service manager at the maintenance company Krausberg Eesti OÜ, points out that one of the most widespread errors is using the wrong cleaning products. Many people reach for generic household cleaners that are not suitable for glass or specific terrace materials, which can lead to scratches, cloudiness, or chemical damage that is difficult or impossible to reverse.

Another frequent mistake is using abrasive tools such as rough sponges or steel wool on glass surfaces. Even if the damage is not immediately visible, microscopic scratches accumulate over time and make the surface more prone to dirt buildup and deterioration. Vanker recommends using soft microfibre cloths and purpose-made glass cleaning solutions.

## Terrace Surfaces Need Special Care

Terraces present their own set of challenges. Different materials — whether composite decking, natural wood, or stone — each require specific cleaning approaches. Using a pressure washer at too high a setting, for example, can strip protective coatings from wooden terraces or force water into joints, causing swelling and rot over the following seasons.

Vanker also warns against cleaning glass doors and windows in direct sunlight, as the cleaning solution dries too quickly and leaves streaks that are hard to remove. The advice is simple: clean in the shade or during cooler parts of the day, use the right tools, and take a moment to check what material you are working with before reaching for the nearest cleaning product.