Glass table tops can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room in your home. However, they also require special attention and care to maintain their beauty and keep them safe from damage.

Whether you have a glass coffee table in your living room or a glass dining table in your kitchen, it’s important to follow certain precautions to ensure its longevity. To best protect your glass table tops, consider these five maintenance and cleaning tips.

1. Choose Its Location Wisely

The easiest way to protect your glass table top is to choose its location wisely. Although glass table tops are made with tempered glass, which is four times stronger than regular glass, it is still a breakable material that is prone to scratches, cracks, and other damage. Therefore, it’s important to place your glass table top in an area that is away from high foot traffic.

A table placed in a high-traffic area is more likely to get bumped, leading to potential damage to its surface. If possible, place your glass table top outside the flow of traffic, and add an extra layer of protection by adhering rubber bumpers to the bottom of the table surface.

2. Protect Glass Table Tops with Coasters and Mats

One simple but effective way to protect your glass table tops from scratches and damage is to use coasters and mats. Placing glasses, bottles, or other objects directly on the glass surface can cause scratches over time. Using coasters and mats helps prevent these scratches, especially when guests may not know how to treat your table with care.

Similarly, runners or tablecloths can help protect the entire surface of your glass dining table from scratches, spills, and heat damage. This is a great way to protect your table during day-to-day meals or during special occasions when you’re hosting many people.

3. Avoid Placing Hot Items on Your Glass Table Tops

Glass, although a strong and durable material, is susceptible to heat damage. Placing hot objects, such as pots or pans, directly on your glass table top can cause thermal shock, resulting in a crack or breakage.

To prevent this damage, avoid placing any hot items directly on your glass table tops. Instead, place a potholder or kitchen towel between the hot object and the glass surface to prevent heat transfer. If your glass table top is outside, such as a patio table, make sure to keep it out of the direct sunlight as much as possible to avoid similar thermal shock as the weather changes.

4. Clean Your Glass Table Tops Properly

You still want your glass table tops to be functional, and of course, this typically results in some amount of dirt or mess that needs to be cleaned. Cleaning your glass table top is simple; however, make sure that you use appropriate materials and cleaning solutions. Abrasive cleaners or tools can cause scratches and cloudiness that permanently damage your table top.

To properly clean your custom glass table tops, remove any dust, dirt, or spills with a lint-free cloth or soft sponge. Use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap to gently clean the surface. Avoid using excessive amounts of water, as this can seep into the edges of the glass and cause damage. For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for glass. Always make sure to dry the surface thoroughly to prevent water spots, and always avoid using any harsh chemicals during the process.

5. Keep an Eye on Kids and Pets

Last but certainly not least, it’s important to keep an eye on kids and pets around your glass table tops. Children and pets are naturally curious — and energetic — and may not understand the delicate nature of glass. They might accidentally knock something onto the table, off of the table, or even try to climb on the table top.

To avoid any accidents, it’s best to keep your glass table tops out of reach or supervise children and pets when they are near the table. Luckily, if your little ones do break your glass table top, you can have peace of mind that the tempered glass will break into duller shards compared to regular glass, minimizing injuries.

If you want to add a stunning visual focal point to your home, you can’t go wrong with glass table tops from Golden Glass. As leading structural glass manufacturers, we have cutting-edge technology and equipment in-house that will guarantee your perfect custom glass table top. We’ll work with you to bring your vision to life, directly from our headquarters in Fullerton, CA. To learn more about our glass replacement services, including new glass table tops, give us a call at 800-64-GLASS or fill out our online contact form today.