How to Clean Mineral Turps Off of Glass

Table of Contents:

You Will Need
Steps to Remove the Residue
Additional Tips and Advice

Anne asked: How do I clean mineral turps off of window glass and mirrors? I have recently had my house painted, and the painter has wiped my windows, mirrors and mirror wardrobes with mineral turps. I cannot get rid of the smear marks.

Mineral turps, or mineral turpentine, is a petroleum-based product used as a paint thinner for oil-based paints. Unfortunately, it will often leave an oily or cloudy residue behind. To cut through the greasy mess and leave your windows and mirrors crystal clear, follow these steps.

You Will Need:

Gloves
Bucket
Water
Ammonia
Bleach-free dish liquid
Sponge
Microfiber cloth
Dry towels
Window squeegee

Steps to Remove the Residue:

If you are indoors, ventilate the area well.
Put on cleaning gloves.
Add ½ teaspoon of bleach-free dish detergent and ¼ cup of ammonia to 5 gallons of hot water in a clean bucket.
Dip the sponge in the hot water solution and wash the window, paying special attention to any concentrated areas of mineral turpentine residue. If you’re working inside, be sure to protect the surface under the glass with a towel to soak up drips.
After a through scrubbing, use the window squeegee to wipe a clean, dry swath across the window or mirror. Use a side to side motion.
Wipe the squeegee after each pass with the dry towel.
Overlap each wipe with the squeegee by one-quarter of an inch. Continue until you’ve wiped the entire glass surface.
Polish the glass and remove any remaining moisture with the microfiber cloth.

Additional Tips and Advice

If the solution doesn’t seem to be effective, increase the concentration of ammonia in the mix.
Wash windows on cloudy or overcast days. Cleaning them in direct sunlight will result in the solution drying too quickly on the surface, and will leave streaks and residue.
Another quick solution is to spray Easy-Off Oven Cleaner on window or mirror surfaces. Wait about an hour and rinse clean. Spot test this method first and make sure you keep a towel under indoor surfaces to catch drips.
Never combine products that contain bleach and ammonia.
Always ventilate the area well and wear gloves when working with either turpentine or ammonia.
- For more turpentine safety information, see Wikipedia.
- For more ammonia safety information, see Wikipedia.