We’ve all had to spend an hour cleaning a window, and then have a sticky film build up again within a week. What’s so special about glass that causes such a problem? We’re talking about two things: Skin Oils and High Surface Energy. When we touch glass, we transfer oils onto the surface, which attract dirt and dust particles and make it look dirty. There are many “quick fix” solutions to address this issue floating around the internet, but most of them only provide temporary relief. Instead of finding the quick fixes, I’ll be looking at what really prevents fingerprints on glass.
Why Fingerprints Stain Glass
High surface energy means that glass wants to hold onto anything that touches it. When you touch a surface, you deposit tiny amounts of oil, sweat, and dirt on the glass. Repeatedly touching the same glass surface adds layers of this material and simply
