How Does Self-Cleaning Glass Work?
Keeping windows and rooflights sparkling clean can be a real chore. Rain, dust, fingerprints, and pollution all leave their mark, and before long, your glass looks dull and streaky. That’s where self-cleaning glass comes in. Sometimes called active glass, this clever technology is designed to reduce the effort and cost of maintaining clear, spotless glazing.
But how does it actually work and is it really maintenance-free? In this blog, we’ll dive into the science behind self-cleaning glass, its benefits, and where it works best, so you can decide whether upgrading to our ClearGlaze or BlueGlaze self-cleaning glass is right for you.
What Is Self-Cleaning Glass?
Self-cleaning glass is specially treated glazing that has a thin, transparent coating applied to the outside surface. This coating uses the power of sunlight and rain to break down dirt and wash it away, keeping the glass clearer for longer with minimal effort.
It looks just like normal glass, crystal clear and durable, but it works in very different ways.
There are two main processes at play:
- Photocatalytic action (sunlight working on dirt)
- Hydrophilic action (rainwater spreading and washing dirt away)
Let’s take a closer look at both.
Step 1: Photocatalytic Action – Sunlight Breaking Down Dirt
The “active” part of active glass comes from its photocatalytic properties. The outer coating contains titanium dioxide, a mineral that reacts with ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
Here’s what happens:
- When UV light hits the coating, it triggers a chemical reaction.
- This reaction breaks down organic dirt (like bird droppings, pollen, or pollution particles) on the surface of the glass.
- Instead of sticking stubbornly to the glass, the dirt loosens and becomes easier to remove.
Think of it as sunlight giving the glass a gentle scrub every day.
Step 2: Hydrophilic Action – Rainwater Washing Dirt Away
Normal glass is hydrophobic, meaning water forms droplets that run down the surface and leave streaks. Self-cleaning glass, however, is hydrophilic. That means water spreads out into a thin sheet across the surface.
Here’s how it helps:
- Rainwater doesn’t bead up and streak. Instead, it forms a film that covers the surface evenly.
- As the water flows down, it carries loosened dirt particles away.
- When the glass dries, it does so much more evenly, leaving fewer marks behind.
The result is clearer, cleaner glass that looks freshly washed after every rainfall.
Does Self-Cleaning Glass Mean No Cleaning Ever?
This is one of the biggest questions homeowners ask. The answer: not quite.
Self-cleaning glass dramatically reduces the amount of cleaning required, but it doesn’t eliminate it completely. Here’s what you can expect:
- Less frequent cleaning: You won’t need to clean windows or rooflights nearly as often.
- Easier cleaning: When you do clean them, dirt comes away much more easily, usually with just water and a soft cloth.
- Weather dependent: The system works best where there’s both sunlight and rainfall. In dry seasons, an occasional rinse with a hose helps the process along.
So while you may still need to give your glass a helping hand occasionally, the effort is far less than with untreated glazing.
Benefits of Self-Cleaning Glass
Switching to self-cleaning glass offers a range of practical and lifestyle benefits:
- Low Maintenance
Perfect for hard-to-reach windows, skylights, or roof lanterns where cleaning is difficult and costly. - Always Presentable
Keeps glazing looking cleaner for longer, boosting kerb appeal and creating bright, welcoming interiors. - Cost Savings
Reduces the need for professional window cleaners or expensive cleaning equipment. - Eco-Friendly
Uses natural elements (sunlight and rain) rather than harsh chemical cleaners. - Durability
The coating is permanent, built into the glass during manufacturing, so it won’t wear away with time.
Where Is Self-Cleaning Glass Most Useful?
While any window can benefit from self-cleaning technology, some areas of the home are especially well-suited:
- Rooflights and skylights – Difficult to access and exposed to the elements.
- Conservatories and orangeries – Large expanses of glazing that are prone to dirt build-up.
- High-level windows – Saves the need for ladders or professional cleaners.
- Garden rooms or extensions – Keeps spaces bright and inviting year-round.
Essentially, the harder a window is to reach or clean, the more valuable self-cleaning glass becomes.
Myths About Self-Cleaning Glass
Like any innovative product, self-cleaning glass is surrounded by a few myths. Let’s set the record straight:
- “It works instantly.”
Actually, it can take a few days of sunlight exposure for the photocatalytic coating to become fully active. - “It never needs any cleaning at all.”
While it reduces cleaning, it doesn’t remove the need entirely, especially in dry climates. - “The coating can peel or wear off.”
False. The coating is fused into the surface during manufacturing, so it’s permanent. - “It looks different from normal glass.”
Not at all, it looks just as clear and transparent as standard glazing.
Why Choose ClearGlaze or BlueGlaze Self-Cleaning Glass?
At UKO Glass, we specialise in supplying high-quality self-cleaning glass, offering our ClearGlaze and BlueGlaze products, that are perfect for modern homes. Whether you’re installing rooflights, bifold doors, or large feature windows, our glazing options are designed to combine beauty with practicality.
- Our self-cleaning glass uses the latest photocatalytic and hydrophilic technology.
- It’s available in a clear and blue tinted glass and can be combined with a range of Low-E options to meet your specifications.
- Ideal for homeowners who want maximum light with minimal upkeep.
With ClearGlaze or BlueGlaze, you get glass that doesn’t just look good on day one, it stays that way with far less effort.
Final Thoughts
Self-cleaning glass is one of the smartest innovations in modern glazing. By using natural sunlight and rain to break down dirt and wash it away, it keeps your windows, rooflights, and extensions looking pristine with minimal maintenance.
While it won’t eliminate cleaning altogether, it will make the job far easier and much less frequent. For hard-to-reach areas and large expanses of glass, it’s a game-changer.
Why spend your weekends scrubbing windows when your glass can do the hard work for you? At UKO Glass, we supply premium self-cleaning glazing that keeps your home brighter, cleaner, and more stylish all year round. Want to discover how ClearGlaze or BlueGlaze self-cleaning glass can transform your home? Contact us below.