How to Clean Terrarium Glass: A Step-by-Step Guide

2. Preparation

So, depending on your preference, you may have a terrarium which is pretty full, leaving you little space to work. Therefore, if you can of course, remove any decorative items or even large plants that can be removed without disturbing the ecosystem or damaging the plant. This will give you much better access to the glass and prevent you causing any damage to the plants.

Of course along with terrarium prep, you should also make sure you have a good space with natural lighting to work in, this will help you with seeing where all the dirt is and give you the elbow room to buff them out!

3. Start with Dry Cleaning

To begin, we think it is best to start by sing a soft brush or dry microfiber cloth by gently removing any loose dirt or algae from the inside of the glass. Doing this first will help prevent smearing when you move on to using water, causing you more cleaning!

Take your time when buffing these tougher spots as you don’t want to lose control and dislodge anything inside the terrarium. Rotate your terrarium as you go and try and get a look from different angles, as you never know when those dirty spots are invisible at certain perspectives!

4. Wet Cleaning

Now the tougher spots have been removed, or weakened, it’s time to get the water power out. Moisten a fresh microfiber cloth, or bit of kitchen roll with clean water, but if possible, used distilled water, as tap water can leave mineral deposits on the glass, giving you more regular cleaning dates, so distilled water is preferred. 

Gently wipe the inside of the glass in a circular motion, rinsing the cloth if you start to notice smudging. For those taller terrariums and hard-to-reach areas, wrap the cloth around a long-handled brush for an extension to the clean – I found that using an elastic band around it will help keep it more stable.

5. Addressing Stains and Mineral Deposits

For those more stubborn stains or mineral buildups, you can mix equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water, this will give your clean-up a bit more oomf! Mix a small amount in a bowl and then dip a cloth or sponge into the solution and start to apply and rub against the stains. 

If you’re still struggling to remove the dirt, let the solution sit for a few minutes to break down the buildup. You could also use a razor blade or plastic scraper for any stubborn mineral deposits, but do so with caution to avoid scratching the glass (or yourself!).

6. Cleaning the Outside

Don’t forget that keeping the outside of the terrarium clean is just as important as keeping the inside clean. You can clean the exterior using the same method as the inside. However, you can be a bit more rough with your cleaning outside, but still being careful not to over do it – you don’t want your terrarium taking a trip off the edge of your surface! You can use some actual glass cleaner if you prefer or have it handy, just make sure it doesn’t seep into the terrarium, as it can be harmful to the plants.

Once you’ve given it a wet wipe and it is nice and clean, give it a once over buff to shine that glass.

7. Drying

Of course it is important to use a clean, dry microfiber cloth, or similar, to wipe down the glass and remove any streaks. Make sure the glass is completely dry, inside and out, to prevent any moisture buildup that could lead to mold or mildew.

8. Reassemble Your Terrarium

Once you have finished your cleaning session and glass is clean and dry, carefully place back any items or plants you removed at the start, also being careful not to make a mess and undo all your hard work! This is also a great time to prune any dead leaves or rearrange your setup if desired.

Tips for Keeping Your Terrarium Clean

• Regularly check and clean your terrarium to prevent the buildup of dirt, algae and mineral deposits.
• Place your terrarium in a location where the temperature is consistent and so that it receives indirect sunlight to minimize algae growth.
• Use tools like a long-handled brush or sponge to make the cleaning process easier and to reach corners without disturbing the plants.
• Enjoy the process!

To Summarize

Keeping our terrarium clean ensures that your plants receive adequate light and that your miniature ecosystem can be admired without the distraction of dirt and smudges. 

With regular care and the right techniques, your terrarium will continue to thrive and beautify your space.