How to Deep Clean a Glass Dining Table on a Patio
Step-by-step cleaning process to revive an outdoor patio table and make a glass table top look good as new.
I almost died doing this project. Completely true story.
And by “died” I mean I’m the most stubborn chick on the planet and when I set my mind to doing something it WILL get done.
I sometimes end up lifting a 100 pound table over my head like one of those mamas who can bench press an entire car. Only… I’m not one of those mamas. And my biceps are the size of Chiclets.
Sheer determination, I’m telling you. Because this busted, rusted glass table sat on our patio in our backyard long before we ever came along.
I have no idea how long, just that the previous owners of our house left it behind, possibly for dead.
Robert and I were ready to haul it to the dump, but then I decided maybe this little forgotten table needed a new lease on life.
How to Restore a Glass Patio Table
The Little Table That Could just needed a LOT of elbow grease. I know it’s hard to tell, but that’s a glass table top. I honestly thought it was solid gray when I first saw it.
If you have glass furniture whether indoors or out, here are the simple steps to get it sparkly clean.
Since we really really wanted to use this glass dining table outside to have dinner on warm summer nights by the pool (and patio tables like these go for a couple hundred dollars), it was worth a shot.
I could not BELIEVE it was even the same table after I was done with it!
Supplies
- Large bowl of plain hot water
- 1 Tbsp liquid dish soap cleaning solution (I used Mrs. Meyers brand since that’s just what I happened to have already.)
- Scrub sponge
- Rubber gloves
- Garden hose
- Screwdriver
- Drop cloth
- 2 cans of spray primer
- 2 cans of spray paint (I used Rustoleum Painter’s Touch Semi-Gloss in White)
- Paper towels or soft cloth
Step 1 – Scrub Glass Surface
For the first step, to get rid of all of the icky grime and mildew on the surface of the glass, I mixed the liquid dish soap in the large bowl of hot water.
Then, I scrubbed the top and underside of the glass top with the scrub sponge in circular motions. It should only take very minimal effort as you don’t want to use too much pressure.
Store-bought glass cleaner didn’t even put a dent in the table surface like the dish soap method did. Then, I just rinsed the whole thing with the hose.
You can also pour a little white vinegar in an empty spray bottle and wipe the table with a clean microfiber cloth or old newspaper to eliminate a hazy appearance and water spots.
You don’t want to use abrasive cleaners to avoid causing permanent damage.
In 5 minutes, the glass was completely good as new! And it even had a pattern on it that I didn’t notice before.
Step 2 – Take Apart Glass Table to Paint
I decided it would be easier to take apart the table for painting the yellowing metal frame, and this is where I nearly killed myself.
Caution: Enlist the help of a muscular friend. Or like I should have done… waited for Robert to get home.
There were four letter words flying all over the place as I tried to carry this glass table with my spaghetti arms and fight with its pieces all over our backyard. Grunting at and arguing with this inanimate object.
Our neighbors are probably afraid of me now or at least think I’m nuts. I could have easily pulled a disc or shattered the glass everywhere. In hindsight, I was really dumb. But… I’m nothing short of committed.
Flip the table over on its top and unscrew the legs and brackets on the base of the table to release the glass top. Carefully pick up the tempered glass tabletop to move it out of the way for the next step.
Step 3 – Clean Table Base
I put the metal base pieces on a canvas drop cloth and scrubbed it again with the hot tap water and dish soap.
Then, let dry.
Step 4 – Prime and Paint Table Base
From there, it was just a quick one coat of the spray primer, followed by a coat of the white spray paint once dry.
Step 5 – Reattach Glass-Top Surface
Carefully slide the glass top back into the metal surround and screw the base back into place.
Flip the table back up and ta da! Brand new table.
Glass Patio Table Makeover After
I managed to snag this cute black and white awning stripe umbrella at World Market during their outdoor sale to go with it and these white and wood-look resin patio chairs on sale at Wayfair for $39 each.
In the end, still way cheaper and the best option than if I’d bought a brand new patio set. Doesn’t it look brand new anyway?!
I’m completely amazed how much a couple of cans of spray paint and a good scrub can do.
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We’ve already initiated this newly refinished glass-top table by having 2 big family reunions at our house the past two weekends and dinner out here almost every night since.
It’s made such an unexpected beautiful addition to our patio. I’m going to soak in every bit of it that I can.
What do you think? Amazed? If you have a shabby patio table sitting around, maybe it has some life left in it after all. It’s good to know ours will be staying out of the landfill.
More Outdoor Furniture Cleaning & Sprucing Tips
How to Restore Wood Outdoor Furniture
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions and Patio Furniture
Backyard Patio Spring Cleaning Checklist
