If you know a few simple tricks, cleaning a window without leaving behind streaks and dirt can be easy. With the right tools and technique you can achieve professional looking results.
Just follow these tips for a clear and clean streak free window:
Cleaning Solution: Window cleaning solution should be vinegar or ammonia based. Don't use a bleach-based solution or bathroom cleaner!
Green Cleaning Solution: Combine 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 quart of water.
Pre-Wash: Neglected windows will be coated with a thick layer of dirt and grime. It's best to do a cursory wipe down so you can get a deep clean on your second round.
Use a Squeegee: No other cleaning tool can give you streak-free results.
Clean Scrubber: Make sure your scrubber and squeegee are clean. It doesn't make much sense to clean with dirty tools! Don't forget to wipe your squeegee between strokes. You don't want to leave dirt behind. Also, a wet blade will leave streak marks.
Don't Wash in the Sun: Don't wash windows in direct sunlight because the sun can overheat glass and cause streaking.
Overlap Strokes: By at least an inch and angle the squeegee so the dirty water doesn't drip into the area that is clean and dry.
Wipe the Edges: It's almost impossible to avoid streak marks at the edge of the window pane, so when you're done wipe down the edges of the pane with a clean cloth.
If you have any window cleaning tips, please share with the Apartment Therapy Community!
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Wash windows with cleaner then wipe down the windows with Newspaper!!! I know sounds crazy but works unbelievably well! Best tip Ive ever gotten!
If you have weird windows, hire a professional. We have lots of leaded glass and we have cleaned our own windows and it has been..fine--or so we thought). Due to a super busy fall, we hired out to do it--the people specialized in old house glass and they did an amazing job. Even people coming to our house at night remark on how clean the windows are.
Another choice...
In the Netherlands, it is common (at least for old-timers) to use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) diluted in water (1:4). Cuts grease, & no streaks.
p.s.: squeegee not needed w/ the isopropyl alcohol. Just a clean cloth.
I second the newspaper suggestion. It works very well. It is a tip I learned as a child from my friend's mom who cleaned houses for a living, and I've been using ever since I had windows to clean.
is it wrong that I've NEVER washed my windows?
Does the newspaper trick not cause ink to rub off on windows? How does it not scratch?
No ink does not rub off at all and absolutely no scratching! Thats why it is so unbelievable! I thought the same things before I tried it. Trust me!
Try a microfiber cloth and water. That's it.
You wouldn't clean your drinking glasses with vinegar or ammonia, would you? You'd use dish soap, right?
Mix dish soap and water. Sponge it on. Squeegee it off. Ta da. It's as clean as a drinking glass.
Neat rubbing alcohol and paper towels. Same on mirrors ...I worked in a jewellers where smear free super sparkling glass is a must and now I never use anything else.
Nikima, I never have either! (so ashamed) It's really tough getting motivated to do stuff like that in an apartment where it's clear that the windows have NEVER been washed (nor the floors, the oven...sigh).
I've never had cleaner glass or mirrors than cleaning with Dawn on a damp sponge, then drying it off with microfiber. Gets off all of the dirt and is completely streak free.
Just lick it off with your tongue.
@Craigslist Decorator - it's never scratched or left ink when I've used it, though those are good questions.
Newsprint has an ink drying agent that equals streak-less-ness when you use it to wipe off the cleanser. It's a wonder. Great for mirrors, too.
Oh, and you can still toss the paper in the recycling bin when you're finished - double bonus!
I have to admit the Newspaper solution is the best I've come across (I've tried many variations and I have found a spray bottle of Methylated Spirits comes in handy too). Another weird one if you don't want to be coming back to them constantly is Brasso (That slightly abrasive brass and silver cleaner). It leaves a coating that seems to repel all the dust and stuff for weeks afterwards. You need to apply it liberally at first, leave it to dry and then lots of elbow grease to rub it off. You also need a lot of motivation.
Just cleaned my glass shower doors of soap scum with the tip here about using dish washing detergent to clean glass.
It worked brillantly. Who knew?
I've always cleaned with vinegar/water and newspaper. There's nothing better. Just hate the smell!
Just add a onion cut in half to your hot water and then wash your windows.
They will shine like never before and it's so much cheaper and better then vinegar or ammonia stuff !!
Barkeeper's Friend and a scotch brite works wonders on soap scum covered glass shower doors.
Newspapers and Sprayway are the best for windows and framed artwork.
I only clicked because of the pretty young woman!
Yes, newspaper and detergent/alcohol! It's great.
Thanks for giving informative article about how to clean your windows. The tips you have included in your above post are exactly the same that I use to clean my own house windows. This really works well and give you positive output. One more thing after completing your whole window cleaning task you should clean it with newspaper as it will make your windows shiny and bright. For more information on cheap window cleaning services and other cleaning facilities you may visit this online resource. http://www.sentrex.co.uk/