Cleaning glass and getting rid of all the streaks is not easy. Usually, you need a lot of chemicals and time to clean it. Many people take the easier route of getting professional cleaners to do the work. But these people also use just simple methods for cleaning windows which you can also copy and save money.
So, how do you make glass sparkling clean? Here are tried and tested tips that will work for you.
Clean Windows in a Uniformed Pattern: Top to Bottom
The best way to ensure you don't remain with streak lines after cleaning your glass is to clean it from top to bottom. This means that you start from the top and work your way down. In addition, make sure you don't move from side to side as you go on cleaning especially when using a microfiber cloth or any other type of fabric because this can also leave existing streak lines on your clean glass.
Use Distilled White Vinegar
There are many uses of white vinegar, and one of them is for mirrors and glass cleaning. In addition, vinegar will make sure your window glass sparkling clean without streaks. This is because it has a high concentration of acetic acid – an organic compound that acts as a natural disinfectant and can remove dirt from surfaces.
Try Rubbing Alcohol
Adding a small amount of alcohol to the water will help break the greasy film adhered to your window. Also, alcohol boosts the effectiveness of water in dissolving dirt and grease on surfaces. You can spray alcohol on the surface using a spray bottle and then use a sponge or soft cloth to rub gently until dirt. After cleaning simply dry the surface with a microfiber cloth or paper towels.
Use Homemade Window Cleaner
You can make your own window cleaning liquid at home and use it to make your windows sparkle. Here are the steps. Mix 1 part vinegar with four parts water and put it in a spray bottle. You can also add one drop of liquid dish soap to help break the grime. Spray this solution on your window surface and use paper towels or a soft cloth to wipe until clean. Get a squeegee from a hardware store and use it after cleaning the window to remove the water from the glass.
Buy Commercial Window Cleaners
There are many streak-free window cleaners that you can buy at your local hardware store. Just use the same process as you would with vinegar and water solution– spray it on, then wipe away. You can also find commercial glass cleaners that are ready to use and don't require any preparation other than having a squeegee handy.
Use the commercial streak free window cleaner to make your windows spotless. Buy commercial cleaner of your choice and achieve that streak free window. Don't forget to wear gloves when using commercial cleaners as they may contain unknown chemicals that can be harmful.
Use Cotton Swabs for the Corners
Many people just clean the glass part of the window and forget the corners, which accumulate a lot of dirt. Use a cotton swab to get the corners inside and out. They work well for cleaning those framed wood areas. These swabs are small but perfect for reaching all the hard-to-reach areas and ensuring all the dirt is gone.
Don't Clean It When It's Wet
When it's raining outside, don't clean your windows right after you've just cleaned them. The first time you do this, many people notice that their windows are streaky or have smudges because they're still wet. It's best to wait an hour or two before you clean the windows again after they have been wet.
Minimize Suds
While soapy water is the most effective window washing fluid for cleaning surfaces such as windows, moldings, and counters, suds don't do well on these surfaces. The suds can leave a residue that's difficult to remove, and it attracts more dirt over time. To minimize the amount of suds left behind, use a squeegee or microfiber cloths and apply minimal pressure when wiping down your surface.
Avoid Washing Windows on Sunny Days
The best time to clean glass surfaces is on a cloudy day, such as when it is overcast or raining. Sunny days are not very good due to the sun's rays and heat, which cause the windows to dry quickly and potentially leave water spots behind. You might be able to see the streaks better when it's sunny out, but it doesn't look great to your visitors.
Use Elbow Grease
Elbow grease is another effective glass cleaner that you can try out. This window cleaner is made from a mixture of 1/2 cup soap flakes and water.
The soap flakes will break up the grime on your windows without leaving smears behind. Your grease is also a great thing to have if you want to clean surfaces that are not easy to reach. If you do not have soap flakes, baking soda can also work as a great substitute for cleaning solutions.
Wipe with an Old T-Shirt
If you have an old t-shirt that you're no longer using, it can make a good glass cleaner. All you need to do is get the t-shirt wet and then wring it out. After that, wipe your windows down using this fabric and notice how much cleaner they look.
This method works because the fabric will absorb any streaks and smears on your glass without getting them dirty in the process. Afterward, simply throw the shirt away or wash it. This method definitely works better than paper towels or other cleaning rags since these items will leave behind fabric fibers that are incredibly difficult to remove.
Frequently Ask Questions About How to Clean Glass Windows
How often should you clean windows?
It all depends. If you live in a rural area that doesn't have much traffic, then you can probably go about six months before doing any major cleaning of the windows. However, if you're one of the many people who live near a busy intersection and there's always something obstructing your view, then it may be necessary to clean your windows much more frequently.
How do I get rid of streaks?
It's very important to avoid leaving any streaks when cleaning glass windows. Streaks mean that dirt or dust is still stuck on the glass even after you think it should be completely clean. You can avoid streaks by using a squeegee instead of paper towels or rags to clean the windows. You can check best microfiber towels for kitchen windows here.
Our Verdict on How to Make Windows Sparkling Clean
Cleaning glass windows and getting rid of all the streaks is not as hard as many people imagine. With a little time and effort, you'll be able to ensure your windows are crystal clear so you can enjoy the beauty of what's beyond them.
