Windows are a focal point in any home, as they let in light and allow us to look out at the world. They are also regularly exposed to the elements, collecting pollen and debris on one side of the glass and household dust on the other.
Keeping them free of dirt is important, both for aesthetic and hygienic reasons, and should be a simple process. However, there is a common but frustrating phenomenon: you take out your cleaning products and clean the windows, only to find them covered in unsightly streaks. In fact, they may look dirtier than before you started. Not only do they need to be cleaned again, but who can guarantee that the streaks won’t appear the second time?
With these five tips, you’ll be able to ensure that each window cleaning treatment really does its job. Even better, these are tips that use everyday household items or don’t require any supplies, so you can start implementing them right away.
While it may take you a little longer to clean your windows by following these steps, you will save time in the long run as you won’t need to repeat cleaning efforts. It is recommended to incorporate all of these steps into your routine, but only one or two will help reduce streaks when cleaning your windows.
1. Clean with the appropriate materials
You may be setting yourself up for failure before you even start cleaning the window. It is important to select the proper cleaning materials when treating windows because these liquids can leave residue on the glass that contributes to streaking. One problem is the use of hard water, as it contains minerals that often remain deposited during cleaning. If you are using a homemade cleaning solution, such as a vinegar and water mixture, be sure to use distilled water to remove these minerals before you begin.
Alternatively, you may prefer to use soap or a specific glass cleaner such as Windex. These liquids should be used sparingly and diluted with water, in the case of soap, to minimize the risk of excess liquid accumulating on the window surface. A thinner cleaning solution will also be easier to spread across the surface, so the cleaning cloth won’t drag or leave marks or even abrasions on the glass.
2. Spray the product on a cloth (not on the window)
Another way to reduce the risk of excess residue is to apply the cleaning product to a cloth and then rub it over the window, rather than spraying the solution directly onto the window surface. This controls the amount of solution that comes into contact with the window and also means there is less time for the solution to dry and settle into place before you can clean it.
Cleaning these patches of hardened residue can cause large scratches on the otherwise clean surface.
It’s also important to select a cloth made of microfiber, suede, or something similar, so you don’t leave fibers behind while you clean. While it may be convenient to use paper towels, these sheets can easily drop lint or other debris when wiped across the surface. This leaves you with more material to clean. A microfiber cloth can be used over and over again, as long as it dries sufficiently between cleanings.
3. Use a dry cloth to polish any remaining wet patches.
Once you’ve applied the cleaning solution and scrubbed any stubborn stains, switch to a new, dry cloth. This should be made of a similar material to the first, so that there is no risk of any fiber falling out. Use this cloth to buff any wet patches still on the surface, to ensure all residue is picked up and removed. It is important to act quickly so that there is no time for marks to set and cause streaks.
If necessary, treat one window pane before moving on to the next, so only apply and remove the cleaning solution to a small area at a time.
A traditional method that still stands the test of time is to use newspaper as a cleaning cloth. This is still an effective tool and can even add a slight shine, thanks to the oil in the paper. Even so, if you choose to use this material, you must be careful with possible stains from newspaper. This can easily get onto clothing or skin, requiring separate cleaning.
4. Consider a squeegee for larger surfaces
While a couple of cleaning cloths should be enough for normal household windows, you may want to consider a squeegee if you have larger windows or even glass doors. Not only can these tools cover much more surface area at once, but they can also help eliminate a separate problem: static charging. When you rub the surface of the window with a cloth, you can give the glass a static charge which then attracts dirt and dust to the glass. You could be undermining all the good work you’ve been doing so far. By using a squeegee, you avoid the need to quickly shake the glass and therefore reduce the chance of static energy.
Glass squeegees are also useful for creating constant movement across the glass and covering a large amount of square footage at once. It’s much easier to clean large windows quickly when you have a tool like this, rather than manually wiping them with a rag. However, some best practices still apply. Be sure to clean the squeegee after each pass on the window, so you don’t reapply the cleaning solution to the glass. Also, remove any residue with a clean cloth as you would after using a damp one.
5. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight
Dry cleaning solution can create streaks when you wipe it, so it is recommended to work quickly when cleaning windows. However, if you’re cleaning the windows on a sunny day, the heat from the sunlight could dry out the cleaning residue before you have a chance to get to it, no matter how fast you’re working.
To avoid this, try to clean your windows during cloudier days, so that the cleaning solution evaporates at a normal rate. This gives you room to clean thoroughly, without worrying about speed.
- Also, here we explain how to clean a mirror without leaving streaks.
- And vinegar vs. baking soda: which is better for cleaning?
- See how to clean a glass shower door
