While you might spare your windows from some random chemicals often present in regular water, using distilled water does not eliminate the water spot issue. If you're cleaning your windows yourself and you want to use a fancy water for your final rinse, we recommend using deionized water over distilled water.
When window cleaners clean windows, they use deionized water, also called demineralized water. This is a highly purified water that removes dissolved minerals and impurities. The water is also a highly effective cleaning solution for window panes and frames. Its high pH level eliminates dissolved minerals.
All water -- no matter if it comes from a natural spring, artesian well, or regular tap -- may have trace but safe amounts of minerals, bacteria, pesticides, and other contaminants. Distilling rids water of all those impurities. It also removes more than 99.9% of the minerals dissolved in water.
No impurities
The fingerprints are the most annoying thing on windows, as most of the fingerprints can't be removed with the help of normal water. Distilled water goes well with cleaning windows and other surface, as there are no impurities involved in it.
In a spray bottle, combine ¼ cup of white vinegar with ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Dilute the solution with 2 cups of water, then shake the bottle vigorously to mix the components. If you don't have white vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with lemon juice.
While this method works for some jobs, it's not a universal way to do your cleaning. In the case of windows, tap water is one of the worst things you can put on glass – much to the homeowner's surprise!
The biggest difference between bottled water and distilled water is that bottled water is meant for drinking and distilled water is not. This is because of the mineral content of each form of water, which is determined by the way in which these products are filtered or purified.
No, they aren't the same. Boiled water is simply water that has had the temperature increased until it reaches its boiling point. This kills a host of bacteria that can make a person sick. Distilled water is water that has been stripped of all impurities, including minerals and microorganisms.
Professionals who clean exterior windows use one of two methods to do the job well. Some use soapy water and a scrubber and squeegee. Others use plain water and a water-fed pole cleaning system.
Hot water cleans windows faster
Removes dirt more easily – hot water is more successful in removing dirt. This is because hot temperatures make dirt particles vibrate faster, which makes it a lot easier to wipe them away.
Many hotels use ammonia-based cleaning solutions because ammonia readily cuts through dirt and soap scum. Because of the way it dries, ammonia also decreases the possibility of streaks on glass.
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
Vinegar is great for DIY glass cleaners too, since its acidity removes dirt and grease.
Both purified and distilled water are very healthy for you and are essentially the same. The main difference between the two is that purified water doesn't necessarily get rid of all of the healthy minerals that can be found in water, which isn't the case with distilled water.
As you can likely gather from the information above, there is essentially no difference between distilled and purified water aside from the purification process used. While distilled water undergoes the process of distillation, purified water is processed by a variety of other means.
The reason for the controversy is that minerals such as sodium, calcium and magnesium that are essential for our health are removed together with harmful pollutants during the distillation process.
Distilled water is used for sterilizing medical equipment, lead-acid batteries, automotive cooling systems, and other devices where mineral buildup would cause damage. The absence of other minerals and contaminants makes it ideal for use in skin products, canning products, and cleaning laboratory equipment.
No, you don't need to refrigerate distilled water. However, if you want to extend the shelf life of the water, it's a good idea to store it in the fridge.
Finally, demand for distilled water is higher than ever, which isn't helping the 2023 shortage. The product is used by dentists, doctors, labs, and even some people at home. Some prefer it for its lack of minerals or chemicals, even those that are beneficial.
Use a cleaning solution: Like Glass-Rite cleaner! Or we also recommend a simple solution of equal parts vinegar and water, a Windex solution in water is good also. Do not use glass cleaners that are ammonia or alcohol based. They may leave streaks or make a film that attracts moisture or dust.
Spray your windows with a generous amount of glass cleaner. Using a lint-free paper towel or microfiber cloth, wipe your windows from top to bottom. If you see any streaks, give them another wipe until the glass is clear.
You can also make an all-natural window cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Adding a touch of liquid soap to the vinegar solution will help remove any streak-causing wax left on the window from commercial cleaners used in the past.