To make a safe and effective glass cleaner alternative, all you need is water, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and some microfiber towels. Read on to find out how you can get sparkling clean windows and mirrors without expensive, harsh glass cleaners.
The truth is, window cleaning can be a key factor in your windows lasting to their full lifespan in the long run. With a professional window cleaning you will get better results than doing it yourself.
Distilled vinegar and hot water
A true tried and tested method, distilled vinegar and hot water has proven to be one of the most successful methods to clean your windows.
Use as an all-purpose bathroom cleaner.
Spray glass cleaner into the toilet bowl, allow to sit for about five minutes, and scrub as usual to remove stains. For bathtubs, showers, and vanity countertops, spritz cleaner onto the surface, wipe down with a microfiber cloth or sponge, and rinse with plain water.
One of the most foolproof methods is simply to use water. Many people feel as though water isn't enough to properly cleanse their windows, but rest assured that it absolutely is! Instead of using a countless amount of paper towels, consider picking up a cloth made of microfiber to pair with the water.
Dirt particles will enter the glass' pores, contaminating and corroding the windows. The first things you may notice will be some light scratches or cracks. Eventually, an unmaintained window can be altered on a structural level and will need a full replacement.
Professional window cleaners use a solution made from dish soap and water to achieve a streak-free clean. The key is to use a small amount of soap and distilled water. Some professionals add ammonia to the water for increased cleaning power.
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.
If dirty windows are left long enough, the layers of debris and grime can cause discoloration. Over time this can permanently harm the opacity of the glass in the window.
Yes, you can use Windex on car windows and to clean the inside of your windshield. While some will advise you to skip the Windex with tinted windows, there's no evidence that Windex with ammonia causes problems. If your windows have been tinted by a third party, you may want to play it safe and skip it.
A big problem is the evaporation rate. If you're cleaning your windows on a warm sunny day, the liquid part of the solution evaporates quickly and leaves behind a residue that appears as streaks. On the other hand, if you don't entirely remove the liquid you can also be left with a streaky window.
Use soap and water, commercial glass cleaner, or a mixture of one part white vinegar and four parts water (preferably distilled water). Avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight to avoid streaking. Start from the top of the window and work your way down.
The best time to schedule window cleanings depends on where you live and how susceptible your windows are to getting dirty. Generally, window cleaning should be done at minimum once or twice per year, plus on an as-needed basis, including at least one cleaning of any window screens.
The simplest answer is you should have your windows cleaned once or twice a year in spring and fall. Tip: scheduling window cleaning services? That's a perfect time for pressure washing services, too.
The Number of Windows
This will impact the labour time and increase the final cost. If you have a conservatory on your property this could also dramatically increase the cost as it may need specialist cleaning for the glass. Even if not, the number of windows on a conservatory will add to the final price.
How Often Should You Clean Glass and Acrylic Surfaces? You should clean the glass and acrylic surfaces in your home as frequently as they become dirty. For something like an acrylic fish tank, that is about once every two weeks. For glass windows or doors, you should clean them once every 3-6 months.
Self-cleaning glass is ideal for inaccessible windows where organic dirt normally collects. Window Wise also advises that self-cleaning glass is not 100% self-cleaning, as inorganic matter will still need to be cleaned off the windows, and any organic dirt where there is not a cycle of rainfall.
If you use the same glass of water for a week without washing it, bacteria will begin to grow on its surface. Even if you refill it with fresh water, bacteria can multiply quickly on that unwashed glass and become dangerous for your health.
You can use Windex® Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner on your car's tinted windows, mirrors, glass, chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces. For a streak-free shine, clean car windows when the surface is cool and out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
If you're all about the DIY life, we've got just the thing for you. Combine two parts water with one part white vinegar in a spray bottle and you'll be all set with a homemade window cleaner. You can also combine warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap if you prefer.
Spray the glass with cleaner.
(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.)
Professional window cleaners keep it simple, using soapy water and a bucket, scrubber, and squeegee. Store-bought window cleaning products don't guarantee a streak-free result. Soap and water or a homemade solution leave less residue.
The blue solution in the reservoir is an alcohol-based glass cleaner probably diluted with some water. After multiple people have wiped bugs, mud, oil, and gasoline off their vehicle using the squeegee and dunked it back into the tub, that fluid is more filth than detergent.