Don't leave the streak-free shine behind when you reach for a multi-surface cleaner that kills 99.9% of germs‡, viruses^, and bacteria† on hard, non-porous surfaces. Windex® Disinfectant Cleaner Multi-Surface leaves behind a fresh citrus scent without any dull residue.
For best results, avoid using Windex® Original Glass Cleaner on very hot or cold surfaces. The product may evaporate before wiping and cause streaking. Choosing the right towel can also help achieve a streak-free shine. Extra-absorbent paper towels can leave lint and film behind because they are treated.
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.
Have you ever spent hours washing your windows, only to notice streaks everywhere? This has to do with the evaporation rate—if your cleaning solution evaporates before you have time to wipe it off, it will leave a mark.
For best results, make sure you completely rinse suds. Do not allow product to dry before rinsing, rinse windows from top to bottom and use Windex® Outdoor Sprayer when the temperature is above 55º F. If the product is applied to eaves or siding above windows, it may drip down on windows.
In larger amounts, you could burn your nose, throat, and respiratory tract, even leading to the destruction of your airway. Children exposed to the same amount of the chemical will have heightened reactions compared to adults, and pregnant women risk developing asthma if exposed to too much ammonia in aerosol form.
Even multi-purpose cleaners are too strong for cleaning mirrors. They often leave a toxic residue that makes mirrors hazy. Soapy cleaners also leave behind a residue that contributes to streaks, so avoid those too.
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.)
Use old newspapers to prevent streaks
This texture will remove any grease left over by your solution. However, this will also guarantee the streak-free finish you may desire. 'Once cleaned, rub crumpled newspaper in circular motions to absorb any leftover cleaning flue and leave your window streak-free,' they explain.
Use Vinegar
Try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a streak-free clean.
Are there hard water stains on your windows? If so, you might have noticed this common problem: No matter how rigorously you clean them, the windows still appear cloudy, with chalky white residue. If you notice these tell-tale signs, chances are, there are hard water stains on home's windows.
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.
Lint-free cotton cloths, microfiber towels, untreated paper towels, newspaper or old, clean cloth diapers work great.Be sure to use enough Windex® product to remove all the dirt and change cleaning towels as they become soiled. Cleaning windows on a cloudy day works best.
For best results, avoid using Windex® Vinegar Glass Cleaner on very hot or cold surfaces. The product may evaporate before wiping and cause streaking. Choosing the right towel can also help achieve a streak-free shine. Extra-absorbent paper towels can leave lint and film behind because they are treated.
Countertop, glass cook top, tile, and grout grime won't stand a chance against Windex. The product works on granite, marble, and laminate countertops, and—best of all—won't erode or damage grout. No need to even switch cleansers when you switch to wiping down enamel and stainless steel appliances.
It is safe to use on car windows and other interior car surfaces. Windex® Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner offers a streak-free shine you can depend on and a fragrance experience you'll love. It is safe to use on car windows and other interior car surfaces.
The biggest no-no when it comes to getting your mirrors clean is using paper towels. Paper towels are both single-use and leave teeny tiny bits of residue that can create an even bigger mess. In order to achieve a streak-free shine, use a microfiber cloth.
Windex Original Glass Cleaner
Windex is one of the most popular brands of glass cleaners on the market, and it's for good reason. It's incredibly effective at cleaning all sorts of glass surfaces, especially mirrors that immediately show and amplify smudges, fingerprints, and specks of dirt.
Mirrors use glass, but they have a silver backing which is sensitive to acid corrosion. If the vinegar seeps through the glass coating, it'll ruin your mirror's shine. To clean mirrors, you could instead use plain old Windex or another store-bought glass cleaner.
Rubbing Alcohol Windex Alternative
(Rubbing alcohol is also a safe cleaning solution for stains and sticky messes.) Mix one cup distilled water, three tablespoons vinegar, and ¼ cup rubbing alcohol in a new spray bottle and label it. Shake up your glass cleaning solution and spray it on your glass.
The Windex product we're talking about may surprise you — it's the Original Windex Glass Cleaner. This glass cleaner contains chemicals designed to cut through greasy marks like fingerprints and other grime, leaving a polished shine on glass surfaces, so it'll work wonders for your porcelain toilet!