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. Cloths that contain fabric softener may also leave a cloudy residue.
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.
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.
But even mirror-specific products like Windex, while effective at cleaning, can leave your mirror full of streaks because they contain so much soap. While streaks are annoying, they aren't the only issue that can come up when you're cleaning mirrors.
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.
Some commercial glass cleaners contain wax, which can leave a streaky residue. Washing windows on a sunny day or using hot water can also cause streaks, because the cleaner dries too quickly on the windows. Many pros recommend washing windows with plain soap and water and a squeegee.
If you have smeared windows when you're finished cleaning, you've left cleaning solution, soap, or minerals behind. Whether you have white residue on windows or another blemish, the solution is the same. Clean faster, use cleaner water, and wipe away all your solution, so nothing is left behind.
The Right Technique. It's often recommended to spray the window cleaner directly on your microfiber cloth, newspaper, or t-shirt instead of the glass. The reason is that this will help you avoid drips that can leave streaks if you don't wipe them up quickly.
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.
There are a few things you'll need to clean your windows without streaks. In terms of cleaning solution, your best bets are water and dish soap, water and vinegar, or a professional window cleaner of your choice. The tools and equipment you'll need include: Vinegar or a mineral deposit cleaner for stubborn stains.
Although you know the piece is clean, it still—somehow—looks dirty. "Cloudy glasses are a byproduct of hard water," says Ron Shimek, the president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company. "Minerals like lime are trapped in the water and the water sticks onto glasses and dries.
Window cleaning professionals suggest avoiding window washing on very sunny days or at a time when a window is in direct sunlight, as the heat may cause the glass to dry too quickly and cause smears.
Use Vinegar
Whether you are out of name brand glass cleaner or you want to use a more natural cleaner, vinegar works wonders on windows. Try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a streak-free clean.
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.
(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.)
Top Pick: Windex – Complete
Our pick for best overall glass cleaner is Windex. It simply cleans and eliminates streaking better than any of the other products we tested.
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 choice is clear when it comes to automotive glass cleaning products. Ammonia-based glass cleaners should not be used to clean your car's windshield or windows under any circumstances. You may cause damage to your windows or other surrounding components, as well as jeopardize your health!
You should wear a mask when cleaning the bathroom to protect yourself against harsh cleaning chemicals. The face mask will filter out toxic chemicals before they can reach your airways, protecting your internal systems. They can also protect your skin if any of the cleaning products splash on your face.