Tips to Prevent Streaking When Cleaning Windows Use the right type of cloth or sponge: A microfiber cloth or a squeegee is generally the best choice for
Certain home cleaning products, such as those that include ammonia or abrasive substances, can create streaks on glass surfaces. Choose a specialized window cleaner or make your own by combining vinegar and water; this will effectively remove stains and ensure clean windows.
The most important thing you can do to avoid streaks and smears when cleaning glass is to use plenty of clean wiping cloths and after making the initial wipe over a window or a section of a window, either turn or fold to a fresh clean side or switch to a clean, dry, unused wiping cloth to continue.
Dish Soap Solution
Believe it or not, one of the most common and effective window cleaning solutions that is used by professionals is a mixture of dish soap and water. Simply mix one gallon of water with two teaspoons of liquid dish soap, and you have a professional window cleaning solution.
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 a spray bottle or dip a rag in the solution, just like you would an ordinary cleaner.
Use a soft brush or a sponge and remove dirt or cobwebs from the window surfaces. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Add a few drops of dish soap to help cut through grease and grime. Use a hose with a sprayer attachment to wet the window thoroughly.
Add 1 tablespoon of Jet-Dry Rinse Aid to your cleaning solution. Add 2 tablespoons of Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to your cleaning water. Use a squeegee to dry the windows.
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.)
Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Wash the window: Dip your scrubber or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the window in a circular motion, paying extra attention to any stubborn stains.
And while ammonia-based cleaners like Windex are known for their cleaning power, the smell isn't so great. Plus, ammonia can leave streaks and film on some types of windows. But not to worry, CR found that the ammonia-free options cleaned just as well. The winner was Sprayway Foaming Glass Cleaner.
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. Alcohol- and ammonia-based cleaners evaporate more quickly than vinegar, but any window cleaner can leave streaks if it isn't removed fast enough.
Mix one part vinegar with one part warm water. Dishwashing liquid is a solid addition. For a more heavy duty clean, add some dishwashing liquid to your water and vinegar solution. This will cut through the toughest marks and spots.
If you want a paper towel that is absorbent and can quickly soak up spills, then Bounty or Viva would be a good choice. If you want a paper towel that is strong enough to scrub away stubborn dirt and grime, then Scott would be a good choice.
So, why do your windows appear more grimy after they are cleaned? Cleaning your windows tends to reveal hard water stains, especially if they've been left untreated over the years. Here are the facts about hard water stains along with a few tips on how you can prevent them in the future.
Too Much Soap in the Solution
Well, window cleaner, this can absolutely apply to your soap solution. Your windows could be looking murky because you're using way too much of the good stuff. When it comes to concentrate, a little goes a long way, even if you're using regular dish soap.
To clean windows without leaving streaks, use a mix of distilled water and white vinegar or a commercial cleaner. Wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth or squeegee in a zig-zag motion. Clean on a cloudy day to prevent quick drying, and avoid paper towels, which can leave lint and streaks behind.
But vinegar can sometimes leave behind streaks or a hazy residue, particularly if it's not diluted correctly or the glass is grimy. It's like striving for perfection and ending up with a 'just missed it' feeling. Getting that flawless finish with vinegar can be a bit of a tightrope walk.
A hot, sunny day causes the cleaning solution to evaporate too fast before you can finish washing the window and leaves streaks. Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn.
The most common professional window cleaning solution recipe is filtered or distilled water and dish soap. Just a few spoonfuls of dish soap is all that's needed to create foam for gliding and to help break up any grease and dirt on the glass during cleaning.
DIY Window Cleaner with Rubbing Alcohol
To make this homemade window cleaner, first add 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 2-3 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar to a spray bottle. For best results, make sure your vinegar says "made from grain" on the label. Then add 1 cup distilled water.
Dawn dish soaps are great for cleaning exterior windows because of their cleaning properties. Using dish soap on outside windows can help remove any caked-on dirt and grime.
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.