Give it a once-over using newspaper. Once the window is mostly dry, bunch up a piece of newspaper and wipe any remaining liquid off—this will ensure that it's streak-free. (Don't use newspaper to wipe the cleaning solution off at the first go, as it will get wet and pill-y, and fall apart.)
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.
Windex can leave streaks for several reasons: Residue: If the surface being cleaned has built-up grime or residue, the cleaning solution may not fully remove it, leading to streaks. Improper Application: Using too much product or not spreading it evenly can result in streaks.
It is critical to use a glass cleaner without additives like soaps, scents, or dyes, as these unnecessary additives cause streaks.. Start by spot cleaning any particularly difficult stains and grime. Next moderately apply glass cleaner to the whole surface—avoid using too much cleaner as that can lead to hazing.
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.
Use a Squeegee for a Streak-Free Finish
Spray your cleaner on the glass and start at the top left corner. Ensuring the squeegee is flat against the glass, pull the squeegee down in a reverse S pattern. Wipe the blade clean, and repeat the process beginning at the top right corner.
“Windex shouldn't be used on granite or marble kitchen tops. Cleaners like Windex can etch or dull the surfaces of natural stone,” says Rick Glickman, president of Dream Kitchens, a design studio in Highland Park, Illinois.
For a quick fix, dip a microfiber cloth in vinegar and wipe it onto the mirror. You can also rub shaving cream onto the cloudy mirror and wipe away the cream. Once you've cleaned the cloudy mirror, take steps to keep it clear and shining.
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.
Pros: Effective Cleaning: Windex Original Glass Cleaner is known for its excellent cleaning power, leaving glass surfaces sparkling clean and streak-free. Versatility: Beyond glass, it can be used on multiple surfaces such as mirrors, chrome, stainless steel, and even some countertops.
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.
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.
They utilize various soaps and detergents, including dish soap like Dawn, and may add additives such as vinegar, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol to enhance their cleaning solutions. Outside windows often benefit from these specialized cleaning solutions, which are designed to handle tougher dirt and grime.
There are many different formulations of Windex. The ingredients vary between products, but they typically contain surfactants, solvents, and dyes. These chemicals are irritating when swallowed and can cause unwanted signs and symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain.
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 Instructions
Step 1: Rotate nozzle on Windex Original Glass Cleaner bottle to “on” position Step 2: Follow directions below for desired outcome: ▪ TO CLEAN: Spray surface and wipe with towel or ▪ lint-free cloth. Cleaning Tips ▪ Try to use a microfiber cloth – some paper towels will leave lint.
When it comes to cleaning mirrors, stick to DIY solutions that use only vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or even isopropyl alcohol; or use only commercial products formulated specifically for glass.
You're Using The Wrong Cloth (and It's Probably Dirty)
Maker adds, “Rags are also not absorbent and leave streaks behind.” So what's the perfect product? According to both Maker and Pleshek, microfiber towels will guarantee spotless mirrors. Maker specifically recommends a flat-weave microfiber cloth.
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.
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.
Make sure you're taking these steps: A microfiber cleaning cloth eliminates the small paper fibers you get when cleaning with paper towels. They're also less likely to leave streaks. To reach the corners of the windshield, use a reach-and-clean tool.