The best way to clean windows begins with the right weather. Since bright sun will dry your cleaning solution before you can properly clean the windows and leave them streaky, it's best to wash windows on a cloudy day.
No matter what the season is, it is generally best to wash your windows on an overcast day or early in the morning.
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.
It may be tempting to spritz the glass cleaners all over the place, but you don't want to apply too much. Start at the top of the dirty window, spray once or twice to start, then take the microfiber cleaning cloth and wipe in Z-shaped motions to dry. Work your way down to the windowsill.
Sunshine exposure speeds up the drying of the washing solution, which can cause streaking or spotting, so only wash windows on cloudy days or when the windows are shaded. Because window solution dries quickly, even in the shade, work on just one window at a time.
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.
Perhaps your windows haven't even had the dirt removed properly. This can happen if you keep reusing a sponge that isn't being washed frequently. Or if the technique used is sloppy and not thorough. And some squeegees give a really patchy finish, especially poorer quality models not designed for professional use.
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. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.
Hot water cleans windows faster
Removes dirt more easily – hot water is more successful in removing dirt. This is because hot temperatures make dirt particles vibrate faster, which makes it a lot easier to wipe them away.
Once all the dirt is off the windows, it's time to dry them. Working from the top down to prevent drips, dry the glass with a squeegee or clean, dry, lint-free towel.
Don't Wash in the Sun: Don't wash windows in direct sunlight because the sun can overheat glass and cause streaking. Use a Squeegee for best results: Use a squeegee on a pole and always keep the rubber up to avoid denting the rubber when not in use. Use an extension pole instead of a ladder for safety.
For homes and small businesses it can take anywhere from one hour to three hours to have your windows cleaned professionally. For larger homes and companies it can take from 2 to 6 hours to have all the windows cleaned.
According to their report, windows should be washed twice a year, while screens need only to be cleaned annually. For many home owners and even renters, window cleaning usually is a once-a-year chore.
Schmitz says that cleaning your baseboards once every two to three months should be sufficient, though that will depend on the room of your home and how much traffic it gets. If your baseboards have collected a layer of dirt, dust, and pet hair, they're due for a cleaning, regardless of when you last wiped them down.
Dish Soap and Water
Dish soap is perfect for cleaning windows with residue and buildup, and you only need a few drops of dish soap to get the job done. If you're cleaning inside windows, use a spray bottle and if you're washing exterior windows, use a bucket.
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.
“Vinegar is a good cleaner because it's acidic, but when you add dishwashing liquid/dish soap to it (which is a base or neutral) - you neutralise the vinegar. You take away the very thing that makes it work well. “The dishwashing liquid works that well on its own. Adding the vinegar is a pointless step.”
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.)
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.
Professional window cleaners try to clean when temperatures are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (10-23 C). These temperatures are most common during spring and autumn seasons, making those the best times for outdoor window cleaning.
Vinegar. A trusted way to get windows sparkling is a combination of water and vinegar. Fill a bucket with water and add two or three cups of white vinegar.