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.
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.
While you might spare your windows from some random chemicals often present in regular water, using distilled water does not eliminate the water spot issue. If you're cleaning your windows yourself and you want to use a fancy water for your final rinse, we recommend using deionized water over distilled water.
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.
Combine two parts water with one part white vinegar in a spray bottle and you'll be all set with a homemade window cleaner. You can also combine warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap if you prefer.
Dawn as a substitute glass cleaner
One of the most effective ways to clean glass is dish soap – it's what professional window cleaners use when cleaning exterior windows.
The only time to avoid professional window cleaning is during storms when there is lots of wind present. This is because the wind can blow dust and debris against the glass. But, even in winter, homeowners can benefit from residential window cleaning and pressure washing treatments to keep their homes looking great.
Bottom Line
If you're a homeowner, clean your windows regularly, twice or thrice a year, and once every month for commercial properties like restaurants. However, take into account factors that may require you to clean exterior windows more often. You can do it yourself or call in a professional.
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.
Vinegar is great for cleaning glass, but because it's acidic, it can't be used on every surface.
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.)
In a spray bottle, combine ¼ cup of white vinegar with ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Dilute the solution with 2 cups of water, then shake the bottle vigorously to mix the components. If you don't have white vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with lemon juice.
This match made in heaven has been a household staple for a long time and I make sure to keep it handy. To make the solution is simple and easy on the wallet! Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned.
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.
That is not to say, however, that perfect results are not possible with cold water. Thousands of window cleaners achieve top-notch results using cold water every day. But hot water is able to get perfect results faster and with less effort.
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. Use a dry part of the same cloth to wipe away cleaner that's pooled around the edges where the glass meets the frame.
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so.
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.
Once a week at least.
Tetro says your bathroom is the ultimate bacteria host; E. coli can be found within six feet of the toilet and in the sink. To keep it at bay, disinfect the toilet and sink at least once weekly, and the bathtub every two weeks — more if you shower often.
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.
The best time of year to wash windows is the fall and spring months. These times are optimal because, in most locations, they offer the best temperature to wash outside windows. Most pros agree that temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (10-24C) are best for effectively cleaning windows.
If you don't want to break out a squeegee and scrub brush, which is always our number one recommendation, you can use paper towels, newspaper, or microfiber cloths to clean with. The best paper for cleaning windows is newspaper with soy-based ink. This won't streak, smudge or stain, and it scrubs effectively.
To make your own window cleaner, you'll need a glass spray bottle and an 8-ounce bottle of Jet Dry rinse aid. For best results, use a microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe down windows. If you don't have microfiber cleaning cloths, you can use a microfiber mop instead.