The number one solution for cleaning windows inside and out is a mixture of dish soap and distilled water. Most experts use this basic mixture to effectively clean windows. Sometimes a wetting agent like GLEAM or a drying agent like Jet Dry is used to improve the mixture, depending on weather and conditions.
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.
If you're all about the DIY life, we've got just the thing for you. 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.
Use soap and water, commercial glass cleaner, or a mixture of one part white vinegar and four parts water (preferably distilled water). Avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight to avoid streaking. Start from the top of the window and work your way down.
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.
Pull the squeegee down each pane in a single stroke from top to bottom. After each stroke, clean the blade with a rag so it doesn't leave streaks. (If the squeegee squeaks a lot, add a bit more soap to the water.) As above, remove any streaks on the glass with a chamois and dry the muntins and sill with a rag.
Avoid using paper towels, clothes and tissues as they may be soft, but may have a crude surface that can easily attract dust or scratch your residential glass or storefront glass. Use microfibers to elongate their life. Keep your home glass clean and damage-free by following the tips mentioned above.
If you use strong detergents on your windows, the quality of the glass will reduce. Also, while the high pressure of a power washer can help remove stubborn debris, the force may cause the windows to crack. Instead, use dish soap and warm water to clean your windows.
You can clean your windows with vinegar and water or water with a few drops of dish soap. If you opt for water and vinegar, you'll need equal parts white vinegar and hot water. To use dish soap, combine cold water with a few drops of dish soap.
If streaky windows are a big issue in your home, try cleaning them with vinegar and warm water, which should leave them sparkling and streak-free. Another option is wiping them down with a newspaper, which cuts down on streaks and produces maximum shine.
Purified water does a better job of removing dirt from windows and it does not leave any residue behind that can smear the glass surface. Water softeners remove hard water scale and scum minerals through an ion exchange process.
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.
To make a safe and effective glass cleaner alternative, all you need is water, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and some microfiber towels. Read on to find out how you can get sparkling clean windows and mirrors without expensive, harsh glass cleaners.
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.
It's fine to use a commercial window cleaning spray, but you can also make your own that's just as effective—and much cheaper. Combine about 8 ounces of hot water with a drop or two of Dawn dish soap—which is great for cutting grease and grime, says Fisk—in a spray bottle.
One of the most frequently asked questions on the subject of cleaning car windshields is, “can you use Windex on car windows?” The short answer is in fact, yes. However, there is a caveat that may affect vehicles in the Arcadia and Glendale areas. In cars with tinted windows, Windex may cause damage.
Paper towels are typically treated for absorbency, which makes them ideal for spills, but awful for glass cleaning. Instead, substitute your paper towels for something more practical, like actual cloth. Lint-free cotton cloths, like microfiber cloths are great options for glass cleaners.
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.
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.
For residential windows, we recommend that you fully clean your windows at least twice a year, but three times a year may be best for those who live in areas with lots of trees where pollen tends to accumulate. Every six months is a good rule of thumb for window cleaning, but more often is even better.