Strong surfactant cleaning power and quick drying time are attractive benefits of having ammonia in glass cleaners. The ammonia you'll find in
Distilled vinegar and hot water
A true tried and tested method, distilled vinegar and hot water has proven to be one of the most successful methods to clean your windows.
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.
Apply a drop of distilled white vinegar to the cloudy glass and rub a small area with a microfiber cloth.
Soak a small rag or dish towel in vinegar, then rub a portion of the glass with the rag. A glass that's milky from hard water buildup should become clearer with each wipe.
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.
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.
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.)
If you are trying to clean windows that are higher up and harder to reach, consider using a telescoping rod that has a mop attachment on the end. This cleaning method is one of the safest ways to clean through tough-to-reach windows because you don't have to leave the ground.
Best Overall: Stoner Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner
In fact, Invisible Glass guarantees a streak-free finish or your money back. It's safe and effective to use on windows, doors, tables, mirrors, ovens, car windows and more.
If you have smeared windows when you're finished cleaning, you've left cleaning solution, soap, or minerals behind. Whether you have white residue on windows or another blemish, the solution is the same. Clean faster, use cleaner water, and wipe away all your solution, so nothing is left behind.
The combination of dish soap and vinegar is highly effective for a few different reasons. They're both excellent at breaking down tough grease and grime, but vinegar alone will simply run off of most surfaces, and dish soap is too thick to use on its own.
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.
For very dirty windows, especially exterior windows, combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 1/2 tsp of dish detergent. If you're cleaning immediately, use warm but not hot water for added cleaning power. Shake the bottle to combine.
Why are my house windows cloudy? Old windows tend to develop condensation from moisture. If you see fog in your windows, you have a problem with your window's insulation. An insulated window's seal should prevent fogging, but if it doesn't, you need to replace your window.
The easiest way to repair a fogged window is to replace the window sash itself. The sash is the IGU and the frame around it. Most windows have two sashes and replacing them will provide the homeowner with a brand-new, intact IGU that prevents fogging. The old sash pops out, and the new one drops in.
Have you ever spent hours washing your windows, only to notice streaks everywhere? 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.
Most Effective: Windex Foaming Glass and Window Cleaner
Using an ammonia-based, foaming formula, this all-purpose cleaner can eliminate even the toughest marks on your glass.