Window washers use a simple, specialized mix of pure water and dish soap. They pair this solution with professional-grade tools like a microfiber scrubber and a rubber squeegee to achieve a streak-free shine.
Dawn Soap and Water – Professionals often use a simple yet effective method of mixing a tablespoon of Dawn Soap with 1 gallon of water. This solution is applied with a window cleaning mop and then squeegeed off for a clean, streak-free finish.
Ordinary tap water contains Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) — minerals, salts, and other impurities that can leave residue on glass. Professional window cleaners often use purified or deionised water. This water has had all those dissolved solids removed through filtration or ion-exchange processes.
Most homeowners think that the best way to clean their windows is with a popular glass cleaner, but the best glass cleaning solution is a pre-mixed vinegar based solution that does not contain ammonia or alcohol. You can create your own vinegar solution by mixing one cup of white vinegar with 10 cups of water.
Professional window cleaners typically use concentrated, pH-neutral soaps mixed with water in a bucket, rather than ready-to-use sprays. The best pro solutions require high-quality lubrication for the squeegee and strong degreasing power to lift dirt, but without leaving a sticky residue that attracts future dust.
Is Dawn and vinegar good for cleaning windows? Yes, adding a small amount of Dawn dish soap to vinegar and water creates a powerful cleaner. This soapy water with vinegar can cut through greasy buildup while the vinegar tackles streaks and mineral spots.
Yes, in most cases it's okay to substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar. However, if your use of apple cider vinegar is for its health benefits, you may want to stick with it, as apple cider vinegar vs white vinegar stems from different origins. Therefore, they won't offer the same properties.
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. Dish soap can remove stuck-on dirt and cuts any hazy build-up. It also works well on cloudy mirrors.
To achieve a streak-free clean on glass or windows, the secret is using distilled or deionized water. Regular tap water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that leave visible spots and streaks. For best results, mix distilled water with a tiny drop of dish soap or a splash of white vinegar.
For the best streak-free clean, mix 2 cups distilled water, 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (like Dawn) in a spray bottle. Vinegar cuts through grime, while the water and soap allow a squeegee to glide smoothly without leaving any residue.
A simple, highly effective DIY mixture of 1 part distilled white vinegar and 1 part warm water cleans windows better, costs less, and avoids leaving behind the chemical residue that causes traditional blue cleaners to streak. Add 2-3 drops of Dawn dish soap for greasy glass.
Start by mixing one part vinegar to 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the solution onto the window and use a microfibre cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. For tougher stains, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away the dirt. Once you've finished cleaning, use a squeegee to remove any excess liquid.
Modern window cleaning techniques, namely the pure water-fed pole system, allow window cleaners to clean frames and sills with a lot less effort than traditional cleaning methods (the good old mop and squeegee). Let's take a closer look at why cleaning the frames is as important as cleaning the glass.
Best window cleaner for streak-free windows
Windows usually look streaky because leftover soap film or dirt is moved around on the glass and allowed to dry. This generally happens when using the wrong tools (like paper towels or dirty rags), applying too much cleaning solution, or cleaning in direct sunlight.
Recommended Glass Cleaners That Don't Leave Streaks:
One of the most popular glass cleaners on the market, Windex Original is well-known for its ability to clean glass without leaving streaks. It contains ammonia, which helps break down dirt and grease, leaving windows sparkling clean.
The "cleanest" water bottle depends on whether you mean free of toxic materials, self-sanitizing, or easiest to clean. LARQ, Hydro Flask, and Klean Kanteen are top choices for non-toxic, lead-free materials, while Owala and Nalgene excel at practical, everyday hygiene.
Distilled water itself evaporates cleanly and does not leave mineral streaks because it lacks the dissolved solids found in tap water. However, it can still smear existing oils, dust, or dirt across a surface, or leave "cleaning streaks" caused by a dirty microfiber cloth.
Yes, you can absolutely mix Dawn and vinegar. It creates a highly effective, inexpensive DIY cleaning solution favored for cutting through soap scum, hard water stains, and grease.
The best window cleaning solution depends on whether you are cleaning indoors or outdoors, but the most effective and affordable option is a simple DIY mixture of distilled water and a few drops of dish soap (like Dawn) or distilled white vinegar. These mixtures cut through grime and prevent streaks better than expensive commercial sprays.
Remove built-up scum, algae and grime on exterior windows using an old, wet towel and a bucket of water with a drop or two of dish detergent mixed in. Dry windows using a microfiber cloth.
While both contain similar levels of acetic acid, distilled white vinegar is the superior choice for most household chores. It is colorless, budget-friendly, and leaves no residue. Apple cider vinegar is best reserved for occasional cleaning or deodorizing when you want a gentler option.
Because of its high acetic acid content, apple cider vinegar can also clean your faucet head by disinfecting it and dissolving the mineral deposits.
Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar (ACV) can modestly lower A1C levels. However, it is not a standalone cure and should not replace standard medical treatments.