Microfiber cloths are absorbent cloths that can be washed and reused to clean windows, leaving them clear, shiny and streak-free. These are best used to apply cleaning solutions to windows, scrub them clean and wipe them dry.
Some people like drying panes with newspaper, but you're better off using reusable microfiber cloths. "They are super absorbent, washable and leave the glass shiny and streak-free," Forté says.
An effective cleaner is achieved by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of liquid detergent. These mixtures you introduce them in a spray and you will be able to clean the windows without problems.
Instead of Windex, just use water for a streak-free clean. To clean your windows, forget the Windex. Just get a cloth damp with water, clean your window with it, and then dry it off immediately after with a dry cloth. I've been cleaning this way for years since I realized it.
Use a soft brush or a sponge and remove dirt or cobwebs from the window surfaces. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Add a few drops of dish soap to help cut through grease and grime. Use a hose with a sprayer attachment to wet the window thoroughly.
Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Wash the window: Dip your scrubber or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the window in a circular motion, paying extra attention to any stubborn stains.
Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals, especially those containing bleach or chlorine, should be kept away from glass surfaces. These chemicals can damage window frames, seals, and surrounding materials.
Too Much Soap in the Solution
Well, window cleaner, this can absolutely apply to your soap solution. Your windows could be looking murky because you're using way too much of the good stuff. When it comes to concentrate, a little goes a long way, even if you're using regular dish soap.
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.)
Dawn dish soaps are great for cleaning exterior windows because of their cleaning properties. Using dish soap on outside windows can help remove any caked-on dirt and grime.
This is why it's a good idea to hire a professional window cleaner but you may be worried about the price. The average cost to hire a professional window cleaner is between $150 to $350. Most homeowners spend about $250 for a full house cleaning. Window prices can range from $10 to $15 per window or $4 to $8 per pane.
Can You Use Dish Soap for Window Cleaning? Professional window cleaners often use dish soaps like Dawn or Joy to help their window cleaning squeegees glide.
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.
To the original proportion, 2 cups water to half a teaspoon Dawn, simply add a quarter cup of white vinegar for a powerhouse cleaning combo.
To clean windows without leaving streaks, use a mix of distilled water and white vinegar or a commercial cleaner. Wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth or squeegee in a zig-zag motion.
If the cleaner evaporates before you can wipe it away, it creates streaks. Spray your cleaner over small sections and wipe it away before moving on to avoid streaks if your cleaner is evaporating too fast.
So, why do your windows appear more grimy after they are cleaned? Cleaning your windows tends to reveal hard water stains, especially if they've been left untreated over the years. Here are the facts about hard water stains along with a few tips on how you can prevent them in the future.
Mix one part vinegar with one part warm water. Dishwashing liquid is a solid addition. For a more heavy duty clean, add some dishwashing liquid to your water and vinegar solution. This will cut through the toughest marks and spots.
Abrasive cleaning products like scrubbing sponges, scouring pads and liquid and powdered cleansers can cause micro-scratches on glass surfaces. In the short term, this will negatively impact the aesthetics of a window, causing it to look foggy and rough; in the long term, it may lead to cracks or other serious damage.
Exterior windows that remain spotted after cleaning are generally damaged by minerals that adhere to the glass, creating a 'hard water stain'. This can be professionally cleaned with a mild abrasive.
Microfibre cloths are by far the most popular choice by professional Window Cleaners, so it stands to reason that there's some serious benefits to using them. Generally a polyester/nylon blend, microfibre cloths are designed to be absorbent and attract dust and lint, leaving a perfect streak-free finish.
Rubbing Alcohol and Vinegar/Glass Cleaner
Place some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and rub it on the stains. The alcohol dries off quickly so make sure you clean the stains quickly. Spray glass cleaner or vinegar and water on the cloth, if you spray it directly on the mirror, it can create tarnish marks.