Distilled white vinegar and water:
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.
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.
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.)
I'm using 70%-90% rubbing alcohol, splash of vinegar, and a drop of dish soap. Like the others said, use one side of towel or microfiber wipe the window turn over to wipe away any streaks, if any streaks. You can also spray the rag directly then turn over to dry side to finish.
Dish Soap Solution
Believe it or not, one of the most common and effective window cleaning solutions that is used by professionals is a mixture of dish soap and water. Simply mix one gallon of water with two teaspoons of liquid dish soap, and you have a professional window cleaning solution.
If there is extensive grime build-up on the glass, use a one-to-one mixture of white vinegar and warm water instead of the dish soap solution. Vinegar is an aggressive detergent that will not streak or spot.
Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.
One of the biggest mistakes in window cleaning is to over-spray, making it hard to wipe off the cleaning solution. Dry the window. Immediately after you've sprayed your window with the cleaning solution, wipe it off from side to side using crumpled newspaper or a clean microfiber cloth. Work quickly to avoid streaks.
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.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!
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.
For a better, green solution that is cheap and friendly to the environment, use VINEGAR! Pour vinegar full strength, or mix it up! Here's a good recipe to try: Combine 1 / 2 cup white vinegar, 1 pint rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing liquid. Add enough water to make a gallon.
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. Invest in a glass spray bottle to mix up your formula.
White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.
"The white cleaning vinegar is a pH of 2.5, which is a very strong acid," she explains. "And while it may eat away the gunk that is on the showerhead or faucet, it can also dissolve the finish from the hardware leaving it dull or a different color altogether."
A small amount of high-quality liquid dish soap combined with distilled water is considered the best solution to clean windows. The suds from the soap let the squeegee glide freely and the mixture effectively breaks down grease and grime. Be sure to avoid using too much soap so you don't end up with residue.
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.
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.
First, you'll need a good spray bottle. I save the bottles from any store-bought cleaners, but you can also buy one for cheap at most places, like a hardware store. Combine one squirt of Dawn dishwashing liquid (I use original formula) with one part white vinegar and one part water.