Additionally, newspapers are more absorbent than paper towels so they can soak up more liquid which makes them ideal for wiping away residue from windows quickly and efficiently without leaving behind any smudges or streaks.
Choose lint-free
Microfiber or other lint-free towels won't leave behind little specks on glass surfaces. Newspaper or old, clean cotton diapers are other great options.
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.
Newspaper is very slightly abrasive. For that reason it is useful for many polishing applications. Window cleaning is not complete until the residue is polished off. Newspaper works well for polishing windows, tile, mirrors, and polished metals.
If you want a paper towel that is absorbent and can quickly soak up spills, then Bounty or Viva would be a good choice. If you want a paper towel that is strong enough to scrub away stubborn dirt and grime, then Scott would be a good choice.
Additionally, newspapers are more absorbent than paper towels so they can soak up more liquid which makes them ideal for wiping away residue from windows quickly and efficiently without leaving behind any smudges or streaks.
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.
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.
Newspaper is actually quite a good insulator and is now being promoted by some companies as an eco-friendly alternative to existing construction products like fiberglass. What this first hack doesn't tackle is gaps in the frames themselves or heat escaping through the glass.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The combination of both allows for the ultimate glass cleaning combo. The vinegar helps to break down the oils and dirt on the window and the newspapers absorb it all, all the while leaving zero streaks!
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.
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 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.
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.
The term 'Pure Water' in window cleaning describes ordinary tap water that has been filtered through a purification system to remove all the natural minerals. This water is often described as 'deionised water' due to the type of filtration used.
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.
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.
Following a systematic order for cleaning your house can make the task more manageable and ensure a thorough job. By starting with decluttering and moving through dusting, disinfecting, vacuuming, mopping, and specific room cleaning, you create a clean and organized living space.