Professional window cleaners typically use highly diluted dish soap or ammonia-based cleaners mixed with water for everyday cleaning. To achieve a true streak-free finish without water spots, they rely on specific liquids tailored to the job:
Professional window cleaners often use purified or deionised water. This water has had all those dissolved solids removed through filtration or ion-exchange processes. When it evaporates, nothing is left behind, resulting in a streak-free finish.
While there are many specialized cleaning liquids, many window cleaners opt to use basic dish soap such as Dawn Dish Detergent to clean windows effectively and that works just fine!
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.
For a streak-free clean, we recommend using a lint-free microfiber cloth to clean your windows at least twice per year. To clean the interior of casement and awning windows, spray the window with a vinegar-based solution and simply wipe clean.
If too much cleaning agent is used in the solution, a greasy film can form on the window.
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.
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.
What Should You Not Clean Glass With?
Regular Cleaning for Maximum Visibility
Clean both the inside and outside of your windscreen regularly using a high-quality glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Avoid household cleaning products, as they may leave streaks or damage the protective coatings on the glass.
Let it sit for 10-20 minutes. The vinegar will help loosen the residue, so you can wipe it away more easily. Bird droppings or other tough grime: pre-soak the area with a vinegar solution and allow it to soften before scrubbing with a damp microfiber cloth.
DIY GLASS CLEANER 1/4 cup Distilled White Vinegar 1 cup Water 3 drops Dawn Dish Soap Optional: 4 drops of your favorite Essential Oil Spray Bottle {glass is best if you'll be adding in essential oils} Combine Water, Vinegar, Dish Soap and optional Essential Oils in an empty spray bottle, swirl and shake gently to ...
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.
Yes, you heard that right! Many cleaning companies use dish soap mixed with water to clean their windows. Dish soap helps to break up grease and is easy to wipe off, leaving windows shiny and streak-free.
Microfiber towels are popular choices to help clean shower doors, as they are gentle on the surface and do not leave any lint behind. Hotels typically use microfiber cloths to clean the glass. These specialty cloths are effective at removing water spots and soap scum without scratching the surface.
Using Harsh Window Cleaning Solutions
Be sure to avoid any harsh sprays, like those containing solvents such as grease remover, chlorine bleach, ammonia, dyes, and strong soaps and detergents. These ingredients may discolor your windows or frames, and damage the glass.
without damaging the glass! Plus, compared to commercial glass cleaners that are formulated with harsh chemicals, vinegar is a great natural, non-toxic alternative that only needs to be combined with water.
5 Common Window Cleaning Mistakes You Should Avoid
The 20 minute rule of cleaning is simple: clean for 20 focused minutes, then treat yourself to a 10-minute break. It's a guilt-free, feel-good way to tackle messes without burnout. The idea is rooted in motivation and reward, two essential ingredients for any busy homeowner.
Windows usually appear smeared after cleaning due to residual soap film, dirty cloths, or cleaning in direct sunlight.
Apply a solution of vinegar and water: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the windows and let it sit for a few minutes. Vinegar helps to remove any mineral deposits or stains from the glass.
Cleaning the inside of your windows
Let's start with the inside windows first – this is usually the most logical approach as you will have prepared everything indoors. It is also better to do the outside afterwards; otherwise, you risk bringing in dirty or wet equipment after cleaning the outside windows.
Try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a streak-free clean. You can use a spray bottle or dip a rag in the solution, just like you would an ordinary cleaner. If you are worried about the fumes, only use vinegar for outdoor windows or mix a couple drops of essential oils to counteract the smell.