Use a cleaning solution: Like Glass-Rite cleaner! Or we also recommend a simple solution of equal parts vinegar and water, a Windex solution in water is good also. Do not use glass cleaners that are ammonia or alcohol based. They may leave streaks or make a film that attracts moisture or dust.
You can use a solution of dish soap and hot water, then scrub gently with a sponge. Hose down with clean water. Then use a hose to get rid stains and debris. You may have to use a ladder to reach windows on the second level.
Odd though it might seem, wiping down glass with newspaper not only helps produce streak-free glass, but also a lovely, bright shine! Be sure to spray your cleaning product on the newspaper or cloth rather than directly on the mirror. This will prevent the cleaner from dripping into the frame and possibly corroding it.
Instead of using standard cleaning products, get a bucket of water and mix it with dishwashing detergent or vinegar. Apply this cleaning solution to the glass using a long window scrubber. Grab a squeegee and pull its blade over the glass in a reverse “S” pattern.
The combination of dish soap and vinegar is highly effective for a few different reasons. They're both excellent at breaking down tough grease and grime, but vinegar alone will simply run off of most surfaces, and dish soap is too thick to use on its own.
You can use Windex® Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner on your car's tinted windows, mirrors, glass, chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces. For a streak-free shine, clean car windows when the surface is cool and out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.
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 you have smeared windows when you're finished cleaning, you've left cleaning solution, soap, or minerals behind. Whether you have white residue on windows or another blemish, the solution is the same. Clean faster, use cleaner water, and wipe away all your solution, so nothing is left behind.
Window cleaning professionals suggest avoiding window washing on very sunny days or at a time when a window is in direct sunlight, as the heat may cause the glass to dry too quickly and cause smears.
Paper towels are an easy go-to whenever you're cleaning glass. But, that right there is your problem. Paper towel is the number one culprit of leaving behind streaks and lint. Paper towels are typically treated for absorbency, which makes them ideal for spills, but awful for glass cleaning.
To make the solution is simple and easy on the wallet! Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned. I have found the best results is when I use it to clean chrome shower and sink fixtures.
Hot water cleans windows faster
Removes dirt more easily – hot water is more successful in removing dirt. This is because hot temperatures make dirt particles vibrate faster, which makes it a lot easier to wipe them away.
No matter what the season is, it is generally best to wash your windows on an overcast day or early in the morning.
To sum it up: Scheduling yearly or twice-yearly window cleaning services is ideal. And even if that's not doable, the closer you can stick to that schedule the better. Aim for at least once a year and you'll notice a remarkable improvement.
What happens if you don't clean your home's windows? Dirty windows can reduce the natural lighting in your home and affect your indoor air quality. Over time, dirt particles weaken the structural integrity of the glass and cause discoloration.
Dirt particles will enter the glass' pores, contaminating and corroding the windows. The first things you may notice will be some light scratches or cracks. Eventually, an unmaintained window can be altered on a structural level and will need a full replacement.
The dish soap helps to soften up the grime and gently remove dirt. Generously mist the solution over the surface of the window, and allow it to sit on the glass for a few minutes. Wipe off the window in a large circular motion using a lint-free microfiber cloth, newspaper, or even coffee filter.
Maybe vinegar is acidic enough to act as a sanitizer, but hydrogen peroxide is better at killing bacteria, fungus, and viruses. To disinfect a surface, you can use a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water solution. Spray it on a clean surface and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
Rinsing is not necessary! If you're simply using a vinegar and water solution to wipe and disinfect, you won't need to rinse. However, if there's also plenty of dirt and grime you're wiping away, you may also want to rinse with some extra water.