One of the main causes of dirty windows is pollution in the air. Particles from car exhausts, for example, are blown in the wind and can easily cling to the outsides of your windows. This quickly causes the glass to appear dirty. Other airborne debris, such as pollen, add to the effect.
Perhaps your windows haven't even had the dirt removed properly. This can happen if you keep reusing a sponge that isn't being washed frequently. Or if the technique used is sloppy and not thorough. And some squeegees give a really patchy finish, especially poorer quality models not designed for professional use.
The outdoor air is filled with pollutants that can build up on window exteriors over time. Particle pollutants, such as airborne soot, smoke, pollen, and mold spores, are especially prone to building up on windows.
The best homemade window cleaning solution is to just mix two gallons of water and about a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid together in your bucket. Some people also opt to use vinegar and water to clean windows. In warm weather, you'll get a little more working time by using cool water.
The sunlight accentuates any grime, dirt or mould that might be present, both on the frames and on the glass. If your windows haven't been cleaned in a while, you're going to notice it when the sun starts to shine and when days are much longer.
Why are my house windows cloudy? Old windows tend to develop condensation from moisture. If you see fog in your windows, you have a problem with your window's insulation. An insulated window's seal should prevent fogging, but if it doesn't, you need to replace your window.
Alternatively, you can create a cleaning solution that is equal parts water and vinegar. Spray the glass with the solution: When your solution is ready, place it in the spray bottle and spray the windows. Next, use the microfiber cloth to rub and clean the foggy windows.
The simplest answer is you should have your windows cleaned once or twice a year in spring and fall. Most professional window washing companies will tell you the same.
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.
In most cases, it is most beneficial to wash your outside windows during the spring or fall months.
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.
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.
Dawn as a substitute glass cleaner
One of the most effective ways to clean glass is dish soap – it's what professional window cleaners use when cleaning exterior windows.
You can also make an all-natural window cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Adding a touch of liquid soap to the vinegar solution will help remove any streak-causing wax left on the window from commercial cleaners used in the past.
Rain‑X® Original Treatment can be used on home glass windows; however, avoid contact with vinyl and aluminum surfaces near the window.
Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar to one cup of water and, either using a spray bottle or a paper towel, apply the solution to the glass. The acid within the vinegar will break down any cloudiness. It will also give a more sparkling finish to the glass.
Instructions for Cleaning Cloudy or Foggy Drinking Glasses
Restoring drinking glasses that are cloudy from hard water mineral buildup is a quick and straightforward process. Simply gather milky glasses, soak them in a vinegar solution, hand wash them and dry thoroughly to get rid of buildup.
Outside condensation means your windows are not allowing any heat transfer. So if you have some fog on the outside of your windows, you can relax. Your windows are just doing a good job of insulating your home. If the windows are at street level, you can wipe away the condensation from the outside.
The most common professional window cleaning solution recipe is filtered or distilled water and dish soap. Just a few spoonfuls of dish soap is all that's needed to create foam for gliding and to help break up any grease and dirt on the glass during cleaning.
Sunshine exposure speeds up the drying of the washing solution, which can cause streaking or spotting, so only wash windows on cloudy days or when the windows are shaded. Because window solution dries quickly, even in the shade, work on just one window at a time.
Use Vinegar
The antimicrobial property of vinegar digests dirt so that it comes off with a single wipe. It is also the best replacement for commercial products since it is nontoxic so you do not have to worry about getting kids and pets sick.