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.
Hard water and acid rain
Sometimes the minerals and salt that can create ugly oxidation on your windows isn't from the building itself, but rather the water. Windows that get sprayed with sprinklers or ground water can get minerals delivered directly to the glass, where it can streak, spot and stain.
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.
Apply a drop of distilled white vinegar to the cloudy glass and rub a small area with a microfiber cloth. If the area is clear when the glass is dry, you will be able to clean away the cloudiness. If it is still cloudy, the glass is permanently etched.
In many areas, hard water is the cause of bad streaks and stains on glass. Salt and other minerals in the hard water might look clean as you wash the window, but once dry it becomes a white streaky mess.
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.)
Fortunately, the process of cleaning windows is easy enough. Many commercial window-cleaning products are available, all of which promise to impart a “streak-free shine.” But we have found that a simple solution—one part white vinegar to two parts water—is perfect when mixed up in a spray bottle.
Foggy windows occur when the seal around the IGU begins to deteriorate. Over time, the seal around your insulated windows will begin to decline. A window's seal will often break because of: Exposure to water: After a flood or a heavy rainstorm, check your window seals.
Condensation on the interior of windows and doors occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with cool glass. This is especially common in the winter when outside air is cold and dry, and the indoor air is warm and humid.
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.
Interior windows should always be cleaned using a professional squeegee and scrubber tool for a streak-free clean. Exterior windows can be cleaned the same way but can also be cleaned using a water-fed pole for clean results without streaks.
One of the first signs of water damage is often discoloration. As moisture seeps into the walls or window sills it often causes yellow, brown, or copper stains. It might fade with sun or rain, or the stain might be permanent and only get bigger over time.
Using Space Heaters & Hairdryers. Space heaters and hair dryers are products that are in almost any home and these can be used to help clear the condensation from your double pane windows. Place the space heater or hairdryer by the window and leave it on. This will absorb all the moisture in between the windows.
Dual-pane units are made with a thick sealant around the edges, but the seal is never perfect. Over time, warm air, which holds more moisture, seeps into the gap between the pieces of glass and releases that moisture when it cools. The desiccant absorbs it, keeping the glass clear — until the desiccant stops working.
Etching or hard water mineral deposits can leave clean glassware looking hazy. Etching from dishwashers can occur over time as detergent combined with soft water, high water temperature and low soils erodes the surface, leaving behind small scratches and dings that irreparably damage glassware's appearance.
Fill your vessel with equal parts vinegar and water. Soak your cloudy glassware in the vinegar solution: Put your cloudy glassware in the solution and let the pieces soak for about 30 minutes. Test one of the glasses for cloudiness: Take one of the glasses out of the solution and give it a rinse.
Most white haze is nothing more than glass dust generated by the edge grinding process. The dust should be washed off the preprocessed glass in the washing machine. However, if the water wasn't cleaned properly beforehand and starts recirculating, it creates a fine dust layer on the glass.
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.
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.
Mix one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Wipe down the window with a a soft, clean, lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove dust before you spray your solution, then spray the entire surface.