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.
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. This is often seen on windows that are hit by sprinklers or ground water, although there are some areas that have hard enough water inside to look this way as well.
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.
Outdoor wind can kick up dirt and dust, causing it to become airborne. This dirt and dust can then cling to window exteriors and makes them appear dirty. While some buildings are shielded from the wind by surrounding buildings, others are not.
Inside an empty spray bottle, mix one-part white vinegar and one-part clean water. Spray the solution onto the glass and wipe thoroughly with a paper towel for that perfect, shiny finish.
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.
In a spray bottle, combine 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of water, and 5 drops of concentrated dish soap. Give it a good shake to thoroughly mix the ingredients. The vinegar is an acid and will help break up any mineral or hard water deposits. The dish soap helps to soften up the grime and gently remove dirt.
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.)
Top Pick: Windex – Complete
Our pick for best overall glass cleaner is Windex. It simply cleans and eliminates streaking better than any of the other products we tested.
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.
Frankly put, fogging happens when the seal between the two panes of glass wears down or fails totally. Once the seal fails, moisture is allowed to seep into the space between the two pieces of glass. In order to clean the fog, you will first have to remove the seal and then clean each piece of glass.
Combine water, white vinegar and dish detergent in a bucket. Increase amounts as needed. Using a soft bristle scrub brush on an extension pole handle thingy, dip the brush in a bucket of the solution, and scrub it on the window. Before it has a chance to dry, spray/rinse it off with clean water.
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.
For best results, it is recommended that homeowners give their exterior windows a thorough washing twice per year—possibly just once if your windows have screens. Interior windows should be wiped down every three to four months.
According to their report, windows should be washed twice a year, while screens need only to be cleaned annually. For many home owners and even renters, window cleaning usually is a once-a-year chore.
It's essential to clean your home's windows. Dirty windows age faster, and they're an eyesore. Fully cleaning your home's windows is a serious task, though, and will likely require you to purchase specialized equipment or climb a ladder. This is why it's worth paying to have your windows professionally cleaned.
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.
When hard water dries on glass surfaces, it leaves behind minerals that build up and form chalky white deposits over time. This glaze looks unassuming at first, but after spending time in the sun and wind, it becomes bulkier and more difficult to remove, creating a murky haze over your glass.
But condensation between the panes of glass means your windows are effectively broken and need to be fixed or, more likely, replaced, as fog is one of the many window problems that can indicate it's time for replacement.