Wrong Cleaning Agent Certain home cleaning products, such as those that include ammonia or abrasive substances, can create streaks on glass surfaces. Choose a specialized
The most important thing you can do to avoid streaks and smears when cleaning glass is to use plenty of clean wiping cloths and after making the initial wipe over a window or a section of a window, either turn or fold to a fresh clean side or switch to a clean, dry, unused wiping cloth to continue.
Windows will appear smeared after cleaning when the cleaning was insufficient. In other words, dirt was left behind. Windows will also appear smeared if you use soap instead of glass cleaner, but don't rinse off the soap. Another reason for smearing might be from oily dirt, if you live in an industrial area.
Streaks are caused by excess moisture and dirt/grime drying on the glass. If you're having trouble with streaks, try using a little less cleaning product and making sure you polish it until totally dry. Another answerer recommended newspaper which works fine, but my preference is a clean, dry cotton cloth.
Streaks and smudges can form on your car windows for one of three reasons: you're not using enough cleaning product to cover these surfaces, you're using the wrong type of cleaner or you may be using the wrong type of microfiber cloth, a dirty microfiber or a paper towel to wipe down your windows and auto glass.
Take a microfiber rag and wipe the window from top to bottom. Next, use a microfiber rag and isopropyl alcohol to clean and degrease the window. Spray a generous amount of cleaning solution on microfiber rag. Wipe in an up and down motion and then wipe from right to left.
They utilize various soaps and detergents, including dish soap like Dawn, and may add additives such as vinegar, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol to enhance their cleaning solutions. Outside windows often benefit from these specialized cleaning solutions, which are designed to handle tougher dirt and grime.
Most over-the-counter window cleaners contain ammonia, which can create problems for your auto glass: It streaks. Not a good thing when you rely on your windshield for a clear, unobstructed view of the roadways.
Wrong Cloth
For streak-free windows, choosing the proper cloth is essential. The best option is microfiber cloths because of their ability to collect filth and dirt without producing lint or fibres. Avoid wiping the glass with paper towels or plain cotton cloths since they might leave lint and streaks behind.
Use Vinegar
Whether you are out of name brand glass cleaner or you want to use a more natural cleaner, vinegar works wonders on 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.
So, why do your windows appear more grimy after they are cleaned? Cleaning your windows tends to reveal hard water stains, especially if they've been left untreated over the years. Here are the facts about hard water stains along with a few tips on how you can prevent them in the future.
Use a soft brush or a sponge and remove dirt or cobwebs from the window surfaces. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Add a few drops of dish soap to help cut through grease and grime. Use a hose with a sprayer attachment to wet the window thoroughly.
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.
Baking soda and water
Apply the paste to a cloth and scrub the window vigorously to allow the abrasive granules of baking soda to remove the hard water spots. Thoroughly rinse the glass with water, and then use traditional glass cleaner and newspaper to remove all residue and streaks from the window.
To make the best window washing solution with rubbing alcohol, add 1½ cup water, 1½ cup rubbing alcohol, and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar (if you have any) to a spray bottle. Close the bottle, shake it to mix the ingredients, and use it to clean windows and other glass surfaces in your home.
Hard water, in particular has a higher concentration of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which will almost definitely result in an unsightly, streaky mess when combined with your cleaner. Instead of diluting glass cleaner using water from the tap, consider using distilled water.
“Use microfiber cloths to wipe the inside of the glass in a circular motion, then vertically. Next, use a magic eraser with water, using the same method. Lastly, spray glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe to finish.”
Create a solution of one part distilled vinegar and 10 parts warm water, then pour it into a spray bottle for easy use. Before you spray cleaning solution on the window, make sure to use a soft and clean microfiber cloth or paper towel to wipe away any excess dust or grime.
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.)
To the original proportion, 2 cups water to half a teaspoon Dawn, simply add a quarter cup of white vinegar for a powerhouse cleaning combo.
Dawn dish soaps are great for cleaning exterior windows because of their cleaning properties. Using dish soap on outside windows can help remove any caked-on dirt and grime.
We recommend a low-pile microfiber towel. Microfiber towels are more absorbent than your regular kitchen hand towel, which is the trick to preventing streaks. For glass cleaner, we use Pro5™ Glass Cleaner, Powered by Armor All Professional®, but if you have a microfiber towel, a variety of glass cleaners should work.
Household cleaners: Harsh chemicals in products like dish soap, multi-purpose cleaners, and even some glass cleaners can damage automotive window coatings and leave a residue that causes streaks. Sponges: Their textured surface can be too rough for delicate glass and may even trap dirt particles that lead to scratches.