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How to wash a window without streaks


How to clean a window without streaks: expert tips for a spotless finish

Knowing how to clean a window may seem like a mundane task, but it is important to give them a quick refresh every once in a while. A spotless window will increase the amount of light in your home – and allow you to make the most of your view. So, where should you begin? 

With these expert cleaning tips, naturally. This is how to clean a window without streaks, the professional way. 

How to clean a window without streaks

(Image credit: Future / James Balston)

Whether you’re cleaning a living room or another area of your home, cleaning windows is an important element of the task. For a sparkling, streak-free glass to complement your window treatment ideas, window experts at Hillarys recommend starting by removing these and cleaning curtains and cleaning blinds alongside your glass. While this is the first step, it will ultimately leave you with a complete finish. The experts then suggest making a homemade vinegar-based solution that will remove all dirt.  

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How to clean windows with vinegar  

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

'Homemade solutions are great for cleaning windows,' they say. The experts suggest adding three tablespoons of vinegar into a bucket of warm water before mixing the solution. While cleaning with vinegar will emit a strong smell initially, the aroma will fade quickly.

'Always remember to wear rubber gloves when handling chemicals to prevent irritation and drying out your hands,' they add. 

Tempted to use this solution for cleaning mirrors, too? We advise against it, as this can penetrate a mirror’s backing.

After making the solution, Hillary's experts recommend tackling your window frames first. 'It's important you begin by cleaning your frames, so you don't drip any dirty water on to clean window panes,' they explain. Wiping down your frames with a wet sponge should remove most dirt. However, if they're especially dirty, you can also use a mild detergent. 

Use a Z-shaped motion on your glass panes

(Image credit: James Merrell/Future)

After completing the frames, it's time to tackle the window panes. It is a good idea to fill your spray bottle with your vinegar solution for a seamless application over the glass. 

'Take a microfiber cloth and wipe in a Z-shaped motion to stop the smears and get every little,' they say. However, for more stubborn marks, you may need to dilute a mild detergent into the water.  

Use old newspapers to prevent streaks  

(Image credit: Shadow White No.282 Modern Emulsion Drop Cloth No.283 Estate Eggshell)

'Old newspapers can be your holy grail when it comes to cleaning windows, especially at the end of your window cleaning process,' they share. This texture will remove any grease left over by your solution. However, this will also guarantee the streak-free finish you may desire. 

'Once cleaned, rub crumpled newspaper in circular motions to absorb any leftover cleaning flue and leave your window streak-free,' they explain. 

How to clean windows from the outside 

(Image credit: Future)

If you're wondering how to clean windows from the outside, the process is similar to your interiors. However, instead of using a vinegar solution, cleaning expert Ray Brosnan suggests that washing up liquid and warm water will do the job.  

'The secret weapon, the scrim' – this is the cloth you want to use to wipe the edge of the windows. The Rendasun Window Cleaning Cloth is similar, and you can buy it on Amazon.

When It comes to the technique used to wash the windows, it's very similar to washing indoors; utilize the indoor cleaning method and be sure to cover the entire section of glass,' Ray adds. 

Now you know how to clean a window without streaks; you can enjoy a light-filled home, entirely taint-free. 

How to clean windows: tips for a professional streak-free finish

Nothing will brighten up your home quite like giving your windows a good clean. There are a myriad of tips out there for how to clean windows, from making your own window cleaning solution with vinegar to the old newspaper trick. 

Over time windows naturally get dirty from dust in the air, birds flying by and bugs taking refuge. They should usually be cleaned at least once every month, inside and out. However, while cleaning windows is a relatively easy cleaning job, it is also a bit of an art form when it comes to trying to achieve a streak-free finish.  

Nothing will ruin the effect of your beautiful window treatment ideas quite like smeared glass. Unlike dusting shelves or cleaning kitchen counters, with the wrong cleaning technique it can often feel like you’ve made your windows worse, not better.

Crystal clear windows indoors and out are the best way to create a good and lasting impression, so we’ve rounded up the best expert tips to give your windows a professional clean. Make smudged, slightly blurry windows a thing of the past. 

How to clean windows

(Image credit: Future PLC /James French)

You can easily freshen up slightly dirty windows - ones that have the odd smudge or smear - using a cleaning spray and a microfibre cloth. Our Digital Deputy Editor Rebecca Knight swears by the Deft Advanced Window & Glass Cleaner, available at Lakeland , as one of the best cleaning products for a sparkling finish.

However, every three months it is a good idea to get a squeegee out and do a proper clean. Here's what you'll need for cleaning windows in order to get a professional finish:

1. Remove curtains and blinds before cleaning

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Damian Russell)

Start by taking down curtains and blinds. If you can, take the opportunity to give drapes a thorough wash or spritz with a fabric freshener like Febreze. Use a dry brush or dusting attachment on your vacuum cleaner to sweep away any dust or cobwebs from around the corners of the windows and the windowsills.

2. Make homemade cleaning solutions

If you prefer making your own cleaning solutions, add two tablespoons of white vinegar to a small bucket of warm water (this won’t kill bacteria, though). 

'White Vinegar is a fantastic natural option for cleaning your windows. Unlike chemical sprays it doesn't fill your home with fumes or pollute the environment,' says Laura Harnett, founder of Seep . 

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Polly Eltes)

You can also wash your windows with soapy water. Fill a bucket with a simple solution of washing-up liquid and warm water, but avoid creating too many soap suds as these will leave further marks if allowed to dry. Start washing windows using a non-abrasive sponge.

Laura also recommends taking care with the water you use when cleaning, and opting for purified water if possible. 'So many people use a damp cloth and water to clean windows, but most tap water contains minerals like calcium and sodium which will leave ugly marks on your window,' she explains. 

'If you need to use water to tackle a particularly dirty window make sure it's purified so your windows are left streak-free. 

Top tip: One to try, as seen shared on cleaning group forums is the quirky teabag cleaning hack. Apparently cold tea is the secret to gleaming, streak-free windows and glass. To try the teabag cleaning hack at home, use kitchen towel dipped into a mug of cold black tea. Wipe the tea over the surface and buff dry with a clean soft cloth.

3. Start with the frames

Start with the frames first, so you don't drip dirty water on clean panes. A wipe with a wet sponge should do the trick, but if they're very grubby, use mild detergent on wood or specialist cleaner on uPVC.

'Wash your frames with plenty of clean, warm soapy water (washing up liquid is suitable) and wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth,' recommends Rachael Munby from Anglian Home Improvements. She adds that you will have to take care depending on the what type of windows you have.

'Be careful when cleaning uPVC products with decorative finishes such as Dark Woodgrain, Golden Oak, White Foil, Anthracite Grey, and Dual products as they could cause damage to decorative surface.'

4. Use an S-shaped motion when cleaning the glass panes

(Image credit: Future Plc / David Giles)

Clean the panes of glass by sponging them down with warm soapy water. Dip a sponge or the foam part of a squeegee into the water, squeeze out the excess, then rub gently on the glass. To clean the window thoroughly work in an S-shape advises Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie. 'With your microfibre cloth work in the shape of an S so you will get into every bit and that will stop the smears.'

5. Wipe off any excess cleaner to prevent streaks

You can use a squeegee for a streak free finish. Also work in an S-shape. Periodically wipe the squeegee blade on a clean rag to avoid smearing dirt around. Remove remaining water with a damp chamois or microfibre cloth and dry the windowsill.

Avoid paper towels or cloths that might leave lint on the glass. For exterior upper-floor panes, it’s worth investing in a gadget with a U-shaped pole to avoid reaching out of top-floor windows!

Top tip: Picked up from years of working in a hairdressers filled with mirrors, use scrunched-up newspaper to wipe the glass clean. Buffing your windows with crumpled newspaper gives windows a sparkling finish. The paper helps to absorb any leftover cleaning fluid, leaving the surface streak free.

Rub in a circular pattern to wipe off dirt, then switch to a vertical, then horizontal, stroke until the liquid has disappeared.

6. Clean the window edges

(Image credit: Future PLC /David Brittain)

Finish by wiping off excess water or suds from the edges and windowsill using an absorbent cloth. Repeat the process on the inside of your windows.

Most window edges will be left gleaming after washing with soapy water. However, if you have white PVC Lynsey recommends using a cream based cleaner or a whitening product to keep them looking new. 'You could use a white toothpaste. Leave it to do its work and that will whiten the frame,' advises Lynsey.

7. Get the timing right

You might think washing windows on a sunny day is the ideal time, as the light makes it easier to spot smears. In reality, it’s best to aim for a cloudy day. Sunshine will create glare on the glass, making it harder to see how clean they are. It could also dry the cleaning solution before you have a chance to wipe it off, leaving unsightly streaks.

What is the best thing to clean a window?

There are loads of gadgets out there to help you cleaning windows easily. For example cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch swears by the Vileda Windomatic, available on Amazon , a window vacuum cleaner which acts like a supped up squidgee to ensure a streak-free finish. However, while gadgets like this are effective, at £70 they are also expensive. 

According to the experts you can still achieve effective results on a budget with soapy water, a squidgee and clean microfibre cloth. 

'There are lots of options when it comes to cleaning your windows,' says Dean Williams, Window Expert at MD Windows. 'If you’re looking for an at-home remedy, I’d recommend the simple, old fashioned way of using warm soapy water.'

'Ensure you’re using a squeegee so you can remove the streaks straight after giving the glass a clean. White wine vinegar is another at-home remedy, or you can simply buy a glass cleaner product to use if you need a quick fix.' 

How do you remove stubborn marks on windows?

If you're struggling to get your windows clean using  soapy water or a window cleaner, Leo Pyrah at Pilkington UK recommends trying something a bit stronger. 'Use a mild acid (e.g. vinegar) or a mild solvent (e.g. methylated spirit), taking care not to spill any of these on other surfaces of materials.'

However, never use and abrasive or harsh cleaning agent like bleach advises  Rachael Munby from Anglian Home Improvements, as they can cause lasting damage to the window itself.

9 ways to clean windows without streaks

April 9 2020

2 comments

Be that as it may, washing windows in the spring is an unchanging tradition that, perhaps, nothing can break :)

But cleaning windows with high quality, especially when you live in a high-rise building, is not an easy task. Therefore, many wash windows a maximum of two times, or even once a year.

Therefore, it is not surprising that this task is far from easy! After all, the amount of dust that settles on the glass, and stains from various precipitations become a difficult opponent, with whom you still need to be able to fight.

It is for this reason that we have created a guide to the world of window cleaning. Do you want to know how and how to wash windows so that the result is long-term, and there is not even a hint of divorce? Read on!

Let's start with a few simple rules:

✨ When is the ideal time to clean windows?

It is best to wash windows in warm, calm and cloudy weather. The fact is that in extreme heat, the detergent will dry too quickly, and you simply won’t have time to wipe it off so that there are no streaks left.

🧽 How to wash windows properly?

It sounds strange, but it's better to start washing windows not from windows :)

First of all, you need to remove everything from the windowsill, then remove curtains and tulle, blinds and mosquito nets - everything that can interfere with high-quality window cleaning.

The next step in this difficult task is to wash the window frames and the window sill. For these purposes, it is better not to use soda and other abrasive substances that can damage both plastic and wood. In this case, a solution based on washing powder is perfect, dishwashing detergent or laundry soap . By the way, using the same solution, you can get rid of dust and dirt on the windows themselves, and after that use the main detergent.

👆 Which remedy to choose: homemade or from the store?

If everything is clear with store-bought products - you just need to choose among dozens of options, then with home-made ones it's a little more difficult. First of all, because you may think so :)


In fact, this is not the case, because in most cases, recipes for home remedies consist only of mixing a few ingredients. And if among the advantages of store-bought products is readiness and ease of use, then the advantages of home-made ones are the absence of toxic components that can cause allergies, and good money savings, since all the components can be found at home. Sounds attractive, doesn't it?

To make a vinegar cleaning solution, mix a glass of warm water and 50 ml of vinegar. Such a tool will be multifunctional, as it will save you from streaks and repel insects, which are a big contributor to window pollution. It is convenient to apply this detergent with a sprayer, and wipe the window dry with a soft cloth or napkin.

If you are not a fan of the smell of vinegar, you can replace it with lemon or citric acid. For a truly lemon cleanser, dissolve 50 ml of lemon juice in a glass of water, then apply the solution to the glass with a spray bottle and wipe with a soft, dry cloth. As a bonus, the whole house will smell nice with citruses.

Surprisingly, starch helps to cope with incredibly dusty windows and avoid streaks. To prepare the solution, use 1 tablespoon of starch and 1 liter of water. Apply the mixture to the windows, wipe with a sponge and leave to dry completely. After that, wipe with a dry cloth to get rid of the starch residue.

This method is one of the oldest. It consists in the fact that after wiping the main dirt with soapy water (which we talked about at the beginning in the paragraph “How best to wash windows?”), Use crumpled newsprint to achieve a flawless shine. The fact is that such paper perfectly absorbs moisture, which deprives divorces of any chance of existence.

Ordinary salt is great for removing minor dirt and giving glass an incredible shine. To prepare a saline solution, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in a glass of water. Wash the glass with the resulting solution using a microfiber cloth.

Mix 0.5 liters of water, 70 ml of vinegar and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Thoroughly wash the windows with the resulting solution, wiping off all dirt. Then rinse the surface with water and wipe dry.

Tea infusion also has good anti-dirt properties. For the solution, you need to prepare a cup of strong tea infusion and add 3 tablespoons of vinegar to it. This mixture should be applied to the glass with a spray bottle, wipe the glass with a cloth and rinse with clean water. Next, you can rub the windows to a shine with newsprint.

Dissolve a few tablespoons of potassium permanganate in water to form a light pink solution. Carefully make sure that all the crystals dissolve in water and in no case fall on the glass.

🏠 How to wash windows from the outside?

It's simple: choose one of the methods described above and use the telescopic glass cleaner. Remember - the main thing is to be safe!

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I was faced with the fact that cleaning my windows is not only difficult, but almost impossible. I have plastic windows, but the overlay panels on them are made of wood. In general, over time, they began to fade and dirt entered the tree. I called two companies. One did so-so the second one used some kind of agent and the paint floated. The dirt remained. After a friend advised some guys. I already thought it would be necessary to change the windows, we came to see. In general, in two days they not only washed them, but also restored them. And the payment was like for a bath. Plus, the glasses were made with a bluish tint. They look just like a bomb.
The guys are doing amazing things.
If someone has a difficult option or you need to make it cool, here is their contact https://luxcleaning.com.ua/

Answer

You can, of course, challenge me, but this year I personally made a gift to my wife for a complete cleaning of the apartment with window washing. The apartment is large and difficult to clean, and the windows are huge to the floor, so it’s not real at all. On the advice of a friend, I ordered a service on the site https://uborka.com.ua/moyka_okon In general, while my wife was at work, the guys arrived with a bunch of lotions. They cleared it all up in a few hours. My wife started to hiccup with delight))) Well, don’t judge strictly, of course, besides this, there was also a delicious dinner here, I already managed it myself))

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How to wash windows quickly and without streaks

Washing windows is a headache for every diligent housewife. Glasses are constantly exposed to dust and moisture from the street and therefore get dirty very quickly. Today, there are many ways to restore the cleanliness of glass even with severe contamination. We have collected the best in our material.

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Want to learn how to clean windows quickly and easily. so that it does not seem like hard labor, but brings pleasure? Let's share hacks! We tested many of them ourselves and made sure that they work.

Contents of the article

It is not easy for clean people to come to terms with quickly soiled glasses. It is recommended to wash windows at least once every three months. Contrary to popular belief, this procedure is best done in cool weather. Otherwise, moisture in the sun will quickly dry out, leaving streaks. The same goes for strong winds. On a hot sunny day, both water and detergent will dry too quickly, and you may not have time to wipe the windows to a shine (and then it will be quite difficult). It's best to schedule your shower on a day when it's cloudy, dry, not too hot, and not too windy - no longer a trivial task. However, even choosing the ideal time for washing windows, the formation of smudges on the glass cannot be completely ruled out. How to quickly wash windows without streaks?

How to clean windows without streaks: 3 tools at hand

When washing windows, a hostess faces a difficult test - to prevent streaks. Smudges negate all the pleasure of clean windows - yes, of course, they no longer have dirt and dust, but still they are not as transparent as they could be. After all, you want everything to look perfect! We tell you how to wash windows without streaks in three available ways, repeatedly tested in practice by our grandmothers.

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Newsprint

The Soviet era left behind an effective way to prevent stains on glass. In conditions of scarcity, housewives were forced to resort to home remedies and discovered a curious property of newsprint. The fact is that it absorbs moisture very quickly, so the water on the glass does not have time to dry with treacherous smudges.

First wipe the frames, glass and handles with a sponge and detergent. Then wipe the work surface with a damp cloth and wipe off any remaining water with crumpled newsprint. Of course, for this you need to use "classic" newspapers, not glossy ones. The latter, on the contrary, will leave even more divorces. Some people are replacing newsprint with paper towels, which are probably much easier to find now. However, this is not always justified: in many cases, the material from which these towels are made decays much faster than newspaper, and as a result, not stains from detergent, but fragments of paper remain on the window. On the other hand, these fragments can be quickly erased.

Vinegar

Vinegar can be used to make an effective glass cleaner at home. Mix a glass of warm water and 50 ml of vinegar essence. It is most convenient to pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the window and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Vinegar perfectly copes with stains and polishes the smooth surface of glass. If the windows from the last wash have become very dirty - for example, if they face the highway, then even frequent washing will not help them always remain transparent - then the concentration of vinegar can be increased (in especially advanced cases, treat the window with essence and leave for a few minutes), and also - add a little dish detergent or alcohol. It is better to wash windows with gloves to exclude any harm to the skin or manicure.

Starch

Starch is effective even against heavy soiling. Starch solution recipe - 1 tbsp. l. starch per 1 liter of water. Apply the mixture on the glasses, wipe with a sponge and leave for a while. After the solution dries, wipe the windows with a dry cloth, removing any remaining starch. If you do not have starch at home, you can use raw potatoes - this is a good homemade way to quickly clean windows, because potatoes contain a lot of starch.

Of course, you can and should use industrial window cleaners, but not in all cases they can easily cope with heavy pollution.

How to clean plastic windows without streaks: life hacks

Cleaning windows is considered to be a rather boring and dreary task, and completely in vain. There are many ways to make the process of cleaning windows easier, less labor intensive and much less messy. Here are some life hacks to help you with this.

  1. Choose a time when the sun does not shine directly into your windows. Even on a cold day, the heat from it can be enough to dry out the window cleaner before it can do its job.
  2. Dry off the main dirt before washing itself. You can go over the window with a brush or even vacuum it (again, this is true for windows overlooking a busy road). At the same time, you can clean the frames themselves, it will be much more pleasant to wipe them later without unnecessary streaks. If bird droppings or something else that is difficult to clean gets on the windows, treat it with vinegar and leave it for a few minutes, then remove it with a scraper.
  3. While washing the windows, you can remove the curtains and put them on a quick wash cycle, and then immediately hang them up. Under their weight, they will smooth out themselves, and you do not need to take out the iron. The room will smell clean and fresh, and the impression of clean windows will be even more pleasant.
  4. Don't skimp on detergent. The more it is, the more effectively it will cope with dirt.
  5. Cleaning the window is easy with a microfiber cloth. It absorbs very well and washes off easily.
  6. If you use a squeegee instead of a cloth or paper, all the water will flow down with the product. You can put a towel on the frame or line it with paper so that all the liquid is absorbed as quickly as possible.
  7. After washing the windows, the frames must be washed and wiped dry, otherwise moisture will adversely affect their durability. This is especially true for wooden frames, because dampness can warp them, and the mechanisms can rust. If you plan to wash the window sill, place a large bath towel under it to prevent a puddle underneath.
  8. When cleaning windows, try this: wash one side of the window horizontally and the other side vertically. Then, after washing, it will be immediately visible on which side smudges have formed, and they can be easily eliminated.
  9. Larger windows are easier to clean with a squeegee. For small ones, the format of the window leaf is a sponge.
  10. To remove decals from glass, wet the glass, wait a while, then take the scraper and remove unwanted decoration by holding the tool at a 45 degree angle to the glass and moving it from bottom to top.

So, how to quickly wash plastic windows at home? It's very simple: follow the list.

That's it. With the right equipment, cleaning windows is easy and pleasant, and the result is obvious almost immediately. Next, we will give a few more recommendations for various types of windows.

How to properly clean high windows

High windows are definitely beautiful. They fill the room with light and allow you to admire the view. But when it comes time to wash them, difficulties arise.

Now there are special brushes with a sliding handle on sale. Such a brush, as a rule, has two sides: one is a soft sponge, the second is a rubber scraper. It is best to buy a brush with a movable head - this will help you get to the most hard-to-reach places.

But how do you quickly clean high windows if you don't have such a brush? Experienced housewives advise using a mop. You must first wrap the cleaning part of the mop with a damp cloth and wash the window. After that, replace the cloth with a dry one and wipe the glasses. Of course, you can just use a stepladder, but it will take a little more time, after all, rearranging it back and forth is much longer than just wiping the windows with a brush or mop.

How to wash plastic sliding windows on a loggia

Sliding windows are often found in modern apartments. Their mechanism adds complexity when washing. First, you need to clean the drainage channels in the lower part of the frame and be sure to remove moisture from there. Excess water in the frame can lead to mold. Then treat the plastic parts of the window with a cleaner and only lastly go to the double-glazed window. Wash the glass with warm water using the same product. In conclusion, you need to wash off the remnants of washing liquids from the windows with warm water, otherwise they will dry out with unattractive streaks and collect dust. When you have finished washing the windows, wipe them dry with a microfiber cloth. Some housewives claim that nylon tights can be used instead, but this is not very convenient - they absorb worse and are less durable. As an answer to the question of how to wash the sliding windows on the balcony, you can also use these tips, but you need to be even more careful.

How to clean aluminum windows

Aluminum frame parts require special care and mild detergents. Avoid powders and soda. They can damage the finish. After cleaning the aluminum profiles, wipe them dry with a clean cloth. Make sure that alkali does not get on aluminum parts, it can lead to metal corrosion. Ordinary water is not afraid of aluminum.

How to clean the windows on the balcony from the outside

If the shutters open inwards, it will not be difficult to quickly clean the windows from the outside. If the doors swing open outward, you will need a stepladder and a brush with a sliding sufficiently long handle. You can also buy a magnetic brush consisting of two parts connected by a magnet. One half is attached to the inside of the glass, the other is held on a magnet from the outside and follows the trajectory of the inner part.

Don't forget about safety! All manipulations must be done from inside the apartment, there are quite a lot of cases when people fell out of windows when washing.

How to clean an outside window on a high floor

If you live on a high floor, safety is especially important when cleaning windows. Do not put yourself at risk and do not stand on the windowsill. Better use a ladder. Take someone as a companion - let him insure you.

Do not lean out of the windows - it is very easy to lose your balance, and even if you fall from a small height, injuries can be serious. It is best to use magnetic brushes on high floors, which will allow you to wash the window almost without opening it - you only need to apply detergent to the outer part and fix the brush, then you can close the window and continue washing it without fear.

Washing windows is perhaps one of the most “rewarding” components of cleaning, because glass stays clean longer than, say, the floor or dishes, and besides, windows are constantly in sight. Clean windows, fresh curtains and clutter-free window sills improve the mood of all people living in the apartment.

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