Window cleaner no streaks
How to clean a window without streaks: expert tips for a spotless finish
(Image credit: Jody Stewart)
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
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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
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'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.
Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
How to Make Homemade Window Cleaner
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Dirty windows or a streaky glass door are easy to notice and are easy to clean. Yet, cleaning windows and doors always seems like a chore we put off—even though it requires minimal work. No more excuses! You don’t need any fancy cleaners or tools when you can make this DIY glass cleaner recipe for free from supplies in your house.
Save some dollars and keep things simple by mixing up your own DIY window cleaner with nothing more than a few pantry staples you likely have on hand. This homemade window cleaner is a solution of ingredients that you can actually pronounce, like vinegar and water, and can whip up quickly and leave under your sink for the next time it’s needed. Here’s the recipe for success.
Tools & Materials- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Liquid dish soap
- Essential oils (optional)
- Spray bottle
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STEP 1: Gather the ingredients.Before learning how to clean windows with vinegar, you’ll first want to gather the materials for this DIY glass cleaner. You’ll need white vinegar (or lemon juice) and dish soap—a fragrant essential oil is nice to add, but not necessary.
In this recipe, as with so many other nontoxic homemade cleaners, white vinegar plays a key role. Its acidity cuts through dirt and grease, an attribute that the window cleaner to remove stuck-on debris and streaks.
If you’ve washed your windows for years with a commercial cleaner such as 409 or even Windex, it’s likely that the glass sports a subtle, waxy film. That residue comes off easily with ordinary dish detergent, another ingredient contributing to the efficacy of homemade window cleaner.
STEP 2: Mix the homemade glass cleaner ingredients and dilute them with warm water.In a spray bottle, combine ¼ cup of white vinegar with ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Dilute the solution with 2 cups of water, then shake the bottle vigorously to mix the components. If you don’t have white vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with lemon juice. Like distilled white vinegar, lemon juice has a mild acidity that cuts through grease and grime with equal panache.
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STEP 3: Add oil to make the cleaner smell nice (optional).As a cleaning agent, there’s much to love about vinegar, but the strong odor isn’t everyone’s favorite thing. Fortunately, you can go a long way toward camouflaging the scent of your homemade glass cleaner by adding essential oil to the spray bottle mixture. Pick your favorite oil and add 10 to 15 drops.
With your homemade window cleaner now ready, spray the window glass with it and then, using a lint-free cloth, wipe the cleaner across the entire surface you’re cleaning. Be careful not to use a cloth or sponge that’s going to leave streaks. For best results, opt for a microfiber cloth or chamois. The cleaner will dry fairly quickly, leaving behind a streak-free shine.
What the Ingredients DoVinegarThe main reason why distilled white vinegar makes such a good glass cleaner is because it contains acetic acid. The colorless organic compound gives white vinegar its pungent flavor and odor, and kills some bacteria. When you wash windows with vinegar, not only will you be able to break down and remove dirt, grease, and mineral deposits, you’ll also be able to kill germs on hard surfaces around the home.
It is important to note, however, that vinegar-based cleaning solutions should not replace true sanitizing cleaners that remove 99.9 percent of disease-causing bacteria and viruses, the EPA standard for products labeled as sanitizers.
Lemon JuiceSimilar to white vinegar, the acids in lemon juice can effectively break down grime on glass surfaces such as windows. The citric acid found in lemon juice is technically a bit stronger than vinegar’s acetic acid, though both are about equally effective when it comes to cleaning around the house.
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Dish SoapSeveral ingredients make up most liquid dish soaps on the market, but one ingredient in particular, sodium lauryl sulfate, gives dish soaps their impressive grease-busting abilities. The component bonds with oily particles and lifts them off of surfaces, which allows for easy removal when used with water.
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Essential OilsThe best homemade window cleaner leaves behind an appealing scent. Many essential oils contain natural chemical components that are both cleansing and pleasantly scented. Tea tree essential oil, for example, doesn’t just smell great—it has antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. Mixing it into your homemade window cleaner can help prevent mold and mildew growth, too.
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Warm WaterAs is the case when cleaning other parts of the home, water temperature makes a difference. Hot water has more kinetic energy than cold water, so it more easily agitates and lifts dirt particles off surfaces. While this may help with cleaning dishes and laundry to some extent, warm water isn’t essential for cleaning windows. Cold or tepid water will work, too.
Tips for Cleaning WindowsA thorough window cleaning should be at the top of every homeowner’s seasonal cleaning to-do list. The start of spring when the weather warms is an opportune time to tackle this task both inside and outside your home. Before you start spritzing the glass, consider these useful window-cleaning tips:
- Buff away dust. If the windows are dusty but not streaky, you can clean them without bringing a cleaning solution, homemade or otherwise, into the equation. Simply use a lint-free cloth to pick up and clear away the dust. Then, once finished, complete the job by polishing the glass to a streak-free shine with a different, clean cloth.
- Wait for the right weather. If possible, clean your windows on a cloudy day. When sun is shining directly on the window, the cleaning solution dries faster, which can leave behind streaks and water marks.
- Start with the tracks and frame. The tracks and frame of a window can get even dirtier than the glass. Cleaning these areas before cleaning the window panes will help prevent the grime from smearing over the glass as you clean it.
- Clean interior and exterior windows twice a year. Making it a habit to clean the inside and outside of each window twice a year can help prevent dust, dirt, and mineral deposits from building up.
While you could use paper towels, a soft microfiber cloth works best for first removing dust and loose debris from windows. Use a separate clean microfiber cloth to work the homemade window cleaner along the glass surface and remove stubborn dirt and residue. Coffee filters are also handy for cleaning windows, as are squeegees. The latter are especially useful for deep-cleaning the outside of your windows, which you can DIY rather than paying for professional window cleaning.
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Safety Precautions for Mixing Homemade Glass CleanerUsing natural ingredients is eco-friendly and safer for your skin and lungs compared to the chemicals found in many commercial cleaners, but there are still a few safety considerations to be aware of when making your own window cleaner. Natural ingredients such as white vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils are effective in homemade glass cleaners, but they do not replace true sanitizers that are proven to kill 99.9 percent of disease-causing pathogens.
The most important thing to remember when making window cleaner (or any other homemade cleaning solutions) is never to mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. When sodium hypochlorite, the basic chemical compound in bleach, mixes with the acetic acid found in vinegar, it gives off toxic chlorine gas. Chlorine gas can burn skin, cause shortness of breath, and can even be fatal with long-term exposure.
Glass Cleaner vs. Window CleanerFormulas for specialized commercial glass cleaners are often ammonia-based, and can leave streaks or foggy spots on some types glass. Car windows, for example, should not be cleaned with ammonia-based window cleaners because the residue poses a risk of obstructing the driver’s view. Natural glass cleaners that do not contain ammonia, such as the homemade window cleaner recipe above, don’t leave behind residue or streaks when wiped away using a clean microfiber cloth.
Final ThoughtsThe best window cleaning solution is safe, natural, and effective. Following this recipe for a natural window cleaner can help you achieve all of these goals and leave you with clear, clean, and streak-free windows. Mixing in a few drops of essential oil adds a pleasant scent to the vinegar-based cleaner.
Cleaning the windows in your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Consider focusing on one level or room at a time to keep the workload manageable. Remember, you should also clean the exterior windows and screens a few times a year.
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FAQs About DIY Window CleanerDo you have any additional questions about cleaning windows with a homemade window cleaner? Consult the frequently asked questions below to gain additional information.
Q. Can you use rubbing alcohol instead of vinegar to clean windows?Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to get windows clean if you don’t have vinegar on hand. 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.
Q. Why are my windows streaky after I clean them?Ammonia-based commercial window cleaners leave behind a residue that can make windows look streaky. For streak free windows, try making your own natural homemade window cleaner using white distilled vinegar, water, lemon juice, essential oils, and dish soap.
Q. How do you deep clean windows?Start by cleaning the window tracks and frames with a solution of three parts white distilled vinegar and one part water. Then, combine white distilled vinegar, lemon juice, water, essential oils, and dish soap together and use the solution to clean the glass.
More Recipes for Homemade Cleaners
For the Kitchen• Homemade Degreaser
• Homemade Granite Cleaner
• Homemade Oven Cleaner
• Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner
• Homemade Silver Polish
• How To Clean A Glass Cooktop
• Homemade Floor Cleaner
• Homemade Carpet Cleaner
• Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner
• 10 Homemade Carpet Cleaning Remedies
• Homemade Shower Cleaner
• Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Homemade Grout Cleaner
• Homemade Drain Cleaner
• Homemade Deck Cleaner
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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?
- Vinegar
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.
- Lemon or citric acid
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.
- Starch
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.
- Newsprint
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.
- Salt
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.
- Detergent + vinegar
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
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.
- Potassium permanganate - potassium permanganate
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/
Reply
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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15 ways to clean windows without streaks at home
Natalia | May 28, 2018 | Updated | Windows and doors | 171,998 views | 2 comments
Contents of the article
Transparent windows along with a sparkling stove and plumbing are the hallmark of a good housewife. Cleaning windows well, especially if you live in an apartment building on a high floor, is not an easy task, which is why many people only do it twice a year. It is not surprising that during this time a decent layer of dust has time to settle on the glasses, and precipitation leaves stains that take away a huge part of the light. You still need to be able to deal with such pollution! "Thermonuclear" store products can come to the rescue, but many housewives prefer less toxic folk methods. We figure out how to wash windows without streaks at home in order to get an excellent result that would last for a long time.
Basic rules for cleaning windows
Rain and snow, wind with dust, condensation, tobacco smoke, insect marks and fingerprints, children's games with paints and felt-tip pens are the main causes of window glass staining. Ideally, windows should be washed every three months. Downstairs residents may need more frequent cleanings, while perfectionists and pedantic cleaners may repeat washing procedures even more often. Regardless of how often you wash your windows, it is best to follow a series of simple rules:
- When is the best time to wash windows? The ideal time for harvesting is cool, calm and cloudy weather. The fact is that at high temperatures, the detergent will dry too quickly, and you will not have time to wipe it so that there are no streaks left. The same goes for windy days. The bright sun will cause glare, which may interfere with the qualitative assessment of the result of washing;
- what is the best way to wash windows? It is better to start cleaning windows by sorting out deposits of things on the windowsill, if any. Then you can remove the curtains and send them to the laundry. Don't forget blinds and mosquito nets. The next step is washing the window sill and window frames. It is better not to use soda and other abrasive products for these purposes - both plastic and wood can be damaged. A soap solution based on washing powder, dishwashing gel or laundry soap is perfect. To heighten the effect, you can add a few drops of ammonia. The frames are thoroughly wiped with soapy foam, and then the foam is washed off with water. You can act with a sponge, in the most difficult places you can use its hard part. The main dust and dirt from the windows can be removed using the same soapy water and a sponge, and only after that proceed to the use of the main detergent (purchased or homemade). If you carefully monitor the cleanliness of the windows, then you can immediately use the main tool. It is better to start washing windows from the inside. When washing plastic windows, special attention is paid to seals, drainage holes and metal fittings - a brush may be needed for high-quality cleaning;
- what tools are needed? Container (bowl or bucket) for cleaning solution and water. You will also need a sponge, a piece of dry cloth or a microfiber cloth (the main thing is that there are no fibers left on the window from the material). Many people find it convenient to use a special glass cleaner. This is a device with a sponge on one side and a fold on the other. The handle, as a rule, can be extended, so that all hard-to-reach places can be washed much easier. Of course, detergent is the main thing that we need in the fight against stains and dirt. It is best to apply detergent to the glass with a spray bottle, but you can use a sponge;
- Which product should I choose, industrial or household? Shelves in supermarkets and household chemical stores are literally littered with special products that promise perfect results in the form of transparent glasses without streaks with minimal effort. Not all tools are as effective as advertised, but many really do their job very well. Not so long ago (many people remember that time well) there were no special chemicals, so the housewives used improvised glass cleaning products, and it must be admitted that the windows in the apartments were no less transparent than they are now. Folk recipes are the absence of toxic and allergy-causing substances and good savings, because all the ingredients can be found at home. The result will be no worse than when using store products.
With ready-made products, everything is clear: you need to make a choice based on reviews or your own instinct, apply on glass, wash them and evaluate the result. The choice of products is huge. Folk recipes are a whole storehouse of knowledge. If you are afraid of unnecessary trouble, we are in a hurry to please you: it is not difficult at all to prepare a window cleaner at home. As a rule, it is enough to mix several components, and then proceed as with a store-bought product.
Note that if soap is used or a composition that requires rinsing, then the procedure will be as follows: a solution is applied, the surface is wiped with a sponge, all the foam is removed from top to bottom, the glass is washed with clean water, then you can walk again with a screed, and now it remains to wipe the glass dry cloth, paper towels or newspaper.
#1. Newsprint
This is one of the oldest and most proven methods , well known to anyone who has caught the Soviet era. In warm water, add dishwashing detergent, powder or grated laundry soap. Using a sponge, carefully wipe the frames, glass and handles, paying attention to especially dirty places. Now with clean water and a clean rag you need to rinse the glasses and start wiping them with crumpled newsprint.
The secret of this method lies in the fact that newsprint perfectly absorbs moisture, which is what you need when you need to quickly get rid of water and prevent streaks. What's more, the paper and the special composition of the ink give the glasses a characteristic sheen. This method was so popular and gave such excellent results that even today some housewives use newsprint along with store-bought products for best results.
Note that newspapers are not the only folk remedy intended for rubbing glass to a shine. For these purposes, you can even use nylon tights , which can easily be compared with microfiber in terms of efficiency.
No. 2. Chalk
This method also involves pre-washing the glass with warm soapy water. Then the windows are washed with a solution of chalk or tooth powder (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water). When the glasses are dry, all that remains is to wipe them with a clean, dry cloth and enjoy the result: transparency and the absence of streaks are guaranteed.
No. 3. Vinegar
This recipe is fashionable to cook multifunction tool . Firstly, it will save you from stains, and, secondly, it will scare away insects, which, we recall, make a significant contribution to the process of glass pollution. To prepare the solution, you need to mix a glass of warm water and 50 ml of vinegar. It is most convenient to apply the product on the glass with a spray bottle and wipe the window dry with a soft cloth or napkin.
No. 4. Detergent + vinegar
Mix 0.5 l of water, 70 ml of vinegar and a teaspoon of powder or dish detergent. With the resulting solution, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the windows, rubbing off all the dirt, now it remains to rinse the surface with water and wipe everything dry.
No. 5. Lemon or citric acid
Not everyone likes the smell of vinegar, and if you can classify yourself in this group of people, then vinegar can be replaced with citric acid, which has almost the same properties. In a glass of water, it is necessary to dissolve 50 ml of lemon juice, and then, using a spray bottle, apply the product on the glasses and wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. The apartment will smell nice with citruses.
There is also another variation of preparation. It is necessary to fill a liter jar with lemon peel (the volume may be different, it all depends on the amount of peel collected) and pour 9% vinegar solution. Let the solution infuse for 1.5-2 weeks, after which it must be filtered. The resulting liquid can be added to water and used to clean windows and floors. It will perfectly remove dirt and disinfect.
No. 6. Ammonia
Ammonia perfectly copes with nicotine film , removes other impurities and disinfects. True, his smell is not pleasant, so after washing it is necessary to ventilate the room well. It is better to work in a protective mask so as not to damage the respiratory tract and not get poisoned.
To prepare a cleaning solution, mix 2 tbsp. tablespoons of ammonia and 2 cups of water. Then everything is according to the standard scheme: apply to glass and wipe thoroughly. This solution is great for washing mirrors and crystal. To convince you of the effectiveness of the product, we recall that , most store window cleaners are based on ammonia.
If the glasses are heavily soiled, the composition can be strengthened by adding vinegar : in a glass of water, dissolve 1 tbsp. a spoonful of ammonia and 1 tbsp. a spoonful of vinegar. The latter is recommended by some to replace with technical or formic alcohol . The result will please you.
No. 7. Starch
Surprisingly, starch helps cope with very dusty windows without streaks. Based on it, many different folk recipes are built. The easiest is to prepare a solution: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of starch per 1 liter of water. The mixture is applied to glass, wiped with a sponge and left to dry. Then it remains only to wipe with a dry cloth, getting rid of the remnants of starch.
A variation of this method is to use raw potatoes . It must be cut and rubbed with a glass tuber. When the window dries, we remove the remaining starch with microfiber and enjoy the result without a hint of streaks.
What is the power of starch? The thing is that the glass is even and smooth only at first glance. In fact, it is full of dimples and scratches that water easily gets into, dries out and leaves stains. Starch is able to weaken hydrogen bonds, preventing the appearance of streaks.
No. 8. Starch + Alcohol + Vinegar
To prepare this remedy, we need 2 cups of water, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of starch, ¼ cup technical alcohol and ¼ cup vinegar. It is better to first dissolve the starch in warm water, and then add vinegar and alcohol. It is most convenient to prepare the mixture directly in the bottle, so that later, using a special nozzle, spray it onto the glass. Shake the solution well before use. After spraying, wipe it with a paper towel or dry cloth.
#9. Potassium permanganate
Potassium permanganate, popularly known as potassium permanganate, is used in various fields. It also works well for cleaning windows. It is necessary to dissolve a couple of tablespoons of potassium permanganate in water to get a light pink solution. Carefully make sure that all the crystals dissolve - they should not fall on the glass.
No. 10. Table salt
Regular salt removes light dirt and gives the glass a unique shine. To prepare the product, it is enough to dissolve 2 tbsp in a glass of water. tablespoons of salt and the resulting solution wash the glass using microfiber.
No.
11. Baking Soda + VinegarThis well-known and popular household steam is also useful for cleaning windows. Perfectly she copes with children's drawings on the windows . In 2 liters of water, dissolve ¼ cup of baking soda and 100 ml of vinegar. You can take warm water so that the soda dissolves faster, since it is important that not a single crystal remains. Soda particles can scratch the glass. The resulting solution is applied to the contaminated surface and the consequences of children's creativity are carefully wiped off with the hard side of the sponge. The glass is then wiped dry with a paper towel.
No. 12. Onion
Experienced housewives know that onions are excellent to remove traces of flies . With half an onion, rub the contaminated areas until they are completely cleaned. Then it remains to rinse with water and wipe dry with a newspaper, or use any of the methods described above and below to further clean the glasses.
No. 13. Tea
Tea infusion also has good dirt handling properties. It is necessary to prepare a cup of strong tea infusion and add 3 tbsp. spoons of vinegar. It is recommended to apply this mixture on glass with a sprayer, wipe it with a cloth, and then rinse the glass with clean water. At the last stage, you can use the newspapers mentioned above.
No. 14. Glycerin
This product is not intended for washing, but for preventing pollution , more precisely, to slow it down, which is also important. When the glass is perfectly washed, you want to keep the result as long as possible, and this composition comes to the rescue, which makes the windows less “attractive” to dust.
The recipe is simple. It is necessary to mix 40 ml of water and 60 ml of glycerin, add 2-3 drops of ammonia, shake the resulting mixture well and wipe the glass with it. In addition, such a mixture will become a reliable protection against icing.
No.
15. CornmealThis product will also help prevent dust from accumulating on clean glasses. For 1 liter of water add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of flour and wipe with a glass solution.
How to clean windows from the outside?
If the window sashes open towards the apartment, then washing the windows from the outside can be quite simple, using one of the tools listed above. It will be more difficult if the doors are deaf or open outward. If we are talking about a private house, then a stepladder will solve the problem. For washing windows located at a decent height, you can use telescopic wiper . It has a long enough handle that can be bent at the desired angle, reaching the most inaccessible places. Another option is magnetic brush , which consists of two parts: one part with a brush is attached from the outside, the second - from the inside. The magnet allows you to hold the part with the brush and wash the glass in the most remote corners. Convenient, but you need a little patience.
Windows on the ground floor outside may be stained with dried grains of sand. Rough ways to rub the glass to clean off dirt will not work in this case - you can only scratch the surface. It is best to apply a soapy solution to the contaminated areas for 10-15 minutes to soak the grains of sand, then it will be much easier to remove them. Then you can use any method of washing.
How to clean windows after repair?
Of course, it is better to cover the windows with paper in advance to prevent them from getting dirty, but everyone has the right to make mistakes. What's more, so many people get it wrong that many ways have been found to deal with a wide variety of stains that have formed during repairs:
- drops of chalk or lime whitewash are perfectly washed off with CIF gel for shiny surfaces;
- acrylic paint can be removed with gasoline or mineral spirits;
- Cement particles can be removed from glass with phosphoric acid, but it must be done very carefully so that the substance does not get on the window sill;
- Remaining masking tape can be removed with drying oil, turpentine, vegetable oil or isopropyl alcohol;
- enamel and nitro enamel dissolve with acetone;
- "Solvent 646" will help to cope with mounting foam that has got on the glass.