Window cleaning 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
(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.
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 Clean Windows Without Streaks | Streak Free
How to Clean Windows
This blog post will teach you how to clean windows without streaks. The cleaners at Simply Spotless are well versed in window cleaning. You can add window cleaning as an extra to your cleaning service whenever you need it. We also provide window cleaning as part of our bond (end of lease) cleaning package.
Our cleaners are professionals with years of experience. Now we’re going to show you how to clean windows without steaks and how to clean windows with Vinegar. The first step to keeping your windows clean it to make sure you clean them often. Cleaning your windows once a year will prevent dirt from building up, which would obviously make it easier to clean.
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How to Clean Windows Without Steaks
in 5 Steps
1. Dust and brush down the windows
The first step to clean your windows without streaks is to remove any excess dirt, dust, and cobwebs. Find a dust-pan brush, a dusting wand, a broom, or something similar. Then brush down the windows to remove any built up dirt, cobwebs, or grime. It best to start at the top of each window and work your way down. Then brush down the window sill and use a dust pan or vacuum to pick up anything that fell on the window sill and the floor.
Source: Bunnings
2. Pick a detergent and start washing
There are lots of different window washing products that you can choose from. In Australia, you’ll tend to come across Windex and Ajax. Both of these will do the job. However, some of you may prefer to use something you already have lying around your home.
If that’s the case then you could try a tiny bit of dishwashing detergent mixed with water or you could try vinegar. I’ll talk more about Vinegar later.
If you’re using a store bought window cleaning detergent, then just spray it on the window and wipe in a circular motion with a paper towel, newspaper, or a microfibre cloth (recommended).
If you’re using detergent mixed with water then just dip the microfibre cloth (or the sponge of your squeegee) into the water and rub the window in a circular motion. Think Karate Kid – wax on, wax off. For stubborn marks, you might need to get store bought window cleaning solutions involved. Alternatively, you can add a cap of methylated spirits to your water instead.
TIP 1: To get a good clean, it’s best to use cold water. Hot water evaporates too quickly.
TIP 2: Always clean from the top of the windows down. That way you won’t have dirty water dripping down onto the areas you’ve already cleaned.
3. Squeegee the window dry
You don’t have to use a squeegee to dry the window but it’s the fastest and most efficient way to get it done. However, using a squeegee properly takes a bit of practice. Hold the squeegee so that the handle is at a 45 degree angle to the glass. Start at the top left of the window and snake your way down going from left to right and then right to left. Use a rag or cloth to wipe the squeegee dry between each stroke or when needed. That will help to prevent steaks.
Credit: Family Handyman
4. Wipe the window down with a cloth
Even professionals can’t completely dry the window with just a squeegee. To prevent steak marks, you’ll need to use a dry microfibre cloth (recommended), paper towel, or newspaper to wipe the windows dry after you squeegee them. Using a circular motion dry the windows from top to bottom. Make sure the cloth is clean and dry.
5. Clean up the window sills and floors
When you’re done with step 4, you’ll probably have some water on the window sill and sometimes even on the floor.
Use a towel to dry these areas because a microfibre cloth with get wet and dirty too quickly.
If there are any marks left on the windows, give them a rub with your microfibre cloth or repeat the process from the start.
When you’re done cleaning all the windows on the inside of your home, then you can do the outside too. Your windows will be left looking Simply Spotless.
How to Clean Windows with Vinegar
Do you like doing this the natural way and want to avoid using store bought chemicals? Then you might want to know how to clean windows with vinegar. Making a cleaning solution with vinegar it easy.
All you need to do is create a solution that is half white vinegar and half cold tap water. Some people say apple cider vinegar works better but its a lot more expensive, especially if you have lots of windows.
TIP: If your windows are really dirty, add a cap of methylated spirits to the mixture and that should do the trick.
To clean the windows with vinegar, simply use the same procedure that we explained above. Alternatively, you can use the spray and wipe techniques as shown below.
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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 light 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 that, there was also a delicious dinner here, I already managed it myself))
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HOW TO CLEAN WINDOWS WITHOUT STREAMS - 5 tips
Clean and shiny windows are just a feast for the eyes. But the process of washing them is often accompanied by ugly stains on the glass. You have to wipe the surface again and again to achieve a shine.
We make the task easier with the help of a well-chosen arsenal of window cleaners and a couple of life hacks on how to deal with dried smudges.
What is the best way to clean windows?
You can use both specialized tools and tools, as well as tricks “from the people” that have already been tested by many generations. What you need:
- Water or soap solution . We use to remove dust, dried raindrops, grease, soot, insects. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle or use a Bosch GlassVAC sprayer equipped with a microfiber cloth nozzle.
- Glass cleaner, vinegar or ammonia . We dilute the latter with water (3 tablespoons of vinegar are enough for 1 liter). You can also use dishwashing gel, which perfectly removes dirt and adds shine to the glass surface. First, add a little water to the product.
- Scraper. With foam nozzle to remove primary dirt, rubber nozzle to remove residual moisture.
If there are paint residues or stickers on the glass, you need a scraper with a metal blade. When there is no special equipment at hand, we take paper towels or old newspapers. - Microfibre cloth. Soft cloth does not leave scratches on the glass, while absorbing moisture well, allows you to "polish" the glass to a shine.
For express cleaning, you can use wet wipes designed to remove dirt and dust from windows and mirrors. Everything is simple here: we take out the napkin from the package and proceed to washing. Excellent wipes the surface, does not leave streaks and lint on the glass. This option is suitable for washing one or two glasses or local elimination of stains, smudges.
Useful for cleaning: How to clean your bath: 5 types of dirt and how to eliminate them
Cleaning windows: basic rules and tips
Things to consider:
- Weather . On a hot sunny day, moisture dries quickly, leaving streaks on the glass.
In addition, the bright sun reflected from the glass surface can simply “dazzle” the eyes. The ideal option is calm, cool, cloudy weather. - Wash sequence . We start the process from the inside, and then go to the outside of the window. We use microfiber cloths only after removing the settled dust, otherwise they will not polish the glass, but leave mud stains.
- Tough stain removers . If there are traces of whitewash and paint left on the glass after repair, greasy prints, severe dirt, it is better to use concentrates. They can be either poured into sprinklers or applied manually by applying to a lint-free cloth.
- Anti-fog, anti-rain . From the outside, street dust quickly accumulates, stains remain after the rain. To prolong the cleanliness and shine of windows, you can add a few tablespoons of glycerin to the cleaning solution.
- Extra gloss . The shine of the windows will help to give the addition of vinegar, alcohol to the water.
But if you already use special liquid for washing, additives are not needed. Solvents, surfactants, etc. are included in the composition of purchased products, which allows you to cope with dirt deposits and ensure the shine of the washed surface.
Another folk trick on how to wash windows quickly and without leaving streaks is potassium permanganate. Not only cleans, but also disinfects the surface. A couple of tablespoons of potassium permanganate should be dissolved in a liter of water. Then we spray the solution on the glass, rub it on the surface with a cloth or soft sponge, and remove the remaining moisture with dry wipes.
How to wash windows without streaks: step by step instructions
We start cleaning with frames and window sills. We go through them first with a damp cloth, wiping off the dirt, then with a dry one, removing moisture. We do not disregard seals and fittings.
Then we move on to the glasses. Step by step how to wash windows properly:
- We remove the main dirt.
For this, a scraper with a foam rubber sponge or a cotton cloth dipped in water or a solution with the addition of detergent is suitable. - Fixing the result. We use a window cleaner (purchased or made independently from vinegar, ammonia), spraying the solution over the surface.
- We wipe the window dry with a scraper with a rubber nozzle, on the surface of which it is better to walk with a dry cloth after each movement on the glass. Or use a microfiber cloth, crumpled pieces of newspaper, paper towels.
Be careful with abrasive products such as baking soda or dishwashing powder. Small grains can scratch the glass. Therefore, it is better to use such options for wiping dirt on the window handle, window sill and frames.
A steam cleaner such as the SSC 3001 YL can be used to clean glass, frames and window sills. Such devices are equipped with several nozzles that allow you to wash the glass surface and process hard-to-reach places. After you have gone through the steam cleaner, you need to wipe the double-glazed window with a dry cloth.
After steam treatment, even stubborn dirt is well removed, in addition, there is no need to use household chemicals.
Helpful: How to use a steam cleaner: 10 tips for thorough cleaning
How to clean windows from the outside or at a height
If cleaning the inside of the glass is no problem, the outside is not only difficult to maintain, but also requires certain safety rules. Especially if you have to clean double-glazed windows on the second, third and higher floors.
There are several ways to safely and thoroughly clean a window at a height:
- Magnetic brushes. They consist of 2 halves, one of which is attached inside, the other outside. Thanks to the magnet, both parts are attracted to each other, allowing you to move the brush from the inside of the glass in sync with the outside. Napkins are attached to such brushes. It is better to drive magnetic devices on wet glass, adhering to the scheme indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions for the device.
- Scrapers with telescopic handle. The handle in such devices extends to a certain length so that you can even reach the top of the glass with a brush without climbing onto the window sill and not sticking out of the window too much. You can use the nozzles in the kit (foam, rubber, microfiber) or wrap the scraper first with a wet, then with a dry cloth and gently wipe the glass from the outside.
Another tool to help clean windows at height is a mop. You can use not only the usual one, for floors, consisting of a handle and a crossbar where a rag is wound, but also more advanced options. There are models with an additional curved handle, which are convenient to use at height.
How to clean windows with a mop? Wet the foam insert in water or soapy water, wring it out a little. We lead the mop in the direction from top to bottom. Then we pass through the glass with a nozzle with a rubber insert, removing excess moisture.
Lightweight window mops, specially designed for easy and safe cleaning.
Cleaning glass surfaces with them is much faster and easier to hold on weight than a wooden stick with a wound rag.
When to choose: What is better - a washing vacuum cleaner or a steam cleaner
What is better to wash plastic windows
Most often, the color of such structures is white. This means that the slightest settling of dust, streaks and other contaminants is visible on the surface. Wiping with a dry cloth is not enough. What and what is better to wash:
Plastic bags are airtight, which interferes with the natural microcirculation of air. Therefore, regularly ventilate the room to avoid the accumulation of condensate on the double-glazed windows.
How to clean panoramic windows
Such structures offer a stunning view, but due to the large glass area and the impossibility of opening them, they are difficult to maintain. Cleaning must be carried out first from the inside, then from the outside (if there is access to it).
What we do:
- We take a brush-scraper or an extension for a window cleaner with a retractable handle, and its length should be enough to reach the top of the double-glazed window.
- We apply a cleaning solution to the glass surface. For this, a nozzle on a brush with microfiber, foam rubber is suitable.
- We change the nozzle to rubber or another, dry textile. We brush from top to bottom, collecting and, as it were, “driving” the washing solution.
Panoramic display windows can be cleaned in this way without calling a team of cleaners.
Cleaning at home: How to clean carpets at home: Top 10 tips
How often should I clean my windows?
It is best to clean after every change of seasons. For 3 months, glass is exposed to rain or snow, dust and dirt from the street, grease and other contaminants are deposited on the window sill and frames. Even if the windows are treated with a solution that prolongs their cleanliness and contributes to the formation of an “anti-rain”, “anti-plaque” film, such “protection” will not last longer than a few months.
But it is problematic to do this in winter and late autumn because of the cold windy weather.
