Getting your spring cleaning started after a long winter is something many people procrastinate on, but you can make the process seamless with these window cleaning tips for streakless finishes.
While no one likes streaky or dirty windows, the process of actually cleaning them can be cumbersome. Fortunately, we have some easy window cleaning tips that will make it easy to start practicing good cleaning habits. Keep reading to learn how to clean your windows like a pro.
1. Clean on a cloudy day
What’s the best time of day to clean windows? While you might think sunny is best since the heat would help your windows dry, overcast days are actually better for cleaning your windows.
On sunny days, the window cleaner will dry before you have a chance to thoroughly remove it, leading to streaky or patchy windows. Clouds not only give you the time you need to clean the windows correctly but also prevent you from having to potentially stare into the bright sun while you’re trying to work.
2. Start by removing dust and dirt
Before you start cleaning your windows, you need to remove the dust and dirt built up over time. If you apply a cleaning product to your window straight away, you’ll just end up with a muddy solution that’s a pain to clean. Instead, start by wiping down the window with paper towels or a cloth to get the majority of the grime off before you clean — that way, you can focus on making your windows shiny and streakless.
3. Don’t skimp on the product
It can be tempting to skimp out on how much cleaning product you use, but in this situation, too much is far better than not enough. If you don’t use enough cleaning product, it’ll result in a streaky and uneven finish. One of the simplest (and most effective) window cleaning tips is to be generous with your application of cleaning products to ensure sparkling clean windows.
For cleaning solutions like vinegar or dish soap, you’ll want to adjust your ratios to ensure you have more than enough cleaning solution to cover all your windows.
4. Use two of each cleaning product
A common mistake people make when cleaning is using only one of each item. Realistically, the first towel, squeegee or scrubber you use is primarily for removing dust and dirt — not for actually cleaning the window.
Designate specific cleaning materials for removing dirt, then go in again with a fresh set of cleaning products to ensure you get that perfect streakless finish. Alternatively, it’s a good idea to designate an indoor and outdoor set of materials.
5. Get smart with your cleaning strategy
Have you ever cleaned your windows, just to notice a pesky streak days later — and not been able to tell what side of the window it was even on? To prevent this frustration, wipe one side of the window using vertical strokes and the other with horizontal strokes. That way, you’ll quickly be able to tell which side of the window is the streak culprit.
6. Opt for dish soap
What’s one of the best window cleaning tips for streakless finishes? Well, the answer might surprise you. Dish soap is a kid- and pet-friendly cleaning option that can remove dirt and grease, leaving your window glass clean and streak-free. Additionally, dish soap is a standard household product, so you can clean your windows without adding a trip to the store for window cleaning solution.
Dish soap works particularly well with squeegees and leaves a sparkling, streakless finish. For an extra-powered clean, start with a round of dish soap to clear the dust and dirt before finishing off with a glass cleaner for sparkling clean windows.
7. Use steel wool for tough stains
Tough stains like tree sap or adhesive can be removed with grade #0000 steel wool, which will only cost you around $5. Just be sure to spray window cleaner on the stain beforehand to lubricate the surface. Once you spray the window cleaner, simply buff away the stains using steel wool for a sleek and shiny finish. After you use steel wool to get rid of adhesive residue, go in with dish soap, vinegar or glass cleaner to get stain- and streak-free windows.
8. Consider a microfiber cloth
Instead of using newspaper or paper towels, opt for microfiber glass cloths. These will run you around $10 and are similar material to what you use to clean eyeglasses, making them an excellent option for smudge-free windows. Microfiber is one of the best window cleaning cloths because of the ergonomic honeycomb texture that picks up water spots and dirt from your windows — without leaving any scratches or smudge marks.
9. Use a new squeegee
If you want to get serious about washing your windows, it’s time to break out the squeegee. It should be about 12 inches across with a metal frame and replaceable rubber blade — and should only cost about $20.
Begin at the top of the window and slowly clean a narrow strip. Next, press the entire squeegee horizontally against the glass and pull across, beginning at the upper corner of the window. Be sure to wipe your squeegee clean after each swipe and you’ll have streak-free windows in no time!
10. Supplement with a magic eraser
The magic eraser is a versatile cleaning tool that has been a staple in many handyman’s toolboxes over the years. It costs around $3 and is useful for removing tough adhesives, dirt and grime. On your windows, you can use magic erasers for those extra pesky spots like silicone caulk and water stains. Just be sure to spot test on your window beforehand — you don’t want to end up using it on the wrong surface and causing more damage when trying to do a little touch-up.
Household window cleaning methods
So you have all the tips for cleaning windows like a pro. But what window cleaning method works best for you? Keep reading to learn the best window cleaning tips and determine the right cleaning solution for your individual needs.
Vinegar
Popular among people who prefer natural cleaning solutions, the vinegar method of washing your windows is an easy, inexpensive way to get the job done. Vinegar is known as one of the most versatile cleaning products due to its acidity, which allows it to kill germs, deodorize a room and remove grease. Here’s how to clean your windows using vinegar.
- Combine 2 cups of water and 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent to break down all the residue left over from commercial glass cleaners
- Spray your mixture onto the window and wipe away with a paper towel
Dish soap
Dish soap is an excellent eco-friendly option for window cleaning with household products. A few drops of dish soap will leave your windows streak-free in no time — and it can even be used to clean your shower doors, too. Keep reading to learn window cleaning tips with dish soap.
- Pour a few gallons of cool water into a bucket combined with one teaspoon of dishwashing soap
- Grab a sponge, dip it in the water and squeeze out the excess liquid
- Give the window a good scrubbing and tip your squeegee, so only the corner touches the glass
Dry
If you want window cleaning tips that don’t involve any liquid, this one’s for you. When your windows aren’t filthy and just need a quick touch up, you can dry-clean them in a few minutes. Just use a lint-free cotton cloth to give them a quick polish. A bit of crumpled up newspaper will also do the trick.
Get squeaky clean windows today
Cleaning your windows is a chore that many of us are guilty of putting off. It can be extremely frustrating to put in the work to clean your windows, just to end up with streaky finishes or water stains.
Whether you’re gearing up for a hefty spring cleaning or just want to quickly freshen up your windows, knowing these window cleaning tips can help you achieve those shiny, streakless finishes.
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