For many people, window cleaning is not in their list of routine chores. It’s not for lack of appreciation for clean and sparkling windows, rather it’s because it can be a tedious chore. Then, after hours spent carefully washing and polishing, suddenly streaks are revealed as the sun shines through.
Washing windows doesn’t have to be frustrating. It’s all in using the proper techniques and having the right tools. Here are 3 ways that you can get streak-free windows naturally.
#1 Make Your Own “Green” Cleaner
Having gleaming windows does not require commercial glass cleaning solutions or expensive equipment. In fact, many professional window cleaners use a mixture of ingredients that most of us already have in our home.
Not only is distilled vinegar natural and chemical-free, it is ideal for dissolving dirt and is very inexpensive. Using a 1:1 ratio of hot water and vinegar will give you streak-free results. If you have well water or if your tap water has a high mineral content, consider using distilled water, as the minerals often cause spots on glass.
When cleaning windows with a lot of build-up, consider adding one or two drops of dish soap with 2 cups of soft water and ¼ cup of distilled vinegar. We often associate lots of suds with better cleaning, but when it comes to getting streak-free windows, less is more. The more soap used in your solution, the harder it will be to rinse, leaving you with streaked and dingy-looking windows.
#2 Choose The Right Tools
With your homemade cleaner ready to go, next you’ll need the right tools.
- Sponge and Bucket – Of course you’ll need a bucket to mix the cleaner. Then, using the sponge to apply the solution along with a bit of elbow grease to tackle the grime will simplify the cleaning process.
- Squeegee and Towel– A squeegee with a sharp rubber edge makes it easy to whisk away the cleaner and produce a spotless finish. Use angled strokes and periodically dry off the squeegee applicator with a towel to avoid drips.
- Lint-Free Microfiber Cloths – Microfiber cloths are ideal for giving your glass and windows a streak-free, lint-free shine. Standard cloth or paper towels are notorious for leaving behind lint particles and may even cause streaks because of chemical residue. Also, if you’re thinking newspapers – stop! The ink chemicals can actually damage windows and the paper used nowadays is way too thin to hold up to liquid. Microfiber Magic cloths are soft, durable, and long lasting, making them very eco-friendly.
#3 Use The Proven Techniques
Believe it or not, the methods of motion can mean the difference between streaks or sparkling clean windows.
For instance, if you’re tackling both the interior and exterior sides of the window, wipe horizontally on one side and vertically on the other. This makes it easy to touch up missed areas. If you discover a few smudges or spots, buff them away using a “figure 8” or “S” motion.
Finally, apply cleaning solution sparingly, making a point of drying it off immediately. This will prevent residue and streaks, especially when washing windows on a hot sunny day. If you follow these expert tricks, you can have streak-free windows all the time!