You can also make an all-natural window cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Adding a touch of liquid soap to the vinegar solution will help remove any streak-causing wax left on the window from commercial cleaners used in the past.
Cleaning glass is more about the tools than the elbow grease. Even if you do exactly the right things, like mixing vinegar with distilled water and wiping with newspaper, it's possible to end up with a frustrating streak or three. In that case, the simplest solution is to finish the job with a quick buff.
Provided they are clean, microfiber cloths are the best way to avoid thin films left over after you wipe down the surface of your glass or mirror. Some people recommend using rags, or an old tee-shirt, but those materials were not designed for cleaning.
Use a Z-shaped motion on your glass 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.
Vinegar is non-toxic, making it perfect for cleaning your windows instead of using harsh chemicals. It is much more economical than chemical cleaning solutions. Crawling insects are also not fond of vinegar, so using this solution will help keep your windows looking cleaner for longer.
The cloudiness comes from mineral deposits and buildup or from etching, so to clean cloudy glasses, you need to use vinegar or baking soda. With these simple household staples along with some Dawn dish detergent, you'll have your glassware sparkling like the day you got it in no time flat.
Let sit: Spritz solution onto shower door and let sit for 15 minutes. Wipe clean: After 15 minutes, use a microfiber cloth to wipe clean. For heavy build-up scrub with a delicate scrubber or eraser-type sponge.
A big problem is the evaporation rate. If you're cleaning your windows on a warm sunny day, the liquid part of the solution evaporates quickly and leaves behind a residue that appears as streaks. On the other hand, if you don't entirely remove the liquid you can also be left with a streaky window.
Have you ever spent hours washing your windows, only to notice streaks everywhere? This has to do with the evaporation rate—if your cleaning solution evaporates before you have time to wipe it off, it will leave a mark.
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
Make sure to use a commercial glass cleaner or try a combination of distilled water and white vinegar. Once you have the product ready, use a microfiber cloth, t-shirt, or newspaper instead of paper towels. Spray the product on your cloth instead of on the mirror in order to avoid drips that you'll need to wipe up.
You'll like the vinegar scent much better. It's not overwhelming, but strong enough to know it's better than the old regular blue spray bottle. Great for glass tables, windows and bathrooms. This is my favorite windex.
Some folks like drying panes with newspaper, but you're better off reusable microfiber cloths. "They are super absorbent, washable and leave the glass shiny and streak-free," Forte says.
Window cleaning professionals suggest avoiding window washing on very sunny days or at a time when a window is in direct sunlight, as the heat may cause the glass to dry too quickly and cause smears.
You can also make an all-natural window cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Adding a touch of liquid soap to the vinegar solution will help remove any streak-causing wax left on the window from commercial cleaners used in the past.
Cleaning windows with vinegar has been a tried-and-true trick for ages, and with good reason. An easy-to-find product that you may already have in your cabinets, the acidic composition of white vinegar works efficiently to break down the film that can accumulate on your windows.
Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.
Many hotels use ammonia-based cleaning solutions because ammonia readily cuts through dirt and soap scum. Because of the way it dries, ammonia also decreases the possibility of streaks on glass.
The dish soap helps to soften up the grime and gently remove dirt. Generously mist the solution over the surface of the window, and allow it to sit on the glass for a few minutes. Wipe off the window in a large circular motion using a lint-free microfiber cloth, newspaper, or even coffee filter.
Use vinegar
Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar to one cup of water and, either using a spray bottle or a paper towel, apply the solution to the glass. The acid within the vinegar will break down any cloudiness.