Smears and streaks on windows are mainly caused by watermarks and areas where cleaning solution has remained on the surface – this is down to excess moisture not being absorbed when wiped away. Window cleaning products will say that they are streak-free, but it is not that simple.
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.
Excessive Cleaning Solution
Whether you have purchased a premixed glass cleaner, or you are using your own soapy mixture, too much cleaning solution will cause streaky windows. It is a common misconception that the more cleaning solution you use, the cleaner the glass will be but with windows this is not the case.
Always Use a Microfiber Cloth for Cleaning Glass
However, the way you wash your microfiber cloths is important—don't use detergents with a fabric softener, as the softening agent stays on the cloth and can cause streaks on your glass.
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.
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. For a basic vinegar cleaning solution, we recommend mixing one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle.
If you have smeared windows when you're finished cleaning, you've left cleaning solution, soap, or minerals behind. Whether you have white residue on windows or another blemish, the solution is the same. Clean faster, use cleaner water, and wipe away all your solution, so nothing is left behind.
Smears and streaks on windows are mainly caused by watermarks and areas where cleaning solution has remained on the surface – this is down to excess moisture not being absorbed when wiped away. Window cleaning products will say that they are streak-free, but it is not that simple.
A mixture of vinegar and water can provide an effective and non-toxic cleaning solution for windows and mirrors. To clean your windows with vinegar, combine equal parts vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle.
One of the most common reasons for glass to become foggy or cloudy is water damage. This can be from a leaky window, condensation, or even humidity in the air.
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.
Don't use harsh chemicals or ammonia-based cleaners. These products can damage the integrity of your glass. Likewise, you should avoid ammonia and alcohol-based cleaners as they can leave streaks and make your glass look dirty.
To avoid drips and evaporation, spray Windex® Glass Cleaner on large windows in sections, wiping away the cleaning solution before moving on to the next portion.
For items like glass tabletops and windows that you can't soak in a bucket of vinegar, spray vinegar directly onto the glass surface and allow it to sit for five to 15 minutes. Wipe away the vinegar with a wet microfiber cloth and then use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the glass.
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.)
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.
First, turn the heat on its maximum setting because hot air can hold more moisture. Then, turn the AC on, which will pull the moisture from the air as it passes over the cooling coils. Finally, turn off the recirculation button so colder, dryer air is brought into the car.
Whether you are out of name brand glass cleaner or you want to use a more natural cleaner, vinegar works wonders on windows. Try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a streak-free clean. You can use a spray bottle or dip a rag in the solution, just like you would an ordinary cleaner.
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.