What Is The Best Way To Clean Windows Without Streaking?

What Is The Best Way To Clean Windows Without Streaking?

Everyone desires a clean, scratch-free, spotless window. Cleaned windows can easily upgrade the look of your home, as they allow plenty of natural light to enter. They have the amazing power to make your room look brighter, spacious and more connected to the outdoors.

However, cleaning your windows like a professional can be quite tricky. Therefore, you need to learn the various methods that you can apply to clean your windows without streaking, leaving them looking as clean as the day they were installed. Read on to find out how to clean your windows perfectly.

Different Window Cleaning Solutions That You Can Use

To clean your dirty windows, you have to use a liquid cleaning solution. You can either buy a commercial solution or make it by yourself with the ingredients available in your home. Below are some of the best solutions that you can use to clean windows without streaks:

Store-Bought Solutions

There are so many window cleaning solutions available in the market. Some of the most common brands in Australia include Windex, Unger’s, Sparkle, Simple Green, Scotts, and many others. You should buy your cleaning solution of choice from a brand you trust.

Dishwashing Cleaning Solution

You can simply take two gallons of water and mix with one teaspoon of dishwashing. It is the easiest solution to make yet really effective when you want to clean your windows.

Vinegar Solution

To clean your dirty windows, you can also choose to make a vinegar-based solution. For this, you have to use distilled vinegar, which is commonly known as white vinegar. Just take one part vinegar, ten parts of warm water and mix them. Your super-effective window cleaner will be ready.

How To Clean A Small Or Normal-Sized Window

Whether you use a homemade window cleaner or a commercial one, the actual cleaning process is similar. The method only varies depending on the size of your window. You need to use different equipment depending on how large or small the window you are cleaning is.

What you Need to Clean a Small or Normal-Sized Window

To clean a normal-sized or small window, you need these things:

• Cleaning solution
• Spray bottle
• Two microfiber cloths or paper towels
• Clean water

Small Window Cleaning Procedure

• Prepare your Cleaning Solution and Pour into a Spray Bottle

Following the instructions listed above, prepare your cleaning solution of choice and pour it into a spray bottle. If you use a commercial solution, then it is probably pre-packaged in a spray bottle.

• Dust your Windows

Take a clean, soft, lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel. Use it to remove excess dust on your window before applying the cleaning solution.

• Spray the Cleaning Solution onto your Window

Spray the cleaning solution onto the entire surface. Ensure that you observe a distance of about 10 inches while spraying the solution.

• Rub on the Glass Surface

Rub the liquid solution onto the window’s glass surface using your lint-free cloth. If you come across any dark spots, spray a generous amount of the cleaning solution and rub thoroughly. However, be extra careful while doing this to ensure that you do not get any solution on the fibreglass, wood or vinyl frame because it can ruin the varnish.

• Wipe the Window Dry

Use another clean, dry cloth to dry the window. Dry it in circular motions and do this as quickly as possible to avoid leaving behind streaks. If you are going to work on multiple windows, it would be better to clean them one at a time rather than spraying all of them at once.

• Rinse Any Streaks Away

If you are done with the steps above but notice any streaks, rinse them immediately with clean water. Carefully following these steps, as mentioned, guarantees you perfect-looking windows in a very short time.

How To Clean Large Windows

What you Need to Clean Large Windows

If a particular window is too big to clean using a spray bottle, you must clean it with larger equipment. To clean a large window, you will need:

• A bucket or large bowl
• Cleaning solution
• A sponge
• A squeegee
• Water

Cleaning Procedure for a Large Window

• Mix your Cleaning Solution in a Bucket

Take your cleaning solution and pour it into a bucket or large bowl. If you decide to use a DIY solution, you have to measure it in the right proportions depending on the size of your window.

• Wet the Window Using a Sponge

Take a sponge and dip it into your cleaning solution. Now use the wet sponge to wet the window as quickly as possible. If you do it slowly, you might get some streaks on your window.

• Clean the Solution from the Window Using a Squeegee

Take a damp squeegee and use it to clean the solution from the windows. Wipe the window from top to bottom. Moreover, do not forget to wipe the squeegee’s edge clean after every swipe to prevent water dripping.

If you follow this cleaning method step by step, your large window will remain clean and streak-free.

How To Clean The Outer Parts Of Your Windows

It is quite hard to reach the outer part of your house’s windows. However, it is not impossible, which means that you can do it. The cleaning method is similar to that of large windows, which means that the tools and cleaning products are the same. Your biggest question is probably how you will reach those outer parts of your windows.

If you carefully follow all the tips listed below and start cleaning the outer parts of your windows, your work will be much easier.

Important Tips to Clean the Outside Windows

• Weather Permitting

First, pick a suitable day by looking at the weather forecast. Do not go for a rainy or sunny day as it can make the cleaning process difficult; too much heat will dry the solution too fast, making it impossible for you to wipe it off before it dries. This will, in turn, cause a whole bunch of streaks.

• Create Access to the Outer Parts of the Window

Now clear the area around your window. Remove everything that blocks access to the outer parts of the window. In addition, ensure that you remove any objects that can get damaged while cleaning the windows.

• Use a Ladder or Extendable Pole

If you are physically in good condition, you can use a ladder to reach the windows. Otherwise, you can use an extendable pole as it is much safer than a ladder.

• Use an Extension to Clean the Windows

You have to use telescope window cleaning kits like a squeegee with a rubber blade, strip washer and telescope pole.

Some Expert Tips To Get Clean Windows Without Streaks

Even after following all the steps mentioned above, you might make some tiny mistakes, leading to unwanted streaks on your window. Below you will find some tricks that you should always keep in mind to get your windows clean without streaks.

Here are the most valuable yet simple tricks and tips to get perfectly clean windows:

Use Gentle Cleaners

Never use ammonia or alcohol-based glass cleaners. People tend to think that such cleaners provide better cleaning, but that is not the case. In reality, these kinds of cleansers are so harsh that they often leave streaks. They also cause a thin film on your window glass, which attracts more dust and moisture.

Difficult Spots Call For More

If you notice a difficult spot, you can clean it with a solvent like acetone or rubbing alcohol. Just pour some acetone on a clean cloth, start rubbing it directly on the spot, and dry it. After that, keep cleaning the rest of the surface as you would normally.

Be Careful Not to Scratch your Window

You may have stuck-on material on your window. But never use a razor, knife or any sort of blade to clean it, no matter how stubborn it is. This will leave a permanent scratch on the glass and make the window too vulnerable.

Soft Cloths Work Best

Always use a soft, lint-free wipe to rub the solution onto the window. It can be either a piece of microfiber cloth or a paper towel. A microfiber cloth works best as it is more delicate. If you ever use any harsh fabric, there is a very high chance of leaving streaks. Moreover, always ensure that you should rub the wipe from multiple directions.

Always Use Clean Water to Rinse

It is possible to notice streaks after cleaning your window. In that case, you have to rinse it with clear water as soon as possible. The clean water will remove any remaining portion of the cleaning solution you used and hopefully leave your window streak-free.

Why Is Cleaning Your Windows Important?

A completely clean window with no spots, streaks or scratches, both looks and feels amazing. There are also some other important reasons to clean your windows regularly:

• If you clean your windows properly and regularly, without any doubt, your windows will last longer.
• Cleaning improves the curb appeal of windows.
• It helps to protect the fixtures in your rented property.
• It also decreases the chance of glass degradation.
• It allows more natural light inside your house and makes your interior look more lively.

To increase the longevity of the fixtures and make your windows look flawless, ensure that you always keep them clean.

How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?

You can wash your indoor windows whenever you notice a spot. But what about the outdoor windows? How often do you have to clean them? You should purpose to clean them at least twice a year for residential homes. But in some circumstances, you may have to clean them thrice a year or more. It basically depends on the geographical location of your house.

Why your Windows Might Become Dirty Easily

• If you are currently remodelling your property.
• If you are using thin curtains.
• If you do not clean your curtains properly.

Things to Consider When Cleaning your Windows

• If your house is located near busy streets, then there will be more dust around. This means that your windows will also get dirty more often.
• If you live in an area surrounded by trees and pollen, there is a high chance that your windows will need to be cleaned more frequently.
• If the area you live in is windy, your windows will definitely become dirty very easily.
• If there is new construction going on near your building, your outdoor windows will get quite dusty every day.

If In Doubt Call An Expert To Clean Your Windows Without Streaks

Hopefully, now you know enough about window cleaning and why you should clean your windows often. No doubt dirty windows look very unsightly. Moreover, if you do not clean your windows, the dirt might cause many other problems. You can choose to clean your windows by yourself or hire a window cleaning expert. If you lack the time, energy or motivation, letting a professional cleaner manage the task is the best option.