Did you know that dirt on windows can degrade your glass over time? That means your windows won’t last as long if they are dirty.
Most people don’t realize that there is a lot to know about glass
cleaning. If not done right, you’ll be left with unsightly streaks or a
filmy residue.
Read on for expert tips on how to clean glass like a pro.
How to Make the Best Glass Cleaner
You can get sparkling windows with a DIY glass cleaning solution made
from items in your pantry. Not only is this option affordable, but it’s
also better for your health and the environment.
Did you know that store-bought window cleaners contain harmful chemicals? Common ingredients include ammonium hydroxide and hexoxyethanol. These are eye and throat irritants and can affect organs.
Instead, opt to clean windows with vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar breaks down streaky film on your glass.
All you do is mix one part white vinegar with 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle.
The Best Way to Clean Glass
First, lay a towel on your window sill to collect drips. This will protect the material of your sill.
Then, spray your vinegar solution all over the glass. Using a
lint-free cloth, rub the glass in a circular motion to get rid of all
the dirt.
Next, wipe the window with vertical strokes followed by horizontal swipes.
You can also use a squeegee to wipe the solution. If your windows are
really dirty, such as the exterior windows after winter, start by
giving it a good wipe with a soapy rag first.
Stubborn stains and paint will need extra cleaning. Then proceed to clean the windows with the instructions above.
For Large Windows
If your windows are too large to clean with a spray bottle and a cloth, there is hope.
Use the same vinegar solution except put it in a bucket. Then, dip a sponge in the bucket and wet your entire window with it.
Use a damp squeegee (not a dry one) to wipe the window from top to bottom. Wipe the edge of the squeegee after each swipe.
Get a long-handled squeegee to get to the top of your windows inside and outside your home.
Use Distilled Water
A little known secret about the best way to clean glass is to use distilled water.
Tap water may have many impurities, especially if you have hard
water. And though you can’t see it with your eye, the minerals will lead
to streaks on your windows.
Unlike floors and countertops, glass is unforgiving. So while tap
water is fine to clean the rest of your house, choose distilled for
glass cleaning.
You can buy it in a big jug at the grocery store for less than a dollar. Or you could also make your own distilled water if you prefer.
Avoid Paper Towel
For years, paper towel has been the go-to option for glass cleaning. But it’s not a great option.
Not only will paper towel leave steaks, but it also leaves bits of lint behind.
Use Newspaper
Another way to produce a streak-free glass is by using crumpled newspaper. Yes, it’s true.
Your morning paper can multitask and help you clean your windows.
It’s best to wear gloves for this job because the newsprint will turn
your hands black when it gets wet.
Don’t use the glossy flyer pages or colored pages like the comic
section. Just choose a few pages of regular black and white print.
First, spray the window with your vinegar cleaning solution. Then use
your crumpled paper to wipe the windows in a circular motion.
Switch to a vertical stroke followed by a horizontal movement. Once
all the liquid is dried up, you’ll have perfectly clean and streak free
windows.
If you have vinyl windows take care not to hold the wet newspaper against the frame. It can stain the vinyl.
Use Cotton Swabs for the Stubborn Corners
Whenever you clean your windows you’ll likely notice that a tiny bit of liquid or dirt remains in the corners.
That spot is incredibly hard to reach. A cotton swab is a perfect
tool for the job. It’s the right size to get in those tiny crevices.
Just stick it in the corner of your window and rotate the tip. Ta-da! Clean windows from corner to corner.
Get Rid of Streaks For Good
Even if you follow all these glass cleaning instructions, you may end up with a stubborn streak or two.
But fear not, you don’t have to start all over again. What you need here is a quick buff to finish off the job.
Use a window chamois. You can find these at most home improvement or
car detailing stores. They can be cloth or come as a wearable glove.
Make sure your chamois is clean and dry. Then simply rub the area
with streaks in a circular motion. You’ll see those frustrating steaks
disappear right before your eyes.
If you don’t have a chamois, you can try an old cotton t-shirt or a microfiber cloth.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean Glass
There’s just something about clean windows that boosts your mood.
Windows look larger and let in more natural light when they are clean
and streak free.
And you can enjoy professionally cleaned windows for free when you follow these tips on how to clean glass.
Next, check out these 8 stunning window types that will transform the look of your home.
