Windows have a knack for getting dirty easily and can be difficult to clean in some cases. Despite spending several minutes cleaning, it’s common to still find streaks, giving the impression that the windows are never quite clean enough.
Fortunately, this is a common issue that everyone faces, but with a few tricks, the right equipment, and the appropriate products, you can easily remove those unsightly stains and achieve sparkling clean windows. So, how can you clean windows without leaving streaks?
Here are some tips.
EQUIP YOURSELF PROPERLY
To clean windows effectively, it’s essential to have the right tools:
- A dry brush
- A sponge
- A squeegee
- A bucket with soapy water or window cleaner spray to avoid wetting the house
- A roll of paper towels
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME TO CLEAN WINDOWS
Avoid leaving streaks on windows during cleaning by timing it correctly. When it’s hot and sunny, water and cleaning products tend to dry quickly, leaving those infamous streaks behind. To prevent this, it’s best to start cleaning windows in the afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense. Some even prefer cleaning windows on rainy days so that the rain can help perfect the cleaning and remove all the dirt.
WHAT ARE THE RIGHT STEPS TO CLEAN WINDOWS WITHOUT LEAVING MARKS?
To clean windows effectively, you should start by removing all bulky objects such as blinds or curtains. Then, dust off and remove all dirt stuck to the glass surface and in the corners using the dry brush.
If there are greasy spots or fingerprints on the window, use paper towels, which are not only effective but also prevent the transfer of grease to cloths and sponges. Note that greasy cloths and sponges do not clean the windows effectively and can spread more grease on the surface, making cleaning even more difficult.
The third step involves wiping the window sills with a cloth. Then, proceed to clean the window using soapy water or window cleaner spray to remove all remaining dirt.
Use the squeegee to remove excess water or cleaning liquid, starting from the top and working your way down in an S-shaped motion for optimal cleaning. Be sure to wipe the squeegee blade with paper towels to avoid spreading dirt on the window again.
Next, use a damp cloth to remove any residue from the window cleaner that may drip around the window frame, sills, and corners. Here, you’ll want to wipe in small circles or parallel lines from top to bottom until the glass is clean.
Finally, to make the window shine, finish the cleaning with a dry microfiber cloth.
GRANDMA’S TIPS FOR CLEANING WINDOWS
Some of Grandma’s cleaning tricks have proven effective over the years. If your window cleaner spray bottle is empty, you can use dish soap instead. Simply mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water and use this mixture to scrub the windows with a sponge. Then rinse with clear water and finish with a dry cloth to remove any remaining streaks.
It’s also possible to create a homemade window and surface cleaner using white vinegar. Just mix 25 cl of vinegar with 75 cl of warm water and spray this homemade cleaner on the window.
Finally, the classic method is to rub the window with slightly damp newspaper for a streak-free finish.