Washing windows to get them shiny and streak-free can be a tricky task. It seems like a few spritzes of cleaner and a quick swipe with paper towels should do the trick, but getting crystal-clear results requires different supplies and methods.

For example, cleaning windows on a sunny day can create frustrating streaks and spots because the cleaner dries quickly. To avoid this problem, work on overcast days.

Using Paper Towels

In theory, it might seem like a few spritzes of all-purpose cleaner and some swipes of paper towels should be enough to make your windows sparkle. But actually getting them clean takes more time and specialized supplies than you might think. And it’s likely that using the wrong tools can leave you with a smudge-heavy mess instead of the sparkling glass you want.

For example, while paper towels can absorb a small amount of liquid, they also leave behind a lot of lint particles. These add to the dirt and dust on your window and contribute to the streaks you might be trying to get rid of. To avoid this, use a lint-free cloth such as microfiber or a scrim towel.

Another problem with paper towels is that they can leave behind newsprint spots on the glass. This can be difficult to remove, especially if you’re using a newspaper that has been recycled or is no longer in good condition. A better solution is to use a squeegee. It can be more expensive than a box of paper towels, but it’s worth the investment in order to get your windows clean and stay clean.

If you do choose to use a squeegee, be sure to use plenty of cleaning product. According to Steven Ip, a Boston-based maid and cleaning service owner, too little cleaner will not allow you to properly scrub the window’s surface, and too much will cause your efforts to be smudged by drying water. It’s best to apply the cleaner in sections so that the entire area doesn’t dry before you have a chance to wipe it away. Also, be sure to use a squeegee with a fresh blade that has been dried thoroughly between swipes.

Using Newspaper

Many homemakers swear by a traditional technique when it comes to cleaning their windows: a mixture of white vinegar and water applied with an old piece of newspaper. This technique is often considered a better alternative to using towels or rags that may leave behind lint. This method is also environmentally friendly and cheap.

Fortunately, there are several ways to improve the efficiency of this simple hack. The most important is to use a high-quality, untreated paper that does not contain any lint. Additionally, it is best to use a crumpled sheet so that the ink is not directly exposed to the glass.

This type of paper can easily absorb water and vinegar, allowing you to clean your window without leaving any smudges or streaks. Moreover, it is resistant to scratches and dirt due to its dense fibers. This means that it is also a good option for wiping surfaces that require vigorous scrubbing.

Another way to make this technique more efficient is to apply the vinegar solution with a spray bottle. This will allow you to quickly and easily apply the solution to your entire window, ensuring a uniformly clean surface. In addition, the water and vinegar solution can be stored in a bucket for easy access and to prevent overspray.

For best results, it is recommended to apply the vinegar solution to your windows with a clean, dry newspaper pad. Start by gently rubbing the window with the crumpled sheet, using circular motions. Be sure to wipe all areas of the glass, including corners and edges, before switching to a new sheet when it becomes too dirty or soaked. Then, buff the window with a dry piece of newspaper in a Z-pattern to eliminate any remaining smudges or streaks.

Leaving Streaks

A single streak or smudge on a window can diminish the clarity and appearance of the entire pane. Streaks are often caused by a build-up of cleaning solution residue or dirt that was not removed from the surface when it was wet. The best way to avoid them is to clean your windows in dry weather and use a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels. Microfiber cloths are super absorbent and washable, making them more effective than traditional towels and leaving your glass with a streak-free finish.

Using the wrong cleaner or using too much product can also cause streaks. You should never over-apply a window cleaning solution as this will lead to a build up of soap that will eventually cause your windows to look dirty. A common mistake is spraying the cleaning solution directly onto the window rather than applying it to a cloth, which can result in over-dense cleaner and even water spots on the frame. Instead, mist the cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe the window in a zig-zag motion. Switch out your cloth frequently and be sure to buff the windows dry with a dry microfiber towel afterward.

It is also important to not rub the glass too hard. Over-rubbing can leave streaks as well as scratch the glass, which can weaken it over time. Use a non-abrasive cloth to clean the windows and only use a squeegee for very stubborn stains.

Finally, make sure to organize your supplies before starting to clean. This will keep you from having to stop mid-cleaning in search of a missing tool or towel. It is also a good idea to test out the cleaner on a small section of the window before tackling the whole pane. This will help you see how the cleaning solution reacts to the surface and what kind of results you can expect.

Not Cleaning Outside the Glass

Cleaning windows may seem like a simple task—spray cleaner, wipe—but it requires more than just a few spritzes and paper towels. For crystal-clear glass and a streak-free finish, you need the right supplies and methods.

Before grabbing a spray bottle and a cloth, start with a quick dusting to remove any dirt sitting on the surface of the window. This will prevent it from turning into a goopy mess when combined with the cleaning solution, says Forte. Then, use a lint-free duster or microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dust.

You’ll also want to make sure the window screen is clean before you proceed. A squeegee works well for this, but you can also use a damp cloth to wipe away any debris that has stuck to the frame. Don’t forget to wipe down the sill, too, to prevent it from collecting water spots or attracting mud.

If you’re planning to wash windows outside, choose an overcast day. Direct sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to evaporate before you can wipe it off, leading to frustrating streaks.

After scrubbing your windows, it’s important to dry them thoroughly. You don’t want any moisture left behind, as this can lead to streaks and a dull appearance. To avoid this, consider reaching out to a professional service like window cleaning fort collins, who can provide high-quality cleaning results without the hassle.

Cleaning the Inside of the Window

Sometimes a simple spritz of cleaner and a swipe of a paper towel is enough to get your windows clean. But more often than not, a little extra effort is required to achieve crystal-clear glass. This extra work involves using a different set of tools and techniques, especially when cleaning the insides of windows.

Before applying any water or cleaning solution to the glass, it’s important to dust your window panes first. This will help prevent dirt and other debris from being turned into a goopy mess when the water hits it. You can use a rag or your vacuum cleaner’s dusting attachment to wipe the surfaces of your windows. If there are stubborn deposits (like bird droppings) that you can’t remove with a rag or vacuum, spray them with a specialized cleaner and allow it to soak for several minutes before wiping them away.

Once your windows are dust-free, apply a spray cleaner or a water and vinegar solution to the surface. Avoid over-spraying, as too much cleaner can cause streaking on the windows. You should also avoid spraying the frames of your windows, as too much cleaner can damage the finish and cause stains.

After the cleaning solution has been applied, rub the windows with a microfiber cloth, or a lint-free rag to make sure all of the grime is removed. Next, it’s time to squeegee the windows. Start at the top of the window and work your way down, taking care to wipe the rubber edge of the squeegee between each stroke. Finally, give the windows one last wipe with a dry cloth to ensure there are no streaks or spots on your beautiful windows.