Window cleaning can be a big pain. Even when you are using good, streak-free window cleaner, it seems like streaks stay on the window. Another big problem area when cleaning windows is getting that final shine. It sometimes seems almost impossible to find if the streaks are on the inside or the outside of the window.
A great way to help with this problem is to use standard patterns while cleaning your window. The next time you go to clean your window, come up with a plan of how you are going to do it. You do not have to follow this exactly, but you can wipe one way on the inside and another way on the outside. I like to wipe the outside of the pane with vertical motions and the inside of the pane with horizontal motions. When you do this, it will help you find the streaks since they should all be going in the same direction. You will still have to use a fair amount of rubbing to get the streaks out of the window, but at least you will know where to wipe.
When rubbing streaks off of newly cleaned windows, take a fresh paper towel and wipe with light circular motions over the streaks. Using a higher-quality window cleaner usually helps to eliminate streaks. All-purpose cleaners usually evaporate well. If you want to save money by mixing your own window cleaner from a concentrate, make sure you are getting the mix right. Using too much water, while it will make your cleaner last longer, will promote streaking.
Another problem that often arises in window cleaning is that paper towel fibers often stick to glass. Paper towels are still the best for making a streak-free window, but using a dry towel or rag on the window after cleaning it with a paper towel will take off remaining paper towel fibers.
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2018-04-17 17:46:08
JJ
No, please don't waste paper towel on cleaning the windows. One use & they're thrown out---that's terrible for the environment! Imagine how many trees are being destroyed just to make paper products that can & should be recycled. And think of all the trees that are being burnt to a cinder in these wildfires! No, it's wisest to use good microfibre cloths.
2018-04-16 22:20:29
jawarrior
I must totally disagree with the statement in this article that "Paper towels are still the best for making a streak-free window". I make this claim based on our highly positive experience in using quality, heavyweight microfiber cleaning cloths moistened only with water. I won't mention the brand name(s) of microfiber cloths we've used, but one is available almost exclusively via home shows.
Our bathroom, hallway and bedroom mirrors plus our front door window and storm door windows are the proof. Using these cloths moistened lightly with plain water in a circular motion immediately cleans them. They are also highly effective on plastic and metal surfaces in the kitchen. An added benefit is the elimination of the cost and potential dangers of chemicals, such as ammonia, in glass and household cleaners. Beyond that, and unlike paper towels, there are no fibers left on the glass when finished. The fibers in these cloths trap and hold onto dirt, grime and grease like a vise without spreading them around!
2018-04-16 19:20:05
Kat
Use the traditional standard newspaper. I went back to newspaper recently and my windows are CLEAN and SPARKLING. I bought a name-brand window cleaner vs a store brand and I think that helped.
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