How To Clean Your Windows

Everyone knows that cleaning windows properly is not an easy task. Here are some tips to help ensure you have beautiful, clear windows every time.

Keep in mind when you are cleaning windows that you don’t use anything harsh or abrasive on the glass. It’s also a good idea not to wipe or scrub at dry glass. This can scratch it without you even realizing it. Be sure the glass is wet or the cloth that you are using is damp. Don’t scratch at spots or stains on the windows. If you have something sticky (such as sticker residue), try something like Goo-Gone to remove it and then clean the windows normally.

How To Avoid Streaks

Nothing is worse than spending time cleaning and washing your windows to find that you have big streaks and smears in them. One thing about cleaning windows that we would all like to know is how to avoid those annoying streaks. Here are some tips:

• Use a microfiber window washing cloth. You can find these in the automotive section.
• Use a large coffee filter.
• Use black and white newspaper. Not slick or shiny paper or “funny pages”.

Removing Stickers and Decals

If you want to clean and wash the window properly, you need to know how to safely remove stickers and decals. If you have children, you can find unwanted stickers and decals on your car windows, mirrors and windows at home.

There are products on the market such as “Goo-Gone” that help break down the components of the glue that holds stickers and decals on. You should try this to help you remove the sticker and/or the glue it leaves behind. When all of this is completely gone, then you can clean the windows as you normally would.

Make Your Own Window Cleaning Solution

The old question of what to clean and wash your windows with comes up time and time again. You can always purchase a window cleaner such as Windex or similar brand but many people claim to techniques they make themselves. It can vary according to the types of windows you are attempting to clean as well but here are some ideas for making your own window cleaning solution.

• Mix 2 quarts water; 2 quarts alcohol; and 3 drops Dawn Liquid Dishwashing Soap to create a nice window-washing solution that will leave your windows clean and streak-free.
• Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a bucket of warm water for a thicker cleaning solution that stays put and does not run quickly down the glass when you spray.
• Save money and time by using regular white vinegar you likely have at home already. Dilute 1/4 cup vinegar in 3/4 cup water in a spray bottle to clean windows.
• Distilled water has no minerals and helps keep the windows streak free. Mix 1/2 tsp. baby shampoo in 1 gal. distilled water. Fill spray bottle, cap the rest. Dry with newspaper.

You also want to keep in mind that these tips are all for windows with a "normal" amount of dirt and grime. If you have caked on or baked on dirt, mud and grease, it will be harder to clean the windows. You will have to work first to clean off built-on grime before you can get the windows gleaming again.

More Window Cleaning Tips

• Instead of using a paper towel or cloth towel, use newspaper. There will be no streaks and the shine will be brighter.
• Another lint-free and streak-free idea is to use coffee filters instead of towels.
• Rinse or wash off large soils and stains first (especially from car windows)
• Don’t ever scrape, use a knife or razor blade or use a grill pad for cleaning the windows.
• Don’t use certain solutions on tinted windows. Even Windex can damage a window treated with a protective coating.
• Use car window solution on your home windows – it works great.
• If you need extra clean windows and you can’t do it yourself, hire a professional.
• An interesting solution- You can purchase ammonia already mixed with some soap. It is called "Sudsy Ammonia".