What Is The Best Way To Clean Windows Without Streaking?

Have you ever spent hours cleaning your windows, only to be disappointed later? Cleaning windows looks like a simple task until you take up the challenge. The shiny and smooth surfaces of the windows are not difficult to clean.

However, when you do not use the proper technique and take the right precautions, your hours of labor will be fruitless. The finished job may look even less appealing than the dirty windows. So what is the best way to clean windows without streaking it? Here are some tips and tricks to make window cleaning an easy task.

6 Best Ways To Clean Windows Without Streaking

Everyone wants their windows to look spotless, as a clean window will allow more light into your house and also offer you the best view. However, the mundane task of window cleaning is not as easy as it seems.

If you do not follow the correct technique or are not quick enough, your cleaned windows will be marred by streaks that will nullify the whole process. However, with the following cleaning tips, you can get results similar to those of professionals.

1. Start With Removing Dust

The first step in any cleaning procedure is to brush off as much dirt and dust as possible. If not, your cleaning sponge will pick up dirt and dust from around the window and create streaks.

You can use a rag, feather duster, or a vacuum. Make sure you start from the top and proceed downward for efficient cleaning. Also, remember to clean the window frame and windowsill.

2. Address Stubborn Stains First

If your window has stubborn stains like bird droppings, paint, tape, stickers, sap, and built-up dirt, clear them up, as they may interfere with the cleaning process and cause streaks.

To remove bird droppings and the like, spray a cleaning solution and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Clean with a wet sponge or cloth to remove the stain altogether.

For paint, tape, and other such messes, use a scraper. However, use the scraper with caution, as it can scratch the glass. Use it gently and at an angle of 45 degrees.

3. Spray A Cleaning Solution

You can use any cleaning solution according to your preference as, for a streak-free window, the technique is more important than the cleaner. If the window is large, take the cleaner in a spray bottle or a bucket. Any commercial glass cleaner will do; however, you can also make a homemade cleaner.

Use A Homemade Cleaner

If you prefer a homemade cleaner, you can easily make one with ingredients from your pantry. All you need is distilled white vinegar and distilled water. Mix equal parts of the two liquids to prepare a solution.

Vinegar is an excellent choice as it does not dry up as easily as many market-available cleaners. Most commercial cleaners are ammonia- and alcohol-based and evaporate quickly, leaving streaks behind.

Distilled water is used because tap water is hard and contains high amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals leave streaks behind after cleaning.

You can also make a homemade glass-cleaning solution by adding 15 ml (tablespoon) of liquid dishwashing soap to one gallon of water.

4. Use Z-Shaped Motion On The Glass Panes

On a microfiber cloth, spray your cleaning solution, and wipe the glass pane in a Z-shaped motion. This method will help you remove most of the dirt and leave the fewest streaks. However, ensure that you cover every inch of the glass so that no grime remains.

Also, spray the cleaning solution on the cloth and not the window, as spraying directly on the window leads to over-spraying, which is difficult to remove and results in streaking.
Apply the cleaner to one window at a time. Move onto the next pane only when you have washed and dried the first one. If the solution dries up before you wash it, it will cause streaking.

5. Squeegee The Windows

If there is too much solution on your windows, you can remove it by squeegeeing. Take a squeegee and run it from top to bottom in one clean stroke. Overlap the next stroke by a few inches for thorough and efficient water removal.

After finishing a stroke, always clean the squeegee with a clean cloth. Otherwise, the dirt collected on the squeegee from the earlier stroke will stain and strip the next band of windows being cleaned.

6. Use Cloth Or Old Newspaper For Drying

Once you have removed most of the water through squeegeeing, use a microfiber cloth or old newspaper to remove any remaining water, grease, or streaks.

When using a newspaper, crumple it to form a ball and rub it on the window in a circular motion. Follow this procedure immediately, as streaks will develop if the water dries up on its own.

You can also use an old T-shirt; however, avoid using paper towels, as they will leave lint on the windows.