Washing windows without streaks. 8 ways to get perfectly clean windows

When to clean windows?

The best time to clean windows is on a day without strong sun, precipitation or sub-zero temperatures, when the sun's rays do not fall directly on the glass. Cloudy but dry weather is ideal, as it allows you to thoroughly clean and dry the windows.

Pay attention to the time of day and the exposure of the windows, i.e. the direction in which they face. North-facing windows will usually be shaded for most of the day, south-facing windows before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. Windows facing east will be shaded from 11 a.m., and west-facing ones until 3 p.m.

When should you not wash windows?

Avoid washing windows during rain, frost and hot days. Why? Rainy conditions will make your efforts futile, and washing windows in the cold can cause the glass to crack. On hot days, the cleaning agent dries too quickly, which also leads to streaks and smears.

How to clean windows? Preparing the necessary items and basic tips

Before you start cleaning your windows, prepare a container with water and a suitable glass cleaner. It is best to use soft, lint-free cloths, such as microfibre or synthetic fabric, to remove dirt. A classic sponge will help you deal with larger stains.

For polishing the windows afterwards, it is worth using absorbent cloths, such as old cotton rags, which will prevent streaks on the surface. If you want to make the job easier, you can use devices such as a window cleaning mop or steam cleaning equipment.

What should you use to clean windows without leaving streaks?

To avoid streaks, choose substances that dissolve grease and break down dirt particles from the glass surface. Among natural solutions, water with the following ingredients works well:

• vinegar,
• vinegar and a little ammonia,
• lemon,
• cosmetic glycerine.

It is also always a good idea to use a professional glass cleaner, especially for stubborn dirt.

Window cleaning – what will you need?

To clean windows, prepare:

• a bucket with water and cleaning agent,
• cloths (e.g. microfibre) or fabric (preferably soft, nylon is fine),
• a sponge,
• old newspapers or cotton cloths for polishing,
• optionally, cleaning equipment such as a steam cleaner or window mop.

How to clean windows without leaving streaks?

1. The most popular way to get shiny windows without streaks is to use regular window cleaner and, optionally, paper towels, a cloth or a rubber squeegee. You can also use a modern window vacuum cleaner, a clean mop or a pressure washer. Thoroughly wiping the window should suffice. However, the final result depends on the quality of the cleaner, as not all of them clean glass equally well, which is worth remembering.
2. Instead of buying window cleaner, you can use washing-up liquid, which is found in every home. Dissolve a small amount in a bowl of warm water and wipe the windows while wet, then dry them. It is thanks to thorough dry wiping that no streaks are left on the windows.
3. An eco-friendly method for those who do not like to use household chemicals – a microfibre cloth and a bowl of water. Thanks to its unique structure, microfibre can handle the most stubborn dirt and grease that sometimes appears on windows without the use of detergents. As with washing up liquid, there are two steps involved here – washing with water and wiping dry.
4. Another eco-friendly way to get sparkling windows is to use a solution of lemon juice and water – half a cup of juice to a cup of water. Windows cleaned this way will not only shine, but also give the interior a pleasant, fresh scent.
5. Two teaspoons of vinegar per glass of water is another eco-friendly way to clean windows. Contrary to popular belief, vinegar will not leave an unbearable smell in your home. Vinegar evaporates quickly and its smell will disappear after a few minutes. Vinegar is a good choice if your windows have not been cleaned for a long time.
6. Very dirty windows that resist traditional chemicals and eco-friendly solutions need something extra. To dissolve stubborn dirt, coat the glass with linseed oil and leave it for an hour. Then wash the window with window cleaner or washing-up liquid.
7. A quick solution is to use wet wipes designed for cleaning windows. Simply wipe the window and leave it to dry. This works well for moderately dirty windows.
8. Car owners are sure to have windscreen washer fluid in stock. It can also be used to clean windows. Windscreen washer fluids are great at dealing with big city dust, dirt and insect marks. They are equally effective at removing dirt and dust from windows in the home. Their unquestionable advantage is that they give windows the same properties as car windows – dust settles more slowly and water runs off without sticking to the glass.

Window cleaning: what not to do?

Here are a few rules to help you avoid the most common mistakes.

1. As we mentioned, try not to clean windows on sunny and warm days. Although it seems like the perfect opportunity, because you can see every speck on the window, the sun is not your ally in the fight for clean windows. The reason is simple: under the influence of the sun, the liquids used evaporate faster, and you may not be able to wipe the windows dry in time, which will result in ugly and difficult-to-remove streaks.
2. Do not wash windows during frost and severe cold spells. On such days, the glass becomes more delicate and fragile. One careless movement, pressing the cloth too hard, and the window may break.
3. Do not wipe windows dry before washing them. Even if they seem very dusty and beg to be wiped with a paper towel, do not do so under any circumstances. Small, sometimes invisible particles that have settled on the window can permanently scratch the glass when wiped.
4. Contrary to appearances, window cleaning is exhausting work. It is neither easy nor relaxing. Therefore, it is a mistake to start cleaning windows after a hard day at work or when you are feeling tired and in a bad mood. To make your windows really clean and shiny, you need more than just wiping them with a cloth a few times.
5. Do not start cleaning windows by washing the glass. Doing it the other way round is a Sisyphean task, as you will have to wash the glass again after cleaning the frames. First, wash the window frames, then the window sills, then the glass, and finally the window sill.

What to use to polish windows?

Washing alone is not enough. To make your windows perfectly shiny, it is worth polishing them. This should be done first from top to bottom and then from side to side. This order not only guarantees shine, but also prevents streaks. To polish windows, you can safely use:

1. Tights – preferably torn ones that are no longer suitable for anything else.
2. Cotton nappies or cotton baby T-shirts. They are soft, made of high-quality materials, absorb moisture perfectly and do not leave streaks.
3. Newspapers, but not colour ones. Ordinary newspapers, which easily absorb water, are best suited for polishing windows. Before starting work, it is best to crumple the newspaper into a large ball and tuck all the edges inside.
4. Fabric softener. Pour a small amount into a bowl of water, wipe the windows and dry them. This liquid has an antistatic effect, so dust will not settle on the glass, at least for a while.

How to clean window frames?

Window frames are cleaned in the same way as windows, but depending on the material they are made of, there are a few simple rules to follow. And so:

1. Wooden frames are best cleaned with warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid. Do not use products containing ammonia, as they will damage the wood or varnish. After cleaning, it is a good idea to paint wooden frames with a wood protection agent. Wooden frames should be cleaned at least twice a year.
2. Aluminium frames are easily damaged, so do not use any corrosive chemicals or sharp objects such as brushes or wire brushes to clean them. It is best to wipe them with warm water and a mild detergent and dry them with a soft cloth. If there is stubborn dirt on the frame, you can use kerosene.
3. PVC frames are easily scratched, so it is best to clean them with a soft sponge and gentle cleaning agents, such as water with window cleaner. Do not use a hard sponge, wire brush or brush.

How to clean windows after installation, construction or renovation?

Windows and window sills after construction or renovation can be particularly dirty, and the dust that settles on them often contains contaminants that are invisible to the naked eye. Importantly, some of them may react with strong detergents or cleaning agents, so we recommend removing them first with a vacuum cleaner. Next, wash the windows with water and a mild cleaning agent. Finally, we recommend using plain water with vinegar to remove any remaining deposits and give the window a perfect shine.

How much does it cost to have your windows cleaned by a professional company?

The cost of having your windows cleaned by a professional company depends on many factors, such as the size of the windows, the degree of dirtiness, the number of window sashes and the location of the service. The average price for cleaning one typical double-sash window ranges from PLN 50 to PLN 80. However, it is worth investing in a professional service if you want a perfect, streak-free result, especially when cleaning large, hard-to-reach windows or particular types of dirt.

Washing windows at height – how to go about it?

Washing windows at great heights requires proper preparation and safety measures. Telescopic washers and special ladders with safety features are available on the market, allowing you to comfortably reach the upper parts of the window. For very high windows or hard-to-reach places, it is worth considering the help of specialists who are trained to work at heights and have the appropriate equipment.

What can you do to make your windows shine?

To make your windows shine, it is worth taking the time to polish them thoroughly after washing. Using water with vinegar or lemon juice, as well as adding a small amount of fabric softener, will make the surface of the glass smooth and less prone to dust settling. In addition, the use of antistatic polishing agents will prolong the shine.

Tips and tricks for cleaning windows

Here are some useful tips to make cleaning windows easier:

1. Start with the window frames – cleaning the glass at the end will prevent new dirt from accumulating on the freshly cleaned windows.
2. Use two cloths – one for wet cleaning and the other for dry polishing. This will help you achieve the desired effect faster.
3. Try old newspapers – ordinary newspapers are great for polishing glass as they absorb moisture and do not leave streaks.
4. Microfibre is the key – microfibre cloths work well without additional detergents, which is useful for people who avoid chemicals.

Washing windows with a squeegee – is it worth it?

Window squeegees are gaining popularity because they make the job easier and help avoid streaks. Thanks to their water suction function, squeegees of this type collect excess liquid, which means that you do not need to wipe the windows additionally. Such equipment is especially useful for large glass surfaces or windows that require frequent cleaning. However, it is worth remembering that in the case of very dirty windows, it will sometimes be necessary to pre-wash them in order to achieve the perfect result.

Washing windows with glycerine

Cosmetic glycerine is an effective way to wash windows, especially useful if you want the glass to stay clean longer and not collect dust. Just add a few drops of glycerine to water or cleaning agent. This solution not only removes dirt, but also prevents streaks and dust particles from settling, thanks to the antistatic properties of glycerine. After washing the windows, it is recommended to wipe them with a soft, dry cloth for extra shine.

Cleaning windows with vinegar/baking soda

Vinegar is one of the most popular home remedies for smears. To clean windows, simply dilute 2 teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of water and then wipe the windows with a microfibre or soft cloth. Vinegar is great for removing greasy stains and stubborn dirt, and its smell dissipates quickly. If your windows are very dirty, you can also add a little baking soda to the solution – the soda will help remove dirt and neutralise the smell of vinegar. However, it is best to avoid this solution on wooden frames so as not to damage their surface.

Washing windows with dishwasher rinse aid

Dishwasher rinse aid is another trick worth trying if you want to achieve streak-free, sparkling windows. Dissolve a small amount of rinse aid in about 1 litre of water, then wipe the windows with this solution. The rinse aid works in a similar way to a dishwasher – it prevents streaks and gives the surfaces a shine. After washing the windows, it is a good idea to wipe them with a dry cloth to remove any excess solution and provide extra shine.

Summary

Windows are heavily used components, which are therefore subject to wear and tear, so over time it is worth considering replacing old windows with new ones. The main reason for replacing windows is noticeable leaks, which have a negative impact on the thermal properties of rooms and can generate additional heating costs. In addition, glass unfortunately becomes dull over time, and even the most thorough cleaning will not achieve perfect transparency.

Good quality new windows are not only an expense, but above all an investment. The latest technologies allow for the production of high-quality window frames made of PVC, aluminium and traditional wood. It is important to remember that, in addition to aesthetic considerations, thermal parameters and airtightness class are also important – they determine whether the windows will ‘keep the heat in’.