Clean windows bring a fresh look to the inside and outside of your home. Follow these expert cleaning tips to keep your windows smear- and streak-free.
Start by removing dust from window frames, tracks and sills with a vacuum, brush or duster. Then, switch to a lint-free cloth or chamois to wipe down the glass.
Use a Microfiber Cloth
Unlike paper towels that can leave lint or residue, microfiber cloths leave surfaces impeccably clean and streak-free. They are also highly absorbent, which helps reduce the amount of cleaning solution needed to achieve a shine on windows and mirrors.
To prevent smudges, dust marks and fingerprints from building up on glass and windows, start by removing surface dirt with a damp microfiber cloth. Then, apply a gentle window cleaner or water to the glass using a circular motion. Next, wipe the window down with a dry microfiber cloth to leave behind a streak-free shine.
For hard-to-clean glass, try a solution of equal parts water and a natural cleaning agent such as vinegar, alcohol or dishwashing liquid. Mix the solution in a spray bottle and apply it to the window with a microfiber cloth. Wipe away the cleaning solution immediately to avoid streaks and smudges, then rinse the window glass and dry it with a dry microfiber cloth.
Rather than using the same cloth throughout the entire process, use a fresh one each time you finish an area. This will keep your work area clean and help you avoid cross-contamination, which can lead to streaks and stains.
If you do use the same cloth, make sure it is free of lint and smudges before you use it again. This can be a challenge for some people, but it will give you the best results. Also, be sure to avoid using fabric softener on your microfiber cloths. This will coat the fibers and reduce their ability to grab lint, making them less effective.
Once you have finished the windows, be sure to dry them with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. This will remove any residual water and help prevent steak marks. Some professionals recommend using crumpled newspaper to dry the windows because it will absorb excess water and help eliminate streaks.
Microfiber cloths are a great addition to any janitorial toolkit because they can be used for more than just windows and mirrors. They can be used to clean counters and stainless steel appliances, and they are also excellent at picking up lint and debris from floors and other surfaces. The high-quality, lint-free composition of microfiber also makes them an environmentally friendly choice that helps your facility meet greener cleaning goals.
Spray Your Solution Directly to the Cloth
It’s no secret that clean windows can give a home or business a polished look. Streaks, however, are a common problem for many homeowners and can ruin the appearance of even the most carefully cleaned window. The good news is, there are some simple tricks that can help you achieve streak-free windows and improve your cleaning experience overall.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your glass cleaner, spray your solution directly onto your microfiber cloth or newspaper before applying it to the window surface. This can help prevent the production of too many suds, which can actually contribute to the formation of streaks. It also helps to ensure that you’re using the right amount of cleaner and that you aren’t wasting any product or leaving behind excess residue.
If you are working on a windows and doors with wood frames, this step can be especially helpful as it will prevent the soap from dripping down the frame over time. This can cause the wood to warp, which is definitely not what you want!
Once you’ve sprayed your cleaner on the window, wipe it down in a zig-zag pattern. This not only helps to avoid streaks, but it will also help you remove more dirt from the surface and get your windows completely squeaky clean! Be sure to use a dry microfiber cloth afterward to remove any remaining suds or lingering dirt.
While paper towels are a convenient and affordable option for drying your windows, they tend to leave behind streaks as well as lint and other debris. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth or even a chamois, which can leave your windows sparkling and streak-free. If you’re looking for reliable help with your windows, window cleaning fort wayne professional service can leave your windows spotless and streak-free, ensuring a polished look for your home.
Wipe in a Z-Shape
The last thing you want is for your sparkling clean windows to be marred with unsightly streaks. This is often the result of poor wiping techniques, which can leave dirt particles behind on the glass surface. The best way to avoid streaks is to use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe your windows. This type of cloth absorbs the cleaning solution and removes dirt at the same time, resulting in a streak-free shine on your window.
Aside from using the right type of cloth, it is also important to wipe your windows in a zigzagging motion rather than in straight lines. This technique ensures that all areas of the window are properly cleaned and that any residual moisture is completely removed. In addition, a zigzagging motion prevents any spots or streaks from forming on the glass.
It is also a good idea to start your cleaning from the top of the window and work your way down, avoiding any areas that may have already dried with the sun’s rays. Alternatively, you can start in the bottom corner of the window and wipe upwards to the top, again making sure all areas are fully cleaned without any visible streaks or smears.
Once you have wiped the entire surface of the window, it is important to dry it thoroughly before any residual dirt can set in and cause a streaky finish. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a lint-free cloth, squeegee or even pieces of newspaper on hand to quickly wipe away any remaining moisture and ensure your windows are completely dry.
Another way to help prevent streaks is to make sure you are always using distilled water when washing your windows. This helps to ensure the effectiveness of your cleaning solution and helps to eliminate any streaky residue that can often occur from hard water deposits. You can purchase distilled water from your local grocery store, or you can invest in a home distiller to make your own filtered water. If you are unsure of the best cleaning methods for your windows, you can always contact Northern Comfort in Aurora to speak with our experts. We proudly service the Aurora, Barrie and Newmarket areas.
Grab a Dry Microfiber Cloth
Using paper towels to dry your windows or glass can leave telltale streaks and lint behind. If you have the option, opt for a microfiber cloth (or something like a reusable huck towel) to get your windows truly clean and streak-free.
The microfibers in the cloth have a honeycomb texture that nab water spots, smudges and dirt without scratching. They also help to soak up wet solution residue for a streak-free shine. For a cleaner solution, you can mix distilled water with a natural cleaning agent like vinegar or dish washing liquid and spray it on the window to wipe it off. (Make sure to use a diluted solution for best results.)
For an extra professional finish, you can grab a dry microfiber cloth to buff out any remaining solution residue from the window for a spotless shine. Alternatively, you can also use a dry chamois or rag to polish the window after you’ve squeegeed it.
Another tip for getting streak-free windows is to work incrementally, one pane at a time. This prevents your cleaner from drying on the window before you’ve had a chance to wipe it off.
While many household items are useful for cleaning, it’s always a good idea to invest in professional equipment for the best results. You’ll need a good squeegee for removing water and preventing streak marks, along with a bucket, scrubber, rags and extension poles for reaching high windows. For a streak-free finish, you should also have some store-bought or homemade solutions on hand to wash your windows and remove stubborn spots and stains. To make the job easier, you can also purchase a squeegee handle with built-in storage compartments to keep your cleaning supplies handy and organized. For an eco-friendly alternative, you can recycle old newspapers instead of using paper towels to dry your windows and mirrors. This is a great way to save money on energy costs and reduce your environmental footprint. Just be sure to rinse and wipe the newspaper thoroughly to avoid any streaks or lint on your cleaned windows.
