How to Get Rid of Window Cleaning Streaks

Before cleaning windows, remove dust from window frames, tracks, and sills using a vacuum cleaner or brush. This will make the job much easier, and prevent dirt and smears from being spread around.

Start on a cloudy day as sunshine can dry the cleaning solution before you can wipe it off, leaving unsightly streaks. Use a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. You’ll be glad you read this!

Cleaning

The first step of any window cleaning job is to lather the windows with a solution. Window cleaners usually use soapy water or a commercial vinegar solution, but homemade solutions are also effective. Dishwashing liquid — which contains sodium lauryl sulfate, an effective degreaser — is a great addition to any natural window cleaner as it can cut through tough marks and spots. Black tea is another useful ingredient, as it contains tannic acid which helps break down greasy build-up and leaves windows smudge free.

Once the windows are lathered, they can be wiped clean with a squeegee. Professional window cleaners use squeegees that retract at the head, which allows them to wipe the glass without having to reach up to the sill or edge of the window.

If you need to clean a tall window, consider investing in an extendable pole that has microfiber cloths on the end. This will allow you to clean all of the nooks and crannies without having to teeter on a ladder.

Squeegeeing

To remove the water that has been washed from the window, you use a rubber or silicone blade called a squeegee. Window-cleaning pros recommend a high-quality commercial squeegee, available from hardware stores or from a shop that sells cleaning supplies specifically for windows.

It’s best to clean the windows before you squeeze them, as dirt from the frames and sills can mix with soapy water on the glass and leave streaks. To avoid this, sweep away cobwebs and loose dirt with a soft-bristled counter brush or an umpire the one that is used to sweep home plate at baseball games dry-sweep the frames, hinges, and sills.

Start the squeegeeing in one corner of the glass, using horizontal strokes that are parallel to the frame. Then wipe the squeegee’s blade with a dry cloth before continuing. This will eliminate any moisture that may still be on the glass and prevent streak marks from drying to the window.

Drying

Streaks left behind on windows after cleaning can be a frustrating problem, but they aren’t always caused by the cleaner used. Minerals present in most tap water can leave unattractive streaks on the glass, and these can also be trapped by certain types of window coatings.

A good tip for avoiding streaks is to wipe the window frames and sill before you start working on the panes. This will prevent dirty water from dripping onto the clean glass, which can leave smudges and streaks.

Be sure not to skimp on the spray, either. You need enough cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt, so it can be wiped away without leaving residue. You should also rinse your squeegee before starting to prevent streaking.

Stain Removal

Water stains and streaks are a common problem even after professional window cleaning services. Minerals in the tap water are the primary culprits, and they can reappear on cleaned windows that aren’t dried properly. The good news is there are some easy ways to remove these stains, including commercial cleaners and DIY solutions using mild acids like white vinegar or lemon juice and gentle abrasives like baking soda.

Vinegar

Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar, adjusting the ratio depending on the severity of the stains. Spray the solution on your windows, focusing on areas with more noticeable deposits. Let the solution soak for a few minutes before wiping it away with a soft cloth or paper towel.

You can also use a slice of fresh, ripe lemon to quickly break down hard water spots on your windows. Simply rub the lemon against your glass with a fair amount of pressure until the water breaks down. Wipe away the lemon juice with a cloth and rinse the window before drying it with traditional glass cleaner and newspaper for a streak-free shine. Click here for the next blog post.