Did you know your windows are more likely to leave behind streaks if you clean them with paper towels instead of microfiber cloths?
There’s a certain satisfaction in peering through spotless, clean glass.
Whether it’s a window pane that frames your favorite view, a mirror that reflects your morning routine, or a glass table that hosts your dinner, maintaining their pristine condition can be challenging.
After all, achieving that streak-free finish is often akin to conducting an intricate ballet. It requires a blend of the right techniques, proper tools, and patience.
But it can be challenging to determine the most effective techniques for keeping your windows and mirrors clean. To make things easier for you, we have put together a guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
Clean From Top to Bottom
As part of your home care routine, focusing on window maintenance, especially cleaning your glass windows from top to bottom, is essential.
This method ensures that your windows sparkle and have a longer lifespan.
The reason behind this top-to-bottom approach is simple: gravity. Cleaning from the top down allows the cleaning solution (and any dirt or dust it dislodges) to drip downwards.
If you start at the bottom, you’ll constantly battle the dirty drips from the top of the window, leading to unwanted streaks and potentially doubling your cleaning efforts.
Moreover, cleaning your glass windows from top to bottom also helps to identify any potential issues like scratches, cracks, or chips in the glass that may need to be addressed.
Thus, it’s not just about cleanliness but also your windows’ overall health and longevity.
Clean on a Cloudy Day
Window cleaning is a household chore that many of us may overlook, but doing it right can make a significant difference in the overall ambiance of your home.
This is particularly true for large surfaces like sliding glass doors, which can be a room’s focal point.
A common question regarding window cleaning is, “When is the best time to clean?” And surprisingly, the answer is on a cloudy day.
On a sunny day, you might assume natural light would help you spot dirt and grime more easily.
However, the heat from the sun can cause your cleaning solution to dry too quickly on the glass, leading to residue or streaks before you’ve had a chance to wipe it off properly.
This is especially problematic for large surfaces like sliding glass doors, where it takes longer to clean the entire surface.
In contrast, a cloudy day provides ample light to see what you’re doing without the risk of the sun prematurely drying your cleaning solution.
This allows you to take your time to effectively clean and polish your windows or sliding glass doors to a perfect, streak-free shine.
Use a Squeegee
While a squeegee may seem like an optional accessory, it is, in fact, a game-changer for those who seek crystal-clear, streak-free glass.
Unlike cloths or paper towels that can often leave lint or streaks behind, a squeegee gives a clean swipe across the glass, effectively removing the cleaning solution without leaving any residue behind.
The rubber blade of a squeegee glides over the glass, taking with it any remaining liquid and dirt, leaving a dry, spotless surface in its wake.
Furthermore, regular use of a squeegee can contribute to preventing the need for frequent window repair.
When cleaning windows, especially the exterior ones, the build-up of dirt, dust, and other particles can gradually cause minor scratches on the surface of the glass.
This might not be noticeable at first, but these minor scratches can become more prominent over time, impairing your window’s clarity and potentially weakening its structure.
By taking advantage of the gentle and effective cleaning a squeegee provides, we can reduce overall risk to the windows’ health.
Use an Old Shirt or a Newspaper
Window cleaning is an essential household chore but doesn’t necessarily require specialized cleaning cloths or tools.
In fact, two of the most effective materials for cleaning windows might already be in your home – an old shirt or a newspaper.
An old cotton shirt is soft, lint-free, and highly absorbent, making it an ideal tool for window cleaning. It can effectively remove dirt and grime without scratching the surface of your windows.
Furthermore, it’s a great way to recycle and get more use out of something that you might otherwise throw away.
On the other hand, newspapers might seem like an unconventional choice, but they have been used for window cleaning for generations.
The high absorbency of the newspaper is excellent for drying windows and leaving them streak-free.
The dense fibers in newspaper print allow it to soak up the cleaning solution and any remaining dirt without falling apart like paper towels often do.
Additionally, the slight abrasiveness of newspaper print can contribute to a polishing effect. This will leave your windows looking cleaner and brighter.
However, a word of caution: Ensure the ink does not transfer onto window frames or sills when using newspaper.
How to Properly Clean Glass
It can sometimes be challenging to clean glass windows properly. The good news is that there are several helpful techniques that you can make use of.
Try to clean your windows on cloudy days. It is also essential to use the correct cleaning materials. Consider using a newspaper, an old shirt, or a newspaper to wipe cleaning solutions away from your windows.
Do you need help installing or repairing glass in your home? If so, we can help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get started today!