15 ways to wash windows without streaks at home


Transparent, clean windows with no streaks are the dream of any housewife. The problem can be solved not only by using store-bought household chemicals. The funds available on the farm will come to the rescue.

By adhering to recipes and proven proportions, it is easy to prepare effective window cleaning compositions that will allow the glass to remain clean.

In this article we will tell you how to wash windows with folk remedies if you don’t have a special one on hand designed for washing glass.

Basic rules for washing windows

Rain and snow, wind with dust, condensation, tobacco smoke, traces of insects and fingerprints, children's games with paints and felt-tip pens are the main reasons for the contamination of window glass. Ideally, windows should be washed once every three months. Residents of the first floors may need more frequent cleaning, and perfectionists and pedantic cleanliness enthusiasts may repeat washing procedures even more often. Regardless of how often you wash your windows, it is better to follow a number of simple rules:

With ready-made products, everything is clear: you need to make a choice based on reviews or your own instinct, apply it to the glass, wash it and evaluate the result. The selection of products is huge. Folk recipes are a whole storehouse of knowledge. If you are afraid of unnecessary hassle, we hasten to please you: preparing a window cleaner at home is generally not difficult. As a rule, it is enough to mix several components, and then proceed as with a store-bought product.

Note that if a soap product or composition is used that requires rinsing, then the procedure will be as follows: apply the solution, wipe the surface with a sponge, remove all foam from top to bottom with a screed, rinse the glass with clean water, then you can go through the screed again, and now all that remains is to wipe it dry glass with a rag, paper towels or newspaper.

Preparation for the "general"

Before washing plastic windows at home, first of all we clean the window sill. We remove foreign objects from it. We take the flower pots to the bathroom for “bathing.” We put the curtains on which dust has accumulated into the washing machine. If there are blinds, then you also need to worry about their cleanliness. We carefully wipe them. To prevent dust accumulation, we spray with a special antistatic agent.

We pay special attention to mosquito nets. Dirt accumulates on them quite quickly, regardless of the time of year. Therefore, they need regular care. The easiest way is to treat it in the shower. The nets are installed only when completely dry.

Many owners hang foil on the windows, especially in those rooms where it is very hot and where direct sunlight constantly falls. Remove it before cleaning. Throw away or reuse. Hang after the surfaces are completely dry.

Mold may appear on wooden frames, especially on the balcony, where it is damp. Before washing, remove it with a special store-bought solution or bleach. At the same time, we clean the frames and glass from insects, cobwebs, and dust.

What you will need

The cleaning process will be faster and easier if you take care of the tools in advance. There is a basic set, without which wet cleaning cannot be carried out.

  • Water container. A plastic bucket or basin will do. There is no need to fill them completely with water, as it will spill.
  • Sponge. It is good to wash windows without streaks if one of its sides has a hard base. This surface is effective in removing heavily soiled areas, especially dried stains.
  • Detergents. We take both store-bought and folk remedies.
  • Clean rag. Non-woven, cotton fabric is best. As an alternative, we use natural suede or velvet. The main thing is that the material has high water-absorbing properties. Instead of a rag, special microfiber cloths are suitable.
  • Wiper. The stores offer a wide selection of such devices, differing in cost, material of manufacture, and functions. If the windows are high or you work on upper floors, then it is better to choose a model where the handle extends. There are products with a sponge on one side and a screed on the other.
  • Scraper. It should be used only in extreme cases and very carefully so as not to spoil the coating. Suitable for removing heavily soiled areas.

As for additional tools, this category includes various equipment that may be in the house.

  • Steam generator. It not only removes dirt, but also disinfects the surface and helps maintain a favorable microclimate in the room. Universal equipment can be equipped with attachments for treating hard-to-reach areas.
  • Washing vacuum cleaner. Used in external and internal works. It functions in such a way that dirty drips do not fall on the windowsill or floor.
  • Magnetic brush. It is easy to use. Glass is treated with a solution of soap. The brush is fixed in one of the corners of the structure, then it needs to be moved evenly to the other corner. After removing it, wipe the glass with a dry cloth.

Don't forget about safety equipment. Before you wash the windows without streaks, we select suitable clothes that you don’t mind ruining. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid the negative effects of cleaning products.

No. 1. Newsprint

This is one of the oldest and most proven methods , well known to everyone who lived through the Soviet era. Dishwashing detergent, powder or grated laundry soap must be added to warm water. Using a sponge, thoroughly wipe the frames, glass and handles, paying attention to particularly dirty areas. Now you need to rinse the glass with clean water and a clean rag and start wiping it with crumpled newspaper paper.

The secret of this method is that newsprint absorbs moisture perfectly, and this is what you need when you need to quickly get rid of water and prevent streaks. Moreover, the paper and the special composition of the ink give the glass a characteristic shine. This method was so popular and gave such excellent results that today some housewives use newsprint along with store-bought products to achieve the best results.

Note that newspapers are not the only folk remedy intended for rubbing glass until it shines. For these purposes, you can even use nylon tights , which are easily comparable in effectiveness to microfiber.

Folk remedies for washing plastic windows, namely double-glazed windows, frames and window sills

For those who like to use home remedies and recipes in cleaning, we recommend the following:

  1. Baking soda: Baking soda solution is suitable for both glass and plastic cleaning. If there is heavy dirt on the frames and window sill, use a paste of soda and water applied to a soft cloth.
  2. Vinegar: added to clean water will clean the glass well - there will be no streaks when wiping them dry. You can also use vinegar to enhance the effect of baking soda for washing plastic on windows - extinguish the slurry of 2 tablespoons of soda with a tablespoon of 6% vinegar, and wash off all existing stains with the resulting foam.
  3. Starch : acts as a very soft and gentle abrasive that will clean glass with shine and without streaks. A paste of starch, slightly diluted with water, will cope with stains that have become embedded in the plastic.
  4. Laundry soap : we do not recommend using it for glass if you do not want to spend a long time cleaning up stains afterwards. But for carefully washing plastic, soap is perfect – especially if there is a greasy coating or hand prints around the handles.
  5. Chalk, tooth powder : these products will help clean stubborn marks on plastic frames. But keep in mind - if the plastic is glossy, it may become abraded due to active friction!
  6. Eraser, alcohol, tape, vegetable oil : Any of these will help remove sticky marks from tape, tape, or labels. You can simply erase dried traces of glue with an eraser. If the marks are still sticky, or there is a lot of dust on them, treat the stains with alcohol or vegetable oil, let them dissolve for 10-15 minutes, and then wipe with a napkin and rinse with a degreaser, for example, dishwashing detergent. With tape it’s even easier: stick the tape over the old marks, wait a minute, then remove the tape with a sharp movement.

No. 3. Vinegar

Using this recipe, it is fashionable to prepare a multifunctional product . Firstly, it will save you from stains, and, secondly, it will repel insects, which, let us remind you, make a significant contribution to the process of glass contamination. To prepare the solution, you need to mix a glass of warm water and 50 ml of vinegar. It is most convenient to apply the product to the glass using a spray bottle and wipe the window dry with a soft cloth or napkin.

No. 5. Lemon or citric acid

Not everyone likes the vinegar smell, and if you can include yourself in this group of people, then vinegar can be replaced with citric acid, which has almost the same properties. You need to dissolve 50 ml of lemon juice in a glass of water, and then, using a spray bottle, apply the product to the glass and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. The apartment will smell pleasantly of citruses.

There is another variation of preparation. It is necessary to fill a liter jar with lemon peel (the volume may be different, it all depends on the amount of peel collected) and fill it with a 9% vinegar solution. Let the solution infuse for 1.5-2 weeks, after which it must be filtered. The resulting liquid can be added to water and used to clean windows and floors. It will perfectly remove dirt and disinfect.

Detergent overview

The chemical industry does not stand still and supplies stores with drugs that are now difficult to live without in everyday life.

Homestar

The Korean company produces a product that is safe for people, but perfectly removes dirt, stains, germs from mirrors, car glass and windows, without leaving any traces. The liquid has a pleasant smell, is packaged in 500 ml packages, and is sold with a spray bottle.

Clin Windows&Glass

The spray, which washes and disinfects plastic and glass surfaces, has an innovative cleaning formula. When you press the spray bottle, the liquid is sprayed and dissolves grease, dust, and soot without leaving streaks. The spray contains a polymer that repels moisture, so windows do not have to be washed often, and a citrus aroma gives them freshness.

Help

The cleaner removes grease, dirt and plaque, removes traces of stains on mirrors, and restores the lost shine to glass. The liquid is sold in a convenient 0.5 liter bottle with a fine spray, has a refreshing smell, but leaves streaks that can be easily removed with a cloth.

Amway

The product, registered in the CIS countries, contains active ingredients obtained from natural substances. The liquid contains no phosphates or alkalis. If you wash a mirror or window with it, a sparkling shine appears, but no harmful fumes are released.

HG

The spray, produced by a Dutch company, copes with dust, soot, grease, oil stains, without leaving marks on the mirror or glass. The composition is evenly applied to a smooth surface, which is wiped with a napkin or newspaper.

"Magos Mirror"

The product, produced by a domestic manufacturer, is used for washing plastic, chrome products, stainless steel and nickel structures, and cleans windows from dirt and stains. Glass concentrate is sold in 0.75 liter bottles. Before use, stir in water.

Ikeep

The liquid, which quickly removes dirt on windows, is made from hypoallergenic plant components. The product copes with glass fogging, removes greasy deposits, and repels dust.

"House of Faberlic"

Removes dirt from plastic surfaces, car mirrors and in the apartment, a product of the chemical industry produced in Russia. The use of a universal tool allows you to:

  1. Remove limescale from windows.
  2. Prevent glass fogging.
  3. Protect from re-contamination.

See also

How to quickly get rid of cockroaches, the most effective means for removal

A liquid with a unique cleaning formula does not lose effectiveness at high humidity. It contains safe herbal ingredients.

Zero Bio

The blue spray with a bright mint scent is sold in transparent plastic bottles that come with a sprayer. An environmentally friendly product that allows you to effortlessly remove dust from windows, remove fingerprints and grease stains from mirrors, it is made from purified vinegar.

Meine Liebe

A German company that produces household chemicals has pleased us with a product for cleaning plastic, mirror surfaces and windows, which does not contain phosphates or chlorine compounds. The liquid, packaged in a standard bottle with a spray bottle, removes any stains and adds shine to glass products.

Unicum

A unique product copes with traces of drops and fingers, gently cleans smooth surfaces of stainless steel, polymer coatings, windows, covers them with an invisible film that prevents dust from settling, and returns transparency to glass.

Clin

The universal product removes dirt, oil, and soot from tiles, chrome surfaces, and windows and forms a protective layer on the outside that repels dust and prevents the glass from fogging up. The liquid contains citral, alcohol, and solvents.

EasyWork

A Russian manufacturer of household chemicals supplies markets in neighboring countries with a product that effectively cleans both plastic and glass. The composition is packaged in a 5-liter container, adds shine to the surface, repels dust, and does not leave streaks after washing.

Synergetic

The hypoallergenic spray is made on the basis of isopropyl alcohol and contains plant components and flower extract. The drug destroys microbes on the mirror surface, adds shine, and washes dirty plastic window sills.

Chirton

A glass cleaner with a pleasant “sea freshness” smell is sold in 0.5 liter bottles with a spray bottle. There are 2 spray methods available. The liquid contains isopropanol. This substance removes grease, dirt, and fingerprints from glass and mirrors, but does not clean plastic.

Sion

A spray for cleaning stainless steel and windows, produced by a company from Israel, forms a protective film on the surface of products. The effectiveness of the product is ensured by the content of bronol and alcohol, and aromatic additives provide a pleasant smell. When using the spray:

  • any contamination is eliminated;
  • no traces remain;
  • Dust does not settle on the glass.

Sion is applied to surfaces and then wiped off with microfiber or paper. The product cleans plastic well.

"Lyma"

An inexpensive modern product, thanks to the content of ethylene glycol and isopryl alcohol, washes away dirt, grease stains and dust from crystal products, display cases, mirrors and windows. The liquid is sprayed onto the surface with a spray bottle and removed with a rag or napkin.

No. 6. Ammonia

Ammonia does an excellent job of removing nicotine film , removing other contaminants and disinfecting. True, its smell is not pleasant, so after washing it is necessary to ventilate the room well. It is better to work in a protective mask so as not to damage the respiratory tract and avoid poisoning.

To prepare a cleaning solution, you need to mix 2 tbsp. spoons of ammonia and 2 glasses of water. Then everything follows the standard procedure: apply to the glass and wipe thoroughly. This solution is great for cleaning mirrors and crystal. To convince you of the effectiveness of the product, let us remind you that most store-bought window cleaning compositions are based on ammonia .

If the glass is heavily soiled, the composition can be strengthened by adding vinegar : dissolve 1 tbsp in a glass of water. a spoonful of ammonia and 1 tbsp. a spoonful of vinegar. Some recommend replacing the latter with technical or formic alcohol . The result will please you.

Some tips

  • Always use rubber gloves when cleaning
  • Ventilate the room thoroughly after cleaning, especially if you use strong-smelling detergents, ammonia, vinegar
  • When cleaning, try not to touch your face with your hands and avoid getting detergents in your eyes.
  • When washing windows outside, on balconies, on high floors and in hard-to-reach places, use special mops and scrapers and follow safety precautions.

A house with windows sparkling clean and shiny always looks well-groomed, beautiful and pleasing to the eye. In addition, through dirty glass we see the world in a somewhat distorted form, in less joyful, bright and sunny colors. And the lack of sunlight aggravates stress and leads to depression.

If you do not periodically remove the dirt that accumulates there from the glass and window sills along with an admixture of harmful substances from the air, there is a risk that some of them may get inside the room through the ventilation holes and during ventilation.

In addition to the benefits for human health and aesthetics, there is another aspect - saving energy for lighting and reducing the cost of heating the room. Dirty windows do not let in enough light, but clean windows let in infrared rays through much better, which affects the temperature in the room.

So, washing windows is not difficult, and by following these simple tips, you can do it quickly, efficiently and without streaks. Until then...

No. 7. Starch

Surprisingly, starch helps to cope with very dusty windows and avoid streaks. Many different folk recipes are based on it. The simplest one is to prepare a solution: 1 tbsp. spoon of starch per 1 liter of water. The mixture is applied to the glass, wiped with a sponge and left to dry. Then all that remains is to wipe with a dry cloth, getting rid of any remaining starch.

A variation of this method is to use raw potatoes . It must be cut and rubbed with a glass tuber. When the window dries, we remove the remaining starch with microfiber and enjoy the result without a hint of streaks.

What is the power of starch? The thing is that the glass is only at first glance even and smooth. In fact, it is full of dimples and scratches into which water can easily get in, dry out and leave streaks. Starch is able to weaken hydrogen bonds, preventing the appearance of streaks.

How to wash windows without streaks at home

Both aluminum windows and the most common option – plastic double-glazed windows – need to be kept clean. It is not always possible to avoid the appearance of streaks on the surface of the glass. There are several ways to make very dirty windows clean and prevent smudges from appearing on them:

  • Special simple devices are used - brush, steam cleaner, scrapers, magnets;
  • Household chemicals are used - glass and mirror cleaners;
  • Folk compositions - vinegar, paper and newspaper, chalk, ammonia or lemon juice.

You can also use a washing vacuum cleaner with special attachments that can wash dirt from the surface easily and quickly.

If the apartment or office space is at a height, then in this case the windows are washed by climbers.

No. 11. Soda + vinegar

This famous and popular pair in households is also useful for washing windows. She does an excellent job with children's drawings on windows . In 2 liters of water you need to dissolve ¼ cup of baking soda and 100 ml of vinegar. You can take warm water so that the soda dissolves faster, since it is important that not a single crystal remains. Baking soda particles can scratch the glass. The resulting solution is applied to the contaminated surface and the effects of children's creativity are carefully wiped off with the hard side of the sponge. Then the glass is wiped dry with a paper towel.

No. 12. Onion

Experienced housewives know that onions are great for removing traces of flies . Use half an onion to rub the contaminated areas until they are completely clean. Next, all that remains is to rinse with water and wipe dry with newspaper, or use any of the methods described above and below to further clean the glass.

No. 14. Glycerol

This product is not intended for washing, but to prevent contamination , or rather, to slow it down, which is also important. When the windows are perfectly washed, you want to preserve the result as long as possible, and this composition comes to the rescue, making the windows less “attractive” to dust.

The recipe is simple. You need to mix 40 ml of water and 60 ml of glycerin, add 2-3 drops of ammonia, shake the resulting mixture thoroughly and wipe the glass with it. In addition, such a mixture will provide reliable protection against icing.

How to clean windows from the outside?

If the window sashes open towards the apartment, then washing the windows from the outside can be done quite simply by using one of the means listed above. It will be more difficult if the doors are blind or swing outward. If we are talking about a private house, then a stepladder will solve the problem. To clean windows located at a decent height, you can use a telescopic windshield wiper . It has a fairly long handle that can be bent at the desired angle, reaching the most difficult to reach places. Another option is a magnetic brush , which consists of two parts: one part with the brush is attached on the outside, the second on the inside. The magnet allows you to hold the part with the brush and wash the glass in the most remote corners. Convenient, but you will need a little patience.

The windows on the first floor from the outside may be stained with dried grains of sand. Rough methods of rubbing the glass to remove dirt will not work in this case - you can only scratch the surface. It is best to apply a soap solution to the contaminated areas for 10-15 minutes so that the grains of sand soak, then it will be much easier to remove them. Then you can use any washing method.

Telescopic window mops

The “window washer” mop is a simple design consisting of a washing platform and a telescopic handle. Reminiscent of a classic floor cleaner. Unlike a mop, a “scrubber” has a spring or hinged lock, which limits the “freedom” of movement of the cleaning platform and ensures a tight fit of the nozzle to the glass (to change the angle of inclination, force must be applied).

“Window Cleaner” cleans glass using removable absorbent microfiber nozzles, which are secured to the base with Velcro, rubber bands or other types of fasteners. Many models have additional drain nozzles (rubber scrapers) designed to remove dirty water. On the “ladder of evolution,” the design is one step above budget 2-in-1 models, which use permanent foam sponges instead of a flat working platform.


Window mop Leifheit. Image source petrozavodsk.price.ru

Advantages of the “window cleaning” mop

+ Telescopic handle provides access to any area of ​​the external glazing

To wash the glass from the outside, you don’t have to stand on a windowsill/stepladder and lean out of the window. You can easily clean the transom and distant areas of wide blind sashes, since the length of the handle when extended/assembled reaches 1.4-2.1 meters. Some transforming models are equipped with an additional L-shaped handle, which allows you to wash the external glazing without stretching your hand outside the window.

+ High speed window cleaning

The length of the washing platform can be 30-40 cm, width - 15-20 cm. Thanks to the large contact area with the glass, the duration of window washing is significantly reduced.

+ Versatility

It is no coincidence that the “glass washer” mop resembles a flounder. With its help, you can really clean floors and walls efficiently, using the same universal microfiber attachments for these purposes.


Window mop with additional attachment. Image source - besco.ru.

Disadvantages of the window cleaning mop

There may be smudges on the glass

Many window mops are equipped with removable or non-removable ties (rubber bands) that are designed to remove water from the surface of the glass. But these accessories are not always as effective as professional squeegees.

What’s wrong with complete water collection nozzles:

► Poor quality material - too hard or too soft, easily damaged (the edge becomes uneven, causing smudges and streaks to remain on the glass).

► Insufficient width (for some models) - the fold does not reach the frame, “ignoring” the areas around the perimeter.

► Inconvenient design - some models of “window washers” have a cleaning platform under the screed, onto which the water removed from the glass flows. According to the manufacturers' idea, the microfiber nozzle should remove remaining smudges, but in fact the napkin simply prevents water from flowing down the glass (creates an obstacle).


Window mop “White Cat”. Image source - whitecat.spb.ru

The telescopic handle needs space for “maneuvering”

Using the telescopic handle, it is convenient to wash the upper areas of the windows, but not the side areas.

Example: it is necessary to wash a window 1470 mm wide, which has a blind sash 870 mm wide. The minimum length of the adjustable mop handle is 750 mm. If you wash the outer glass horizontally (from side to side) and hold the mop parallel to the surface being cleaned, the handle will quickly rest against the window opening. In this case, the nozzle will only reach the level of 720 mm, leaving at least 150 mm of the sash unwashed. You will have to either wash the uncleaned area by hand or change the angle between the handle and the nozzle.

The quality of window cleaning depends not only on the equipment, but also on your actions. If you learn to hold the mop handle at the optimal angle and do not make sudden movements, everything will work out.


On some models, the drain pan is turned in the opposite direction from the washing platform. Image source - krasnojarskwhitecatsmart.ru

Important nuances

Characteristics : handle length, handle type (extendable, assembled), dimensions and shape of the washing platform, nozzle fabric, fastening method (hinge, spring).

Equipment : telescopic handle with washing platform and water pump, removable microfiber nozzle.

Brands: BPFire (with additional curved handle), Vetta, Vileda, Leifheit, Homy Mood.

Price: from 1000 to 5000 rubles.


Image source - aliexpress.ru
Order washing windows and facades with a telescopic rod with water supply

How to clean windows after renovation?

Of course, it is better to cover the windows with paper in advance to prevent them from getting dirty, but everyone has the right to make mistakes. Moreover, so many people make mistakes in this matter that many ways have been found to deal with a wide variety of contaminants formed during repairs:

  • drops of chalk or lime whitewash are easily washed off with CIF gel for shiny surfaces;
  • acrylic paint can be removed with gasoline or white spirit;
  • cement particles can be removed from glass with phosphoric acid, but you must act very carefully so that the substance does not get on the window sill;
  • the remains of masking tape are removed with drying oil, turpentine, vegetable oil or isopropyl alcohol;
  • enamel and nitroenamel are dissolved with acetone;
  • “Solvent 646” will help to deal with polyurethane foam that gets on the glass.

In conclusion

We won’t mention professional products and special napkins - ubiquitous advertising will do this much better. Please note that when washing windows, do not forget about your own safety. Wear gloves, and when working with solutions with a strong odor, take care to protect your respiratory tract. Do not stand on the windowsill - use a stepladder or stable stool. It's better if someone backs you up. Do not use products based on aggressive solvents or abrasive particles. If the glass has scratches or small cracks, they can be covered with clear varnish. And remember that there are windows on sale with self-cleaning double-glazed windows, which are much less demanding to maintain than ordinary glass.

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Windows, Cleaning

How to care for rubber seals and fittings on plastic windows?

Many people ignore this point, but it is very important in window care. After all, broken or poorly functioning fittings will allow dust, cold, and insects to enter your home.

  1. A couple of times a year - usually in spring and autumn - after general washing of the windows, you should lubricate the rubber window seals with a special silicone grease (sold in hardware stores or companies that install this type of window). If there is no lubricant, you can use glycerin. Apply the product to a soft brush or cotton swab and go over the seal.
  2. The metal fastenings of the frame and the handle mechanism must also be lubricated with machine oil twice a year. Apply oil with a brush or swab to the fasteners and closing mechanism. To better distribute the oil, close and open the window wide several times. At first, it is advisable to keep the windows closed to avoid dust getting into the fresh oil. After a few days, remove oil stains, if any, with a soft cloth.

By the way, it’s useful to read: 7 types of mops for washing floors - the best choice for your home

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