The best streak-free window cleaners

Depending on the composition of the detergent, it can combat various types of stains. To understand which substance is better to buy, you should pay attention to the base.

Alcohol based

This is the most common substance found in most windshield wipers. Products containing this element have a specific odor that cannot be removed using chemical fragrances.

Isopropyl alcohol has good solvent properties, so you can easily get rid of both light dirt and fresh grease on glass surfaces.

This foundation contains inexpensive cleaning products and is easy to use. Products containing isopropyl alcohol (IPA) do not need to be rinsed with water as the product evaporates quickly and does not leave streaks on glass or mirrors.

However, isopropyl alcohol-based cleaners are not very effective against old, greasy stains, paint marks and other stubborn stains.

Another ingredient in cleaning products is benzyl alcohol. Often these products also contain foaming agents that are more effective at tackling all types of stains. These cleaners require no extra effort to remove stains and do not leave streaks or soap residue on the glass.

Benzyl alcohol-based cleaners have a strong odor that dissipates with use and are relatively expensive.

Based on ammonia

Ammonia has always been used as a cleaning agent for glass surfaces. Previously, it was mixed with a soap solution, which was used to clean dirty windows and mirrors. Today it is widely used in household cleaning products.

Ammonia copes well with heavy stains without leaving strong stains on mirror surfaces. This substance also gives the glass shine and quickly evaporates from the surface.

The downside to this foundation is the penetrating and piercing smell of ammonia, which most people cannot stand.

Based on surfactants

Glass and mirror cleaners based on plant surfactants are becoming increasingly popular. They are made from plant-based raw materials and are completely biodegradable.

Household detergents containing surfactants effectively fight dirt, do not emit a strong unpleasant odor and do not cause allergic reactions. Often the products of network companies contain such drugs.

It should be kept in mind that products with such formulations are quite expensive. However, their price is justified by economical consumption and high quality.

Glass cleaning tools

Minimum list of equipment required for cleaning

gloves;
basins, buckets.
Cloth, rag, sponge;

The speed and quality of the procedure will depend on the availability of additional tools. Popular tools for quick window cleaning

Water scraper (scraper);
steam cleaner.
melamine sponge;
mop with a long handle;
magnetic broom;

Window mop

The device allows you to adjust the length of the handle and its angle. When the desired position is reached, it is fixed. Its length can reach 2 meters.

Directions for use: Mop horizontally from one side to the other, gradually moving downwards. Heavy soiling can be removed with a cloth or detergent.

Scraper for water

This type of window cleaning brush is a rubber band that is used to catch liquids. It has sizes from 20 to 60 cm.

To use it:

Perform the preliminary procedures: wash, blot off the dirt.
Place the device on the glass and slowly lower it down. The rubber element ensures a good fit of the scraper to the glass and removes moisture and dirt.
Reattach the scraper to the top glass by sliding it to the side. Repeat the procedure.
Continue until the area is completely clean. Wipe the wiper rubber after each cleaning.

Attention! Do not move the windshield wiper blade in a random direction.

Melamine sponge

This is a plastic sponge that is made by foaming melamine resin. It effectively removes dirt, grease and other contaminants. It wears off and shrinks with use. No additional cleaning agent is required: the fibers absorb and remove dirt.

Directions for use: wet the sponge in water, squeeze lightly, wipe the windows. Once dirty, rinse it with clean water.

Note: Melamine sponge is not suitable for body and food.

Magnetic sponge

The sponge consists of two brushes with magnets. One is for the inside of the window, the other is for the outside. To prevent the outer brush from falling out, it is secured with twine. With its help, you can quickly and conveniently wash both sides of the glass, for example, on the balcony.

Use a sponge:

Wet the glass with cleaning solution.
Moisten the cleaning surfaces of the brush.
Attach the safety cord.
Place one brush on the inside and the other (with safety cord) on the outside. The magnet will attract the brushes to each other.
Wash starting from the area around the frame. Then move to the middle zone, working from top to bottom.

Steam cleaner

This multifunctional device will help you clean your windows quickly. This device contains a heating element that increases the temperature of the water and turns it into steam. When you pull the trigger of the gun, a jet of steam comes out of it, which removes grease, dirt, stubborn stains, disinfects and leaves no streaks. No detergent other than water is required. The operating algorithm is as follows:

Remove dust from the surface with a dry cloth.
Pour water into the steam cleaner.
Install the selected attachment, turn on the device.
Use steam to clean the surface, then remove excess moisture with a scraper.

Don't make the puck too heavy or bulky as this will cause arm fatigue. The most famous manufacturer of steam cleaners is Karcher.

What to look for when choosing

What are the main criteria you need to focus on in order to choose a quality product for cleaning windows and glass surfaces?

Compound

You should choose glass cleaning products depending on the type and degree of contamination. To do this, you will have to carefully study the composition.

The most effective glass cleaners are those that contain benzyl alcohol with the addition of anionic surfactants to form foam. They do not require much effort to dissolve various contaminants and do not leave streaks or cloudy residue. The only drawback is the pungent smell, but it quickly disappears after good ventilation.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-white-background-woman-young-4906240/

It is advisable to wash the outer glass with products containing water-repellent components. Raindrops will simply roll down the glass, leaving no traces behind.

An acid-based product containing vinegar or citric acid will help remove soap stains and limescale deposits on mirrors or shower walls - they dissolve alkali well. However, any universal windshield wiper can handle such problems.

If you need to wash tinted or frosted glass, then in order not to damage the surface, it is better to use alcohol-based products or mild surfactants. For severe contamination, it is better to purchase an ethyl alcohol-based cleaner.

Skin safe

Don't believe manufacturers' advertising promises. Any substance that dissolves dirt and grease in one way or another will affect the skin. Do you want to keep your hands soft and tender? Then work with gloves.

Ability to cope with various contaminants

A good product should be universal - effectively remove grease, dirt, drips, insect marks, soot and other contaminants.

In this case, the main criterion is the absence of drips, stripes, cloudy veils, and rainbow highlights.

Convenient capacity

Bottles are usually designed for 0.5 liters. The large volume is difficult and awkward to hold with one hand. The shape of the bottle should be curved, it is advisable to have ribbed bulges for fingers so that the product does not slip out of wet hands.

An important design element is the sprayer. It can be standard with a blocker or work in several modes, for example, have a fine mesh, thanks to which foam is formed.

Smell

If the formula contains aggressive substances, then an unpleasant odor is inevitable. Manufacturers try to disguise it with fragrances with fruit, berry, pine or sea scents. Unfortunately, things aren't working out well for them so far.

A complete absence of odor occurs only in environmentally friendly preparations made on the basis of natural ingredients. But they are not cheap, so they are not very common in our supermarkets. You can only buy them online.

Top 5 quality products for windows and mirrors in 2022

There is a wide range of glass cleaning products on the market. Among them there are several products that have already won many positive reviews from consumers due to their quality and effectiveness. Below is a ranking of the best manufacturers and products for cleaning windows and mirrors in 2022 in this segment and how much they cost.

Liquid Aqualon Fresh for washing glass

The liquid is a blue professional detergent. The concentrated liquid is produced in large volumes - 5 liters. The liquid easily removes grease, marks and other stubborn stains from all types of glass surfaces, including stained glass and plexiglass. Aqualon is alcohol-free and gives glass a streak-free shine.

Glass cleaner Aqualon Fresh

Advantages:

economical consumption;
Effectively removes dirt.
Suitable for all surfaces;
Large volume;
No unpleasant odor;

Flaws:

high price;
without weapons.

Spray AlmaWin Glas & Fenster

This product represents the segment of ECO-substances for cleaning glass surfaces. It contains only natural ingredients, does not contain petrochemicals, chlorine and phosphates. It removes stains using plant-based surfactants and ethanol. The manufacturer recommends using AlmaWin Glas & Fenster spray not only for cleaning mirrors and glass, but also for plastic objects, tiles and monitors.

AlmaWin Glas & Fenster Spray

Advantages:

hypoallergenic;
Completely natural composition.
biodegradable packaging;
contains antistatic substances;

flaws:

high price;
difficult to find in retail stores.

The average price is 480 rubles.

Spray Homeline Clean glass

This product is designed to remove all types of stains. It can be used not only on glass surfaces, but also on ceramics, stainless steel, plastic and wood. Available in a volume of 750 ml.

Homeline Clean Glass Spray

Advantages:

low price;
high efficiency.
Has an antistatic effect;
economical consumption;

Flaws:

contains chemicals;
May cause allergic reactions.

Lima Professional spray for cleaning glass and mirrors

The most affordable product among those presented in the rating. Formulated with isopropyl alcohol, this spray effectively combats stubborn and stubborn stains such as grease stains on all glass surfaces, as well as porcelain and tile. It acts immediately after application, leaves no streaks and gives a great shine. Available in 500 and 750 ml capacities.

Professional glass cleaning spray Laima

Advantages:

low price;
high efficiency;

Flaws:

Ecover Multi-Action Spray

Effectively fights stains on all types of surfaces, leaving a fresh aroma after use. Ecover Multi-Action Spray does not require rinsing as it does not leave streaks on glass surfaces. The manufacturer claims that the product is completely safe not only for people, since inhaling the substance does not harm health, but also for the environment. It is based on plant surfactants. The sprayer capacity is 500 ml.

Ecover Multi-Action Spray

Advantages:

adds shine;
Does not cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions.
Has a lock on the sprayer;
Universal;
Environmentally friendly composition;

flaws:

high price.

The average price is 384 rubles.

The most popular brands and manufacturers

There are so many companies producing household chemicals that it’s easy to get confused. The following manufacturers enjoy trust and popularity among our domestic housewives.

Meine Liebe. A German brand focused on safe products. Its windshield wipers do not contain chlorine, phosphates or other aggressive components.
Henkel. A German concern that produces Clin glass cleaner. The products are effective and affordable.
EasyWork. The Russian company produces professional detergents, including environmentally friendly ones. The products are not cheap, but very high quality and economical in consumption.
Synergetic. The domestic brand produces hypoallergenic detergents based on plant materials from Germany. Products can be identified by the marks “Bio” and “Eco”.
Sion. The Israeli manufacturer adds Dead Sea minerals to the cleaning products, which makes the windshield wipers environmentally friendly and harmless to the environment.
ATTITUDE. The Canadian manufacturer specializes in effective and environmentally friendly household chemicals.

The best inexpensive cleaning products

The category of inexpensive detergents includes cleaning products whose cost does not exceed 150 rubles. The main disadvantage of such household chemicals is that

often not effective enough;
sometimes do not correspond to the declared properties.

Let's look at 4 inexpensive options.

Cinderella clean windows

Cinderella Clean Windows is a spray for cleaning glass surfaces from a Russian manufacturer. Cinderella” comes in a convenient 750 ml spray bottle.

The base is isopropyl alcohol and a surfactant. Thanks to this successful combination, “Cinderella” perfectly removes even heavy dirt. This is very rare for such an inexpensive connection.

Please note! Due to its very low cost, “Cinderella” is suitable for those who have many windows in their house (for example, a glazed terrace or gazebo). If you clean them with expensive products, it will cost pennies.

Characteristics:

type – combined (surfactant and alcohol are used);
Purpose – cleaning of all glass surfaces.
Antibacterial effect – absent;

Advantages -

very low price;
This is a spray gun.
high efficiency;

Let's sum it up

Choosing a window cleaner that won't leave streaks isn't easy. The best efficiency is shown by compositions in the middle price category, the components of which include active substances of various groups: surfactants, alcohols, ammonia. They cost relatively little, but at the same time they have a comprehensive effect on pollution. If you need to save money, you can buy a cheaper option. Of course, you shouldn’t expect the same efficiency from it. And for very severe stains, you can buy an expensive professional-grade product.

Video - 5 easy and effective ways to wash windows without streaks

Professional and branded products

This category includes drugs from 250 rubles and above. They are usually used by professional cleaning companies. Below are 3 suitable options for home use.

Glassini

The product is based on isopropyl alcohol. It comes in 5 liter jars. It is not equipped with a sprayer. If necessary, it can be diluted with water. It has a high concentration that can remove the most difficult stains.

Characteristics:

type – alcoholic;
Purpose – cleaning of all glass surfaces.
Antibacterial effect – absent;

Advantages -

high concentration;
Economical consumption.
High efficiency;

Flaws

high price;
dries out the skin of your hands during use.
Only one active ingredient (isopropyl alcohol);

Karcher RM 500

A complex window cleaning liquid consisting of a surfactant patented by the German company Karcher and ammonia-based compounds. Supplied in 600 ml bottles without a sprayer.

The ammonia content ensures a glossy glass surface after cleaning.

Characteristics:

type – complex (surfactant and ammonia);
Purpose: cleaning all glass surfaces
Antibacterial effect – absent;

Advantages -

high efficiency;
Suitable for dirt with an unpleasant odor.
Glass shine after cleaning;

Flaws

high price;
unpleasant smell of ammonia.

Mellerud

Mellerud is a fairly expensive cleaning spray. It uses only surfactants. Various types of these substances are used in such a way that maximum cleaning efficiency is achieved.

It also contains methylchloroisothiazolinone, a powerful antiseptic that kills dangerous microorganisms.

Specification:

Type – surfactant;
Purpose – cleaning of all glass surfaces.
Antibacterial effect – present;

Advantages -

high efficiency;
Suitable for all glass surfaces.
Antiseptic effect;

Flaws

high price;
possible irritation if used incorrectly.

Comparison of the presented funds

To visually compare the presented models, we use the comparison table below.

Brand	Hypoallergenic	A country	Volume (ml)	Price, rub)
Frosch Glass Cleaner	Yes	Germany	750	from 131 to 257
Mister Muscle	No	Russia	500	from 115 to 210
Sunlan RS-3	No	Russia	500	from 100 to 150
Clin	No	Germany	500	from 103 to 203
CIF	No	Netherlands	500	from 182 to 296
SYNERGETIC	Yes	Russia	500	from 130 to 173
ECOVER WINDOW&GLASS	Yes	Belgium	500	from 420 to 570

Ratings on the topic: Description of the most popular electric kettles: cost of the best models, advantages and disadvantages

Window cleaners

In addition to using improvised products, additional cleaning products will be useful. Let us describe the last case in more detail. Before using folk remedies, the ingredients are mixed and then applied to the surface. Most should be rinsed with warm water and the window polished.

Folk remedies for cleaning windows

Environmental friendliness and efficiency are the advantages of folk recipes.

Ammonia

Probably the most popular substance for making glass shine. Wash the windows with a solution of ammonia in a ratio of 2 tablespoons to 2 glasses of water. The ingredients are mixed in a glass and then washed off the cleaned surface.

Newspaper

Give your window a clean look by polishing it with crumpled up newspaper. It is cheaper and more economical to wash windows using sheets of newspaper. The only thing you need to do is wipe the surface well until it shines.

Vinegar

This ingredient is the basis for several solutions. Combine 200 ml. water and vinegar (5 tablespoons) in a spray bottle, spray and wipe.

To strengthen this solution, you can add dishwashing gel (1 tablespoon).

If you let the mixture sit for a while after spraying, rinse off, and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth, you can clean your windows with vinegar this way without streaks.

Glycerin, ammonia

The mixture of ingredients forms a thin film that prevents dust from settling. This helps keep the window clean.

A solution with glycerin for cleaning windows is easy to prepare. For 4 tablespoons of water, take 5-6 tablespoons of glycerin and add 2-3 drops of ammonia. It is recommended to mix directly into the bottle with glycerin and shake. The liquid is applied to a cloth that is used to clean the glass.

Onion

To repel flies that usually land on the surface and to add shine to the glass, you can use half an onion. You can use it to keep your windows clean and keep them clean for a long time. Rub the glass with a lamp until the stain is removed, then rinse and dry with newspaper or cloth.

Chalk

Before using chalk, the window must be cleaned of dirt. The solution is made by mixing 2 tablespoons of chalk in 1 liter of water. Apply the solution to the glass and let it dry. At the last stage, the dried chalk is erased and polished to a shine. Inexpensive chalk can be used to clean windows without streaking.

Lemon

The pungent odors of some ingredients are not tolerated by many people. It's worth trying an infusion of lemon zest. This folk remedy is used to clean windows to avoid stains and is useful for families with children.

Place the collected peels in a half-liter jar up to shoulder height, or you can transfer them to a smaller container. Then fill them with 9% vinegar and place them in a dark place for 2 weeks. The strained solution is added to a spray bottle with water in an arbitrary amount and used to spray the dirt.

Lemon acid

To save yourself the hassle of peeling a lemon, you can use citric acid. A packet of acid is added to a spray bottle with water. The substance is then applied to the window and cleaned as usual.

Starch

By filling microcracks and gently polishing, starch provides amazing cleanliness. Used as a solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water). After applying to glass, let it dry and polish with a soft cloth.

Potato

The principle of using vegetable tubers is similar. You will need half a potato, which you need to grate onto the surface and let dry, then polish.

starch+alcohol+vinegar

An improved option is a mixture of these ingredients.

Proportions for how to make window cleaner at home - pour 400 ml into a cup. warm water, stir 1 tablespoon of starch in it, then add a quarter cup of industrial alcohol and the same amount of vinegar. Use a spray bottle as the smell of the liquid is strong.

Saline solution

Salt granules can scratch glass and plastic. Dissolved salt is good for shine (2 tablespoons of salt per glass of water, already coarsely crushed).

Soapy water

An inexpensive and effective solution made at home. Mix in water and laundry soap shavings. Generously saturate the surfaces with the solution and clean the window with a mop or scraper from top to bottom.

Tea

A glass of brewed tea with 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar poured into a spray bottle will cope with plaque. Spray onto surfaces, rinse and wipe dry.

Manganese solution

Light pink water with a few crystals of potassium permanganate for cleaning glass. The most important thing is that the crystals dissolve well and do not get on the plastic.

Household chemicals for cleaning windows

Store-bought window cleaners also work well. The proportions and application rules are indicated on the packaging. The only thing that can interfere with use is allergic reactions.

Air conditioner

Due to the surfactants it contains, fabric softener is also beneficial for glass tiles.

Mix a glass of water and ¼ cup of dish soap (Lenore, BioMio) and clean the windows.

Alcohol-based window cleaners

Liquids based on isopropyl or benzyl alcohol. For example, windshield wipers “King of Shine” and “Shine”. Use as directed.

Ammonia based windshield wipers

For example, “Mr. Muscle Professional”, which combines folk experience with ammonia and modern additional ingredients. Use as directed.

Surfactant based glass cleaners

Such liquids are also examples of window cleaners for adding shine. These are most manufacturers of windshield wipers - “Klin”, “Sif”, etc. Use in accordance with the instructions.

Steam cleaner for windows

This is not an example of a household cleaner, but a technique that helps add shine to your windows. Windows can be cleaned using a steam cleaner, and even a simple model can give good results. Windows can also be cleaned using a steam cleaner without using household chemicals or by pre-treating the glass with window cleaners.

Additives in cleaning products

Manufacturers use various additional components to improve the functionality and results of glass surface cleaners. Such substances include:

Antistatic. It prevents dust and other small particles from sticking to the glass, keeping it clean for a long time;
Silicone, which also helps protect the surface from the accumulation of dirt;
Water-repellent components. They do not allow moisture to linger on the glass, thus preventing raindrops and dirty water from drying out, as well as windows fogging up.

For removing soap stains and limescale deposits

To quickly and efficiently clean glass shower doors and bathroom mirrors, you should choose products that contain acids. They effectively break down alkaline compounds that make up soap and limescale deposits. However, it must be borne in mind that such components cannot be used to clean metal surfaces.

Using universal products you can remove small dirt and a thin layer of lime deposits. It is enough to spray them on the required areas and leave for 15 minutes, and then remove with a napkin. Such substances are often used to clean tiles and sanitaryware.

For cleaning matte and tinted surfaces

Not every glass cleaner can be used to clean frosted surfaces and glass with darkening film. Frosted glass has slight roughness on its surface, so dirt must be removed from it with extreme caution to avoid damage.

Basically, surfactant or alcohol based substances are used for such glasses and mirrors. They easily remove simple stains, and their compositions are gentle on unusual surfaces.

But to remove old and greasy stains, you need to use only those cleaning products that contain ethyl alcohol. Fresh stains from such glasses can be easily removed with dishwashing detergent.

Video examination of detergents:

How to properly wash windows: step-by-step instructions

The procedure is performed as follows:

Check the double glazed windows and assess what will be required.
Prepare them. For example, napkins, a bowl of water, detergent. If you have a mop, scraper, or melamine sponge, place them nearby. Prepare lint-free napkins, linen, cotton rags, newspapers.
Soften and remove dirt from the outside of the frame using a cloth and detergent. You can wipe it with a napkin 2-3 times. Then process the glass, this can also be done several times. The direction of work is from top to bottom, to the window sill. Finally, the glass and window sills are washed with clean water and polished to a shine with a cloth or paper.
The inner surface is treated in a similar way.

Finally, the window sill and floor are treated to remove drips and puddles.

How to wash plastic windows without streaks: life hacks

Washing windows is considered a rather tedious and troublesome task, and for good reason. There are many ways to make window cleaning easier, less time consuming and much less messy. Here are some best practice tips to help you achieve this.

Choose a time when the sun is not shining directly on your windows. Even on a cool day, the heat from it can be enough to dry out the window cleaner before it can do its job.
Before starting the cleaning process, remove the main dirt by drying it. You can clean the window with a brush or even a vacuum cleaner (this applies to windows facing a busy street). You can also clean the frames themselves to make wiping them streak-free later on much more enjoyable. If you have bird droppings or anything else on your windows that is equally difficult to clean, simply spray it with vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes before removing it with a scraper.
While you're cleaning the window, you can remove the curtains and put them on a quick rinse cycle, then hang them up right away. It will flatten under its own weight and you won't have to use an iron. The room will smell clean and fresh, and the feeling of clean windows will be even more pleasant.
Don't skimp on washing powder. The more often you use them, the more effective they will be at removing dirt.
A microfiber cloth is very useful for cleaning windows. It absorbs moisture well and wipes off easily.
If you use a squeegee instead of a rag or paper, all the water will run off along with the cleaning agent. You can place a towel or paper on the frame to allow the liquid to be absorbed as quickly as possible.
Once you've cleaned your windows, be sure to wash and dry them, otherwise moisture will affect their longevity. This is especially true for wooden frames, since moisture can cause them to deform and lead to rusting of the mechanism. If you plan to wash your windowsill, place a large bath towel under it to prevent puddles from forming.
When cleaning windows, try the following: wash one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. This way, immediately after cleaning, it will be possible to determine which side is leaking, and stains can be easily removed.
For cleaning large windows, it is best to use a squeegee. For small casement windows, use a sponge.
To remove window stickers, wet the glass, wait a while, and then use a scraper to remove the decor, holding the tool at a 45-degree angle to the glass and moving it upward.

How to quickly clean plastic windows at home? It's very simple: go through the list.

Remove mosquito nets if you have them. It also doesn't hurt to wash and dry them.
Wash the frames and dry them.
Make a window cleaning solution or buy window cleaner.
Remove everything from the windowsills.
Place absorbent material on the frames.
(Optional) Wipe down window sills.
Wipe away stubborn stains, remove stickers, and scrub or brush stubborn dirt off glass.
Wash the windows inside and out, then dry them. You may need to repeat this process, especially if your windows are very dirty.
Use a squeegee or sponge to apply the liquid and a microfiber cloth to remove the solution.

That's all. With the right tools, cleaning windows is easy and fun, and you'll see results almost immediately. Here are some additional tips for different types of windows.

How to care for mirrors and glass

To ensure that windows and mirrors in the house do not lose their shine, they need to be looked after. It is recommended to follow the following rules:

Place mirrors in your home away from direct sunlight to protect them from cracking and fading.
Keep surfaces away from moisture to prevent stains.
Once a month, wipe the mirrors with a cloth soaked in vinegar.
Provide air access to the rear wall of the mirror.
Do not wipe with hard rags or sponges to avoid scratches.
When cleaning, do not use hot water.
Do not use soda for washing, as it creates a film that is difficult to clean.
Do not wipe mirrors with products containing ammonia, as it harms the silver particles on the surface.

To prevent ice from appearing on the glass during the frosty winter, you must first treat it with a strong saline solution and then wipe it with a mixture of water and denatured alcohol.

Dried stains can be carefully removed with a sharp blade. Wipe off the paint with turpentine, and remove insect stains with denatured alcohol. Modern cleaning products can replace all of these substances.

How to properly clean tall windows

Tall windows are definitely a beauty. They fill the room with light and allow you to enjoy the view. However, when it comes time to clean them, they present a real challenge.

Currently, there are special brushes with a retractable handle on the market. It usually has two sides, one with a soft sponge and the other with a rubber scraper. It is best to purchase a brush with a movable head, which will help you reach hard-to-reach places.

But how to quickly clean tall windows if you don't have a squeegee? Experienced housewives advise using a mop. First, wrap a damp cloth around the cleaning part of the squeegee and clean the window. Then replace the cloth with a dry one and wash the windows. Of course, you can use a ladder, but it will take a little longer because moving it is much longer than cleaning the windows with a broom or mop.

Important Features

The windows of different apartments have their own characteristics, pros and cons. Residents of the first floors in the metropolis, whose houses are located near noisy highways, are faced with the fact that, in addition to typical pollution, sand and other abrasive particles remain on them. In this case, you need to wash them especially carefully so as not to scratch them.

Be careful when working with glass: do not press on it. Wash the windows from the outside, only opening them inside the apartment; under no circumstances should you even stand with one foot on the ebb tide. If they are panoramic, you can’t do without a mop and a squeegee with a telescopic handle. If it is not possible to open it wide open and wash the surfaces while indoors, it is better to use the services of specialists.

By the way, cleaning is a great physical activity. In an hour of washing you will not only make your home cozy, but you will burn more than 300 kcal.

How to wash sliding plastic windows on a loggia

Sliding windows are often found in modern homes. Their mechanism adds to the difficulty of cleaning. First, clean the drainage channels on the underside of the frame and make sure all moisture is removed. Excess water in the frame can cause mold to form. Then treat the plastic parts of the window with a cleaning agent and only then proceed to the glass. Wash the glass with warm water and the same cleaning agent. Finally, rinse the window with warm water, otherwise the window cleaner will dry out, creating unsightly streaks and collecting dust. When you're done cleaning your windows, wipe them dry with a microfiber cloth. Some housewives say that they can use nylon tights instead, but this is not very convenient, since they absorb moisture less well and are less durable. To answer the question of how to wash sliding windows on a balcony, you can use these tips, but you need to be even more careful.

How to wash windows on a balcony outside

If the blinds open inward, you can clean the outside of the windows very quickly. If the flaps are exposed, you will need a ladder and a brush with a retractable handle long enough to widen the opening. You can also purchase a magnetic brush, which consists of two parts connected by a magnet. One half is attached to the inside of the glass, and the other is held by a magnet on the outside, following the trace of the inside.

Don't forget about your safety! All manipulations must be carried out from inside the apartment, since there are numerous cases of people falling out of windows during cleaning.

Useful tips

Today you can find a huge selection of window cleaning products in stores, but do you need to use store-bought window cleaning products to ensure a high-quality window cleaning? We will try to find out which window cleaning products you can do without, and what it is better not to skimp on in order to achieve good results.

We refuse abrasive substances

Do not use window cleaners that contain abrasive substances such as chalk, quartz sand, clay, marble powder, pumice and others.

To clean windows with plastic frames, it is better to use soapy water, detergent, or a special window cleaner.

Choosing a detergent composition

Choosing the right window cleaner

Glasses can be perfectly cleaned using the simplest detergents that every housewife has on hand.

For example, starch diluted in water (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water at room temperature). This solution will help clean glass, even if it is very dirty.

Windows can also be washed with simple 9% vinegar diluted with one tablespoon in one glass of water.

First wipe the glass with this solution, then rinse it with water and wipe dry.

Of course, do not forget about simpler options - soapy water and dishwashing liquid diluted in water.

White plastic window frames should only be washed with soapy water. When in contact with special dishwashing or window cleaning products, the laminate undergoes a chemical reaction that can cause the white laminate to become discolored and yellow.

We use microfiber

To quickly clean windows without streaks, it is best to use two microfiber cloths and window cleaning liquid. Lightly dampen the cloth with water and wipe the glass to remove dirt and dust.

Then spray the glass with window cleaner and wipe dry with another cloth. The result is a clean, streak-free window.

If you use microfiber, remember that it cleans a dry surface better than a wet one, since it has special “spores” that absorb dirt and dust.

Therefore, do not soak it completely in water or cleaning products, but only use it to wipe wet surfaces.