How do you clean windows with vinegar without streaks?
Mix one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Wipe down the window with a a soft, clean, lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove dust before you spray your solution, then spray the entire surface.
When you first clean with vinegar, you might get streaking due to a film on the glass from commercial cleaners. Simply repeat the process of spraying and wiping the windows to get a clear finish.
A squeegee is a rubber bladed tool that professional window cleaners use to leave their windows completely streak-free. It's not entirely necessary for cleaning windows, but it's great for large glass windows, including the kind found in some showers.
A big problem is the evaporation rate. If you're cleaning your windows on a warm sunny day, the liquid part of the solution evaporates quickly and leaves behind a residue that appears as streaks. On the other hand, if you don't entirely remove the liquid you can also be left with a streaky window.
Window cleaners purify their water by passing it through a series of filters and resins, making use of natural processes like reverse osmosis and deionisation. They then store this water, usually in a suitably equipped vehicle, so that they can get it to their customers.
Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.
Use Vinegar
Whether you are out of name brand glass cleaner or you want to use a more natural cleaner, vinegar works wonders on windows. Try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a streak-free clean. You can use a spray bottle or dip a rag in the solution, just like you would an ordinary cleaner.
- Use a cleaning product without soaps, scents, or dyes.
- Spot clean difficult stains first.
- Use a thin microfiber cloth instead of newspaper or old rags.
- Wipe top-to-bottom and side-to-side.
- Repeat as needed.
Using a cleaner specially formulated for glass will help prevent streaks on your mirrors and windows. Spray the cleaner evenly on the mirror or window, then work down in a zig-zag pattern with the microfiber cleaning cloth to prevent streaks. Use a second cloth if the mirror isn't dry, working down in the same pattern.
The best homemade window cleaning solution is to just mix two gallons of water and about a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid together in your bucket. Some people also opt to use vinegar and water to clean windows. In warm weather, you'll get a little more working time by using cool water.
What can I add to water for streak free windows?
Vinegar is Your Go-to
Vinegar works wonders for windows. Simply mix it with distilled water and spray or wipe it on like you would with any other glass cleaner. The pungent smell will stick around; however, it's definitely worth it for streak-free windows.
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
The best product for getting reliably clean and clear glass is Windex. It can be used on a variety of surfaces to clean without leaving streaks, and it's strong enough to get rid of tough stains.
Combine 2 tablespoons ammonia, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol and 1/4 teaspoon mild non-antibacterial dishwashing liquid. Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a rinsed, recycled spray bottle. Then spray it on windows, just as you would commercial glass cleaner, and wipe.
In most cases, it will get the job done. But using hot water leads to better results and here is why. Hot water is much more successful removing dirt than cold water. This is due to the fact that hot temperatures make the dirt particles move a bit more, thus making them easier to be wiped away.
It's fine to use a commercial window cleaning spray, but you can also make your own that's just as effective—and much cheaper. Combine about 8 ounces of hot water with a drop or two of Dawn dish soap—which is great for cutting grease and grime, says Fisk—in a spray bottle.
To make the solution is simple and easy on the wallet! Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned.
Cleaning vinegar can be used undiluted or mixed with water, depending on the job. For tough stains on fabric furniture or clothes, use it alone on a sponge or rag to wipe away the spot.
- 1/4 cup Distilled White Vinegar.
- 1 cup Water.
- 3 drops Dawn Dish Soap.
- Optional: 4 drops of your favorite Essential Oil {I like to use Orange or Lemon for cleaners}
- Spray Bottle {glass is best if you'll be adding in essential oils}
The cleaning cloth
It doesn't mean that the cloth is dirty. For example, if you wash your rags with fabric softener, the chemical residue can end up as streaks! Easy fix: Avoid cotton rags and paper towels. The best way to clean mirrors is with a high-quality, lint-free microfiber cloth.
What cleans windows & mirrors the best?
Use plain water in a spray bottle.
Believe it or not, it's best to turn on the tap water when it's time to clean windows and mirrors. You don't even need vinegar or any kind of enhancer—hot water in a clean spray bottle works well.
Above: A tablespoon of cornstarch is the secret ingredient. Add it to a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to produce the shiny, streak-free result that is everyone's goal when it comes to cleaning windows.
You should use straight vinegar. If your windows are really dirty, it's good to use an extra strength solution to wash them. Just warm 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar. It can be applied directly to the glass and it's best to use a spray bottle for this specific solution.
“Squeegee” isn't just one of the best words in the English language—it's also an amazing tool for streak-free windows. In fact, it's what almost all the pros use, so you know it has to be good. Don't use the rubber tool created for your shower, though. Instead, opt for a professional-grade window squeegee.
- Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar. You may assume that combining these two ingredients in the same bottle will boost their cleaning power, but it's more likely to increase your risk of going to the emergency room. ...
- Bleach + vinegar. ...
- Baking soda + vinegar.
The best product for getting reliably clean and clear glass is Windex. It can be used on a variety of surfaces to clean without leaving streaks, and it's strong enough to get rid of tough stains.
- Use a cleaning product without soaps, scents, or dyes.
- Spot clean difficult stains first.
- Use a thin microfiber cloth instead of newspaper or old rags.
- Wipe top-to-bottom and side-to-side.
- Repeat as needed.
Don't use an absorbent paper towel or cloth treated with fabric softener to spread the solution because you'll also end up leaving lint and film behind. To avoid streaks use an untreated paper towel, newspaper or lint-free cloth. According to Windex, old cotton diapers (unused, of course) are a good choice.