If you really want your house to shine, you’ve got to have clean windows. What’s that you say? You hate doing windows? Well, perhaps that’s only because you haven’t “seen the light” on how to do them quickly and easily.  Read on.

1. Buy a good quality squeegee and learn how to use it properly. (Go to a janitorial supply company for both).  Or use top quality paper towels or clean microfiber cloth.  Don’t use newspaper.  Not only is it yikky  (black stuff all over your hands) but it doesn’t do as good a job no matter what your grandma says.
2. Spray as little cleaner on the window as you can and still get the surface evenly wet.  Experiment.
3. Wipe the window until absolutely dry.  Check it at an angle to make sure there are no streaks.
4. Never wash windows inthe wind, sun or hot weather as you will surely have streaky glass.
5. When washing windows inside and out, use vertical strokes on one side and horizontal on the other.  This way, if there’s a streak or miss you’ll know which side it’s on.
6. If windows have a greasy look, try using rubbing alcohol on them.
7. If you use an ammonia solution, don’t splash it about. It can strip wax or paint off any nearby surface.

Margaret S. Dasso

Window Washing Solutions

There are a number of solutions you can use. Experiment. See which one suits you best.

1. Plain lukewarm water. That’s right plain old water will do a very good job if windows aren’t too dirty–especially if you use a microfiber cleaning cloth. The advantage: no streaks.  If you must do windows in the sun or hot weather this is the only thing to use.
2. Commercial cleaner–Windex, etc.
3. A quart of cool water with 1/2 cup white vinegar.
4. The same amount of water with 1/4 to 1/2 cup ammonia.
5. Lukewarm water with a few drops of Dawn dishwashing soap. (There are undoubtedly others that work, but we know this one does).
6. Automobile windshield washer fluid. Does a good job and it’s cheaper that most supermarket brands.
7. Special glass cleaner available at glass stores. (Expensive, but some people think it’s worth it).
8. Our “Special Brew.” 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia, 1 pint rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon Dawn dishwashing detergent.  Add enough water to make one gallon.

So Easy A Kid Could Do It….

The easiest way to clean the outside windows is to use a very strong solution of powdered cleanser (Ajax, Comet, etc.) and water. Then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Then rinse again. The rinsing is crucial. A sponge mop makes a fairly good applicator.

Here’s an instructive and really fun video from ToolGirl.com

Do you have additional glass cleaning tips? Any experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you.