Cleaning window glass might seem like a mundane task, but it plays a significant role in maintaining the overall aesthetics and cleanliness of your living or working space. Over time, dirt, dust, fingerprints, and even water spots can accumulate on window glass, obstructing the view and diminishing the appeal of your surroundings. In this article, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process on how to clean window glass effectively, ensuring clarity and a sparkling finish.
Materials You'll Need
Before we delve into the cleaning process, gather the following materials:
- Microfiber cloths
- Glass cleaner (or a homemade solution of water and vinegar)
- Bucket of warm, soapy water
- Squeegee
- Soft-bristle brush
- Rubbing alcohol
- Old newspapers
- Cotton swabs
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Window Glass
Tip no 1: Wipe the window from the top down
If you want a streak-free finish on your windows or mirror, wipe them from the top down. Using gravity let the cleaning solution run into spaces you haven’t previously scrubbed.
If you want to avoid getting any water on the flawlessly clean glass surfaces, start at the top and work your way down.
Tip no 2: Clean the glass on a rainy day
You may expect the opposite, given that dirt on the glass would be more visible in the bright sunlight. The window washing fluid can dry out too quickly in the sun, leaving behind residue and streaks. A streak-free sheen can be achieved by waiting an overcast day to wash your windows, as the cleaning solution will be retained until you wipe it away.
Tip no 3: Squeegee it out
It’s incredible how much progress can be made with only this one instrument while working with glass. If you don’t get all the cleaning solution off the glass on the first try, you’ll have streaks even if you use a new towel.
Using a squeegee, you can easily clean and shine each pane of glass. If you need to clean high windows and the walls and doors of a shower, a squeegee with a long handle is essential.
Tip no 4: Swabs of cotton
No matter how diligently you scrub, residue continuously accumulates in the glass’s crevices, making removing it impossible without the proper equipment. The inaccessible regions of your home’s windows can be cleaned easily with a cotton swab. It’s just the right amount, and it does its purpose!
Cleaning windows using an old t-shirt is a great idea because they are soft, absorbent, and won’t leave behind any lint. Plus, you may save cash on laundry by wiping up spills with old tees rather than paper towels.
Tip no 5: Trying homemade window cleaner
Homemade remedies have the added benefits of being effective, cheap, and free of potentially harmful ingredients. Combine 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of water, and one tablespoon of vinegar to make a homemade glass cleaner.
A spray glass and mirror cleaner that can keep up with the leading brands may be made using just isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar. Hard tiles, chrome, and other surfaces can be polish to perfection with this method.
In addition, steam cleaners offer a chemical-free alternative for disinfecting and cleaning hard surfaces with just water.
Tip no 6: Use a newspaper to shine the windows
Some folks will only use a newspaper to clean and shine their windows. While this method can be effective, others may find the feel of newsprint on their hands could be more pleasant. When the newspaper becomes wet, it also disintegrates quickly.
If you’ve tried towels and washers and found that they don’t work, the newspaper may do the trick. You can permanently hide your hands behind some gloves if you like the way the glass appears but not how they look.
Tip no 7: Prevent Woodworking
Our mirrors and windows have wooden frames, and many glass cleaners can damage these frames. Placing a little cloth on the wood or windowsill to absorb any drops can prevent harm to these surfaces. Also, don’t spray the entire window at once; instead, spray in little parts, moving from the top to the bottom.
Conclusion
Clean window glass not only enhances the visual appeal of your surroundings but also allows natural light to illuminate your space. By following these simple steps and using the right materials, you can achieve a clear and streak-free shine on your window glass.