Looking For That Streak-Free Shine? 5 Tips for Cleaning Your Glass Windows & Doors Like a Pro

One of the areas that are often neglected during our regular household cleans are our glass windows and doors. Many of us procrastinate cleaning our glass surfaces because, let’s face it, cleaning glass can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. However, if you have the right tools and techniques in place, cleaning your glass windows and doors shouldn’t be such an arduous, soul-crushing chore. In this post, we’ll share with you some of our top tips and tricks for getting that streak-free shine across all your glass windows and doors. Happy cleaning!

1. Timing is key

Have you ever spent hours cleaning your glass surfaces only to later find streaks all over said surfaces? Streaky glass is caused by a number of factors, but one of the biggest culprits is the sun and the heat. Why, you ask? Evaporation! If you’re cleaning your windows and doors on a humid, hot, and sunny day, your liquid solution will evaporate quickly and will leave behind residues that will appear to you as streaks. For this reason, we recommend that you clean your glass surfaces on a day that isn’t humid and hot and to also choose a time when the sun isn’t shining directly on your glass. Set yourself up for success by choosing a cool and overcast day to clean your glass windows and doors.

 

2. Use the right equipment

You won’t need many tools to be able to effectively clean your glass windows and doors, but you will need some basic equipment to get optimal results. Lots of people use toilet paper or paper towels to clean their glass surfaces, but unless you enjoy the look of streaky glass, don’t do it! Not only do these options create streaks, they create linty streaks. Instead, we recommend that you use microfibre cloths or (if you’re old school) newspaper to clean glass. In addition to this, a squeegee will probably come in handy for larger windows and doors. Also, for those of you who love a gadget, a window vac is a gamechanger.

3. Choose effective cleaners

There’s some flexibility when it comes to choosing liquid cleaning solutions for glass windows and doors. Essentially, you can either go with your traditional chemical cleaners that you’ll find at the supermarket or you can go with a homemade alternative. Commercial glass cleaners are a no-fuss option as they have been formulated specifically to achieve streak-free glass. However, if you’re not too keen on using too many chemicals, there are plenty of homemade alternatives available to try. The most common homemade glass cleaner is the good old fashioned water and vinegar solution. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to spray your glass surfaces. You can also try the same formula with lemon juice or rubbing alcohol if you don’t like the smell of vinegar. For best results, use distilled water instead of tap water. Tap water contains minerals that can transfer onto the glass and cause streaks.

 

4. Perfect your technique

The best way to avoid streaks is to work fast and to work in a zigzag pattern. After spraying your liquid cleaning solution onto the glass, start at the top left corner of your glass surface with your rag and work your way down to the bottom in a zigzag movement. This method is a great way of ensuring that you’re covering lots of ground. If you’d prefer to use a squeegee, start off by rubbing your glass surface with your cleaning solution and then go over the wet surface with a squeegee in straight and swift motions. Squeegees are often too much trouble for smaller windows and doors, so it’s best to save them for larger picture windows and sliding doors. 

5. Finish with a buff

Finishing off your work with a buff allows you to get rid of any small pesky streaks that may have escaped you (streaks happen to the best of us!). Using a microfibre cloth or towel, work from the top to the bottom of your glass windows and doors in a circular pattern. Once you’re done, take a step back and admire your handiwork.

 

Glass windows and doors are a great way to allow natural light into the home and to create the illusion of space. If you’d like to have bright and brilliant glass windows and doors installed in your property this year, give Jim’s Glass a call on 131 546 today for an obligation-free quote. 

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