How to Clean Your Windows and Leave Them Streak Free

There is nothing more satisfying than newly washed windows that gleam, yet it can be harder to achieve than you think. Learning how to clean your windows and leave them streak-free is a valuable skill.

How often have you cleaned your windows, only to discover that you can see streaks, fingerprints, and dust on the panes when the sun comes out?

This guide will show you how to achieve spotless windows.

Guide to Cleaning Windows

Follow these suggestions to achieve streak-free windows.

1.      Wait for a Cloudy Day

Avoid sunny or rainy days to wash your windows.

Real Homes explains that sunshine means higher temperatures, making your windows dry too quickly and leaving unsightly streaks on the glass. It’s all down to the evaporation of the water and cleaning products.

Rain will make it harder to dry the glass effectively.

2.      Remove Dust First

If you neglect to remove dust when you clean the inside of your windows, you will end up with it spreading over the glass when you clean.

It is best to remove curtains and pull blinds all the way up before you use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust on the frame and windowsill.

3.      Remove Mould

Mildew and mould can often appear along the frames and in the corners of windows. It occurs when condensation is not wiped away.

You can wipe light mildew away with a lint-free cloth, but you may need a proprietary mould cleaner for more extensive mould. Make sure you ventilate the room before using products that contain harsh chemicals.

You can avoid mould growth by tackling condensation. Ventilation is critical, but if you suffer from condensation, remember to wipe it away with a cloth to prevent a build-up of dampness.

4.      Choose the Right Products

There are a variety of methods you can try to get streak-free windows.

• You can achieve sparkling windows by using a simple homemade cleaning spray. The advantage is natural, environmentally friendly ingredients.

Take one part white vinegar to nine parts water and mix in a spray bottle.

You can spray the mixture directly onto the glass and wipe the windows with a microfibre cloth. Use a separate dry microfibre cloth or chamois to buff to a shine.

• A traditional alternative for glistening windows is to use folded newspaper to wipe the glass. It buffs and leaves the windows streak free.
• Use a squeegee to get a professional finish. After applying soapy water with a cloth, you can remove the excess by running a squeegee down the glass.

Wipe the squeegee after each pass to achieve an immaculate finish.

• Invest in a window vacuum. After applying your water or cleaning product, you can quickly vacuum away the excess water to avoid streaks.

If your windows are old and the glass has become cloudy or has condensation trapped in the middle of double-glazed panes, it may be time to invest in new windows. Give us a call at Colne Valley Windows for advice on replacement or repair.