Achieving a streak-free look when cleaning windows, mirrors and glass furniture around your home can be a bit challenging. Sometimes it is frustrating to see cloudy streaks especially after you just cleaned them! However, with the right cleaning solution, tools (and attitude), you can get your glass effortlessly sparkling clean.
THE (CLEANING) SOLUTIONS
Choose ONE of the following:
-Mix one part vinegar and four parts water
-Mix 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon vinegar.
-Mix 1-2 teaspoons of dish detergent in a large bucket of warm water. Add ½ cup of vinegar for excessive grime.
-If you have glass cleaner, dilute it using distilled water. Tap water has minerals that may leave streaky deposits on glass and mirrors.
THE TOOLS
-Squeegee – the best cleaning tool for glass windows as the smooth rubber blade allows for streak-free cleaning
-Microfiber cloth – soft and lint-free, won’t leave residue like papertowels
-Newspaper or an old t-shirt – they don’t leave lint and make great buffers and polishers after wiping the glass. Old t-shirts are absorbent and don’t worry, the ink on the newspaper will not transfer onto the glass.
-Cotton swabs- for those hard to reach areas, such as corners and edges.
THE TRICKS
-Pre-clean mirrors that have an accumulation of dust and dirt. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
-Clean from top to bottom. Always begin at the top and work your way down to avoid drips.
-Wipe glass surfaces in a circular motion, then vertical strokes and lastly, horizontal swipes.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
-For glass or windows with hard water stains, use pure white vinegar (do not dilute)
-The best day to wash windows? On a cloudy day, because the sun’s heat can dry windows too quickly causing unwanted residue and streaks.
-The best way to spot streaks? Dry the inside of the window the opposite way you dried the outside. For example, dry vertically inside and horizontally outside.
-Windows should be cleaned thoroughly, at the very least, twice a year.
References:
http://www.topcleaningsecrets.com/house/how-to-clean-glass-and-mirrors.html
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/1298133
http://housekeeping.about.com/od/bathrooms/tp/10-Glass-Cleaning-Tips.htm
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