How to Clean Windows without Streaks

Have you ever cleaned your windows and stepped back to admire your hard work only to see smears and streaks reflecting in the sunlight? Avoiding streaks is especially tricky on outdoor windows. Before calling in a professional window cleaner, learn how to clean windows without streaks using simple household ingredients and cleaning products.

Spot-free windows that are so clean and clear that you barely see the glass bring more natural light into your home. Not only that, but a streak-free window gives you the feeling that there is no barrier between you and the outdoors, giving you the illusion that you have more space in your home.

Cleaning glass surfaces seems pretty straightforward, but removing grime and dirt build up from outside windows without streaking is challenging. The key to streak-free windows is using the right cleaners and cleaning process to wash windows.

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Cleaning Windows without Streaks

While washing windows and mirrors, it’s essential to use the right types of cleaning solutions to remove dirt without leaving streaks. There are also specific techniques to use to get a streak-free clean while window cleaning.

We’ll show you several different ways to get those windows clean and shiny and how you can tackle cleaning a mirror streak-free with some simple ingredients and just a few minutes time.

Preparing a Window for No-Streak Cleaning

There are many ways to clean windows without streaks, but first, it’s essential to clean the window to remove tough dirt, bird droppings, stubborn stains, tape, and other hard-to-remove gunk.

Window Pre-Cleaning

• Vacuum cleaner
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Sponge
• Paint scraper

The surface of the window gets coated with dust, cobwebs, and other debris. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to suck away loose dirt before cleaning glass without streaks.

Fill a sprayer bottle with white vinegar and spray the liquid on the surface of the window. Let it soak into grimy areas for five minutes before wiping away with a sponge.

For areas of the glass that have old tape or large bird droppings, use a plastic paint scraper to pry away the debris. Start by holding the scraper at a 45-degree angle and then press the blade beneath the gunk to peel it away. Use care to keep from hurting yourself or damaging the glass.

How to Clean Windows without Streaks

Several things are helpful to know when cleaning windows without streaks. Choosing the right time of day, avoiding certain types of cleaning materials, and using specific ingredients to clean windows are all useful tips that help to create a streak-free window.

Streak-Free Window Cleaning Tips

Before cleaning your windows, check the weather for the current day’s condition. Streaking occurs on windows mainly because the cleaner dries before you have a chance to wipe it away. Therefore, make sure to clean the windows on a calm and cloudy day with no rain.

Try and clean the windows twice a year during spring and fall. Don’t dry windows with absorbent cloths because they move moisture and dirt around the glass rather than wiping it up.

Likewise, using newspaper has the same effect and also leaves behind ink stains while cleaning. The best tool for cleaning windows is a rubber squeegee.

When making a window cleaning solution, use distilled water. As non-distilled water evaporates from the window, it leaves behind trace minerals and elements resulting in visible marks on the glass.

Ways to Clean Windows without Streaks with White Vinegar

This homemade window cleaner with vinegar works well for cleaning the outside of windows or filthy indoor windows. It uses equal parts of water and white vinegar for heavy-duty cleaning.

Heavy-Duty Vinegar Window Cleaner

• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups white vinegar
• Bucket
• Microfiber cloth
• Rubber squeegee

Combine equal portions of white vinegar and water in a large bucket and mix the ingredients. Dunk the cloth into the window cleaning solution and start at the top of the window. Use circular motions to loosen up dirt and grime, making sure to clean every inch of the glass.

After cleaning the window and before it dries, use a squeegee to wipe the cleaner away. Start at the top side of the window and use horizontal swipes from one side to the other without lifting the squeegee from the glass.

Wipe the squeegee clean after each stroke and repeat in the next section down, making sure to overlap each stroke. Use a soft cloth to clean away any excess water from the glass surface and windowsill.

Not only can you use this recipe to clean windows but you can also take care of mirrors in the house. As a natural mirror cleaner, vinegar and water clean and sanitize all types of surfaces with ease.

This solution can also be used as one of the ways to clean metal blinds in your house or RV. Vinegar has all kinds of uses for cleaning.

Streak-Free Outdoor Window Cleaning with Soapy Water

If you don’t have any white vinegar, use plain soap and water to clean windows. The type of cleaner you use on windows is not as crucial to streak-free cleaning as the tools and technique.

Outdoor Window Cleaner

• Garden hose
• 1 gallon of hot water
• 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
• Sponge
• Rubber squeegee
• Large bucket
• Paper towels

Begin by using a water hose to spray the surface of the glass to loosen up any dirt and grime. Fill a bucket or tub with hot water and add the dishwashing liquid. Agitate the solutions to make a sudsy cleaner.

Dip the sponge into the hot, soapy water and clean one window at a time. Start at the top and clean with circular motions for scrubbing away dirt. Dunk the sponge back in the water as it gets dirty.

Use a squeegee to remove dirt and liquid from the glass by starting at the top side of the window. To prevent streaking, use a continuous motion by pulling the squeegee blade from one side to the other, and then down one section and back to the opposite side. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess water from the windowsill and glass corners.

Making a Streak-Free Window Cleaning Spray

White vinegar works wonders at removing dirt. Not only that, but it is an inexpensive way to clean windows. This cleaner recipe is ideal for cleaning mildly dirty windows while leaving a streak-free shine.

DIY Mild Window Cleaner Spray

• 4 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Lint free cloth

Fill a bottle sprayer with warm water and vinegar and shake well to mix. Lightly spritz the cleaner on the entire window surface, making sure not to apply too much solution. Start at the top of the windowpane and use a lint-free cloth to wipe away the residue.

Use quick, circular motions as you make your way to the bottom of the windowpane. The faster you clean the window, the better. If the cleaner dries before you get to it, it leaves behind streaks.

This recipe also works well for cleaning blinds. Spray the blinds and wear a cotton glove to wipe each blind individually to dry it and leave behind a nice clean shine.

Cleaning Indoor Windows with Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a solvent that cleans away grime, and vinegar breaks up greasy residue left behind by fingerprints. These ingredients are also useful when making a DIY dry erase board cleaner.

Rubbing Alcohol Glass Cleaner

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth
• Paper towels

Combine water, white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol in a bottle sprayer and shake well to mix. Begin at the top of the window, spray a light mist of solution, and then quickly wipe away dirt using circular motions.

Move down to the next section of the window and repeat, making sure to overlap each section as you go. Use dry paper towels to wipe away any leftover residue and streaks.

Use this solution for cleaning inside of car windows to get rid of water spots and other areas that decrease visibility. Car window cleaning in the shade is better than doing it in the sun as streaking is less likely.

How to Get a Streak-Free Window using Cornstarch

Glass surfaces have tiny pits in them that trap water, which cause streaking while cleaning. Cornstarch breaks down water bonds, resulting in a streak-free shine. This recipe works well for both indoor and outdoor windows.

Cornstarch Window Cleaner

• 2 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• Spray bottle
• Sponge
• Paper towels

Pour the water, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar into a bottle sprayer and add the cornstarch. Shake the container vigorously to ensure that the cornstarch dissolves.

Spray the entire surface of the window with a thin coating of solution. Use a sponge to clean the glass from top to bottom. Wipe the whole surface area with paper towels to make sure that no cornstarch residue is left behind.

Cleaning Indoor Windows with a Squeegee

Using a rubber squeegee is the best way to clean windows without streaking. Unfortunately, they tend to be a little messy while cleaning. Here is how to use a squeegee inside your home without creating a mess.

No-Fuss Window Cleaning

• 4 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Rubber squeegee
• Lint free cloth
• Drop cloth

Combine all ingredients in a bottle sprayer and shake well. Remove any curtains and blinds from the window and set them aside. Place a drop cloth or old sheet beneath the window to catch any droplets of cleaning solution.

Spray the entire surface of the window with the cleaner. Position the squeegee blade at the top right corner of the window and pull it sideways to the opposite side. Use paper towels to wipe the squeegee blade dry and then repeat the process by moving side to side, down the window, overlapping each section as you go.

Use a lint-free cloth to wipe away excess cleaner from the window edges, windowsill, and any other areas. Remove the drop cloth and replace the window coverings.

Streak-Free Window Cleaning with a Fresh Scent

We all know that cleaning is a chore, so why not make it more enjoyable by freshening the room while you clean? This recipe not only cleans away grime without leaving streaks but masks the vinegar smell with a fresh scent.

Fresh Scent Indoor Window Cleaner

• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 10 drops essential oils
• Glass spray bottle
• Soft cloth
• Paper towels

Pour the water and white vinegar into a bottle sprayer and add the essential oil. Any scent of oil works, so feel free to use your favorite. Shake the container well and spritz a light layer of the solution over the surface of the window.

Start at the top of the glass and use a soft cloth to wipe away grime using circular motions, making sure to get along the edges and corners of the glass. Use paper towels to wipe away streaks and residue.

Using Commercial Glass Cleaners to Clean Windows

If you do not have the time or the ingredients to make a homemade window cleaner, use a commercial cleaner that is ready-to-go. Most commercial window cleaners are acceptable, but we prefer using Windex.

Commercial Glass Cleaner

• Windex
• Soft cloth
• Paper towels

Spray the window cleaner over the entire surface of the glass. Use a soft cloth to wipe the window clean by starting at the top corners and working your way down. Use paper towels to wipe away any cleaning residue and streaks.

The key to getting a streak-free clean on your windows is speed. The faster a solution dries, the chances of getting streaks increase. Therefore, clean your windows, even if they are indoors, on a cloudy day to prevent the sunshine from drying the cleaner.

When you’re cleaning the windows, don’t forget about the frames. Cleaning aluminum window frames or those of another material is easy and the shiny surface will highlight your streak-free windows.

While the first step in window washing is using the right cleaning solution, using the proper cleaning technique to remove dirt while eliminating streaks is equally important.

Using the wrong cleaners and tools leaves you scrubbing windows all day with no positive results. Now that you know how to clean windows correctly, go ahead and take a step back from your windows and admire the streak-free shine of your efforts.

We’re glad that we could show you how to clean windows without streaks using simple household ingredients, and we’d love it if you’d share our window cleaning tips with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook.

How to Clean Car Windows

Your car windows do two things. First, they let you look outside. Second, they make your vehicle look good. If you have dirty windows, then it reflects poorly on your car, so it makes sense to keep them squeaky clean.

You might not notice how dirty your car windows have become, especially if you drive daily. But if you smoke or if there’s a lot of pollen in the air, you’ll find that the windows build up with dirtiness – and once you take the time to clean the glass, you’ll notice a substantial improvement.

In this article, we’re going to go over how to clean car windows. Additionally, we’re going to go over some ways of cleaning your car windows using household items. As an added benefit, we’re also going to go over how to clean car interiors and how to clean windshield wipers.

When you wash your windows, it’s not a bad idea to wash the rest of your vehicle at the same time. Take care of how to clean a car, windows and all, in a few hours rather than spreading it out on different days.

Clean Car Windows with a Cleaning Agent

If you’re cleaning your car windows in the direct sunlight, the water you use to clean is going to evaporate. Before starting, you might consider parking your car in a shaded area, like under a tree or inside a garage.

This is also a great idea when you decide to wash your car. How often should you wash your car and windows? A lot depends on the weather but every couple of weeks or so should be the minimum.

General Cleaning Recipe

How to Clean Car Interior

Select a streak-free window cleaner like Armor-All or Windex, and get a cloth. Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the cloth, because if you spray onto the window itself, only about half of the cleaner ends up on the glass.

The other half floats around the car and ends up on your seats and instruments, which doubles the amount of cleanup you have to do and might damage your interior. You’ll also want to use a washed microfiber cloth instead of a newspaper or paper towels.

Newspapers have ink on them which, when introduced into the cleaning solution, might run and stain your hands and make a mess inside the car. Paper towels tend to tear apart while you’re using them, meaning you’re going to go through a lot of them. Microfiber cloth is soft but durable, and it does a fantastic job of scrubbing away spots and stains.

Wipe in a vertical direction, and then a horizontal direction. Avoid rubbing in circles, as that increases the likelihood of streaking.

As for how to clean car seats: replace the glass cleaner with laundry detergent, and use a chamois cloth instead of a microfiber cloth.

If your seats are fabric, vacuum the seats and then scrub them thoroughly, first with hot water, and then use cold water to clean off remaining dirt. Avoid letting the seats get too wet. For leather, use liquid dishwashing soap and warm water. Again, take care to keep the seats from getting too wet.

How to Clean Car Exterior

Your first step is to wash the rest of your car, either with a garden hose or car wash. Prewashing takes care of a lot of bugs and gunk, saving time (and cleaning cloths).

Plus, if you wait until after you’ve cleaned the windows to clean the rest of your car, you risk getting dirt and grime on the windows you’ve just cleaned, doubling the work for yourself.

Unlike when you’re doing interiors, spraying the cleaner directly on the glass is recommended. Spraying directly on the glass makes it easier to dissolve bugs and grime, which will make the cleaning easier. This cleaner is just one example of the benefits of baking soda for cleaning just about anything.

Acidic Solutions for Windows

• Vinegar solution
• Lemon juice
• Baking soda
• Toothpaste

When you’re doing either of the windshields, stick to working in sections, so your cleaning solution doesn’t evaporate prematurely. Using these products helps remove hard water stains from car windows, as well as sticky substances like tree sap.

If you’re still having problems with evaporation, consider moving your car to a shadier spot, such as under a tree or in a garage. Find more recipes on our homemade window cleaner post.

Use a microfiber cloth, as you did with the interior. Microfiber cloths will do a good job of clearing away bugs and grime, and you’re less likely to cause streaking. If you’re doing the exteriors first, make sure you use a different cloth for the interiors.

Finally, use a vertical-then-horizontal motion as you did with the interior, which will reduce streaking. You might find, however, that you have to wipe with greater vigor to clean up the stuck-on bugs, dirt, and road residue.

How to Clean Hard Water Spots from Car Windows

The leftover mineral deposits after the water have evaporated can cause stains on your window. Since these stains are alkaline in nature, an acidic solution gets rid of them. Use household items to get rid of hard spots on your car window.

How to Use Vinegar Solution to Get Rid of Hard Water Spots on Car Windows

There are a couple of different measurements you’ll want to use while using vinegar, depending on how often you clean your windows and how long it’s been since you last cleaned them.

Vinegar Car Windows Cleaning Recipe

• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 cups distilled water
• 1/2 tsp dish detergent
• Microfiber cloth
• Spray bottle

If you’re using vinegar for the first time, or if it’s been a while since the last time you cleaned your windows, you’ll want to use a stronger solution. Mix water, vinegar, and dishwashing detergent. Mix in a spray bottle, shake well and apply according to the instructions provided above.

On the other hand, if you clean your windows regularly, you can back off on the ingredients a bit. Just mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of water. Additionally, this is a handy solution to have on-hand for general cleaning purposes.

This vinegar cleaner also works well to clean hardened tree sap off a car and the windows. If you parked under a tree and found sap stuck to your car, use this recipe to remove it. Of course, it’s always easier to remove sap when it first happens rather than waiting but sometimes you just don’t notice it.

Lemon Juice Based Car Window Cleaner

If you want to add an extra kick to your vinegar solution, use lemons. Start by collecting the things you’ll need. You have a choice regarding the lemons. You can use bottled lemon juice from the supermarket, or you can use real lemons.

There’s an additional benefit to the latter option – if you use real lemons, you can keep the peels and stick them in your garbage disposal for extra freshness. New spray bottles are available for purchase at most major retailers, or you can repurpose an old spray bottle. If you choose a used one, try to use a bottle that held glass cleaner previously.

The mixture won’t necessarily increase the potency of your vinegar-and-lemon solution, but if you put it in a container that held a different chemical previously (such as furniture polish), you risk diminishing the power of your solution.