Glass can add a beautiful, modern touch to any home, but it can also become dull and cloudy with time if not taken care of. As part of your home cleaning routine, it is crucial to periodically maintain the glass surfaces in your home. Luckily, with simple tricks, you can easily and quickly make your glass surfaces look sparkly and streak-free.
Here are some easy tricks and tips for keeping your glass surfaces looking their best:
1. Use a Squeegee to Wipe Down Glass Surfaces
To avoid streaky smears, consider using a squeegee to wipe down glass surfaces. Begin at the top of the window and work your way down, wiping off any excess water or cleaning solution with a lint-free cloth. Water droplets or smudges can accumulate on the glass and cause smears. Ensure that you purchase a good quality squeegee and change the rubber blade when it starts to wear out.
2. Clean the Edges and Corners with Cotton Swabs
The edges and corners can be tricky spots to clean as dirt tends to accumulate here. To get into these challenging spots, use cotton swabs to help you get into the nooks and crannies. Dip the cotton swab in water or a cleaning solution, then use it to get into tight spaces. Try to avoid using sharp objects as these can scratch the glass. Your glass surfaces will look much cleaner if you take the time to clean the edges and corners.
3. Ensure to Clean on a Cloudy Day
In order to get the best clean and avoid leaving streaks, try to clean your glass surfaces on a cloudy day. Direct sunlight can cause the glass to dry before you can evenly wipe it down, leaving streaks. A cloudy day also offers more forgiving light when it comes to seeing any smudges or streaks. The premature drying of glass surfaces is a common issue when cleaning windows, so if you want the best results, plan your window-cleaning session on an overcast day.
4. Invest in a Specialized Window Protector
Consider investing in a window protector or film to reduce the need for frequent window cleaning. These protectors are designed to repel dust, water, and other debris that could land on your window surfaces. For instance, a glass water-repellant coating will cause water droplets and other agents to bead up on the glass instead of sticking to it, making it easier to clean and reducing the need for frequent window cleaning.
5. Ensure Your Dual Pane Windows are Sealed Tightly
Over time, your dual pane windows may lose their tight seal. This can lead to condensation buildup between the panes, which can be hard to clean. If you have a dual-pane window, it’s vital to ensure that the seal between the two panes of glass is tight. The fogging between the panes can also signal that the window seal is not tight enough and needs to be replaced.
6. Use a Softened Water Solution
The mineral content in hard water can leave behind white spots and streaks that are difficult to remove. To prevent this issue, use softened water when cleaning or opt for a cleaning solution specifically designed for hard water. Avoid using regular tap water when cleaning your windows, as this can result in streaky residue that is difficult to remove. You can also make your cleaning solution by combining white vinegar and water.
7. Dry the Glass with an Old Newspaper
If cloths and towels leave behind lint, opt for using newspaper instead. Newspaper is excellent for wiping off the excess moisture after you have completed cleaning the glass surface. The ink from the newspaper will not leave behind streaks, and it’s better at absorbing moisture than cloth. Even though it doesn’t hold up well as a cloth or towel, it’s still an effective way to dry your windows quickly. Leaving the window wet for too long can cause water spots, so ensure to dry it with an old newspaper before moving on.
Conclusion
A streak-free shine does not come easy when it comes to properly cleaning windows and glass surfaces. It is imperative to use the right cleaning solutions, tools, and techniques to ensure that your glass surfaces look spotless. Properly cleaning windows requires patience and attention to detail, so take your time when cleaning your glass surfaces.
