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The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Glass Surfaces

Happy woman in gloves cleaning window with cleaning cloth.

Not only are dirty windows visually unappealing, but they can also cause many health issues. Because your windows can contain contaminants like pollen, bird droppings, and even mold, it is vital that you learn to clean them properly!

Do you want to learn more about cleaning glass surfaces? Keep reading this guide to see the best way to clean glass surfaces. 

Avoid Products That Streak

One of the first things you should do when cleaning your glass surfaces, like windows or a table, is avoiding products that streak. For example, many glass cleaners include ammonia or alcohol. While these are supposed to provide better cleaning for glass surfaces, they actually leave more streaks than other products. 

If you don’t have any other products to use, you can always try to buff out any streaks with a cloth after you are finished cleaning your surfaces.

Use a Squeegee

The best tip for cleaning any glass surfaces is to use a squeegee. This makes cleaning your windows much more efficient and eco-friendly. It is more eco-friendly because you don’t need to use paper towels or other clothes to clean your glass surfaces. 

Using a squeegee is more efficient for glass cleaning because it cleans your windows faster and leaves fewer streaks! It removes all the cleaner and liquid in one swipe and will prevent water marks from forming on the surface of your glass. 

Homemade Glass Cleaner Works Best

Many people don’t realize that it may be better to use a homemade cleaner for glass surfaces, rather than storebought glass cleaner. As was mentioned before, some glass cleaners may leave streaks and use harsh chemicals. By using the homemade cleaner for glass surfaces, you can use natural ingredients that do a better job of cleaning glass. 

The easiest homemade glass cleaner is a mixture of vinegar and water. Simply mix vinegar and water into a spray bottle and use it in place of glass cleaner. 

For tough water spots, you can also use a slice of lemon to make your glass sparkle!

Don’t Use Paper Towels

If you don’t have a squeegee, there are other alternatives for cleaning your windows. While paper towels can work, using other materials can keep your windows even cleaner. 

Some people recommend using old newspapers. This is a great hack if you want to find a use for old papers and want an easy way to clean your glass without streaks. 

Otherwise, it is best to use some sort of cloth! When choosing a cloth, you should find one that is lint-free so it doesn’t leave any debris or particles on your newly cleaned windows. 

Using a microfiber cloth is the best option for a cloth. By rubbing the cloth in each direction while you clean your glass, you can prevent streaks. You can even use these cloths to buff out any additional streaks that were left behind from the products you use. 

If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, you can also use an old t-shirt the same way. 

Work Your Way Down

To clean your windows and other glass most efficiently, it is best to start at the top and work your way down. If you start at the bottom, you may find that your cleaning solution will drip on parts of your window that you have already cleaned. 

By starting at the top, you will not have to redo any of your work and you will clean your windows much more quickly and efficiently. 

Clean Windows on a Cloudy Day

Cleaning your windows on a cloudy day is one of the easiest ways to prevent streaks and watermarks on your window. If you wash your windows on a sunny or hot day, your cleaning product will evaporate much faster. 

This means that your cleaning fluid will dry up before you get a chance to clean your window completely and will leave residue on your window. 

If you want your windows to be streak-free and clear, do not wash them on a sunny day. 

Avoid Damaging Frames

Something that many people do not consider when they are washing their windows or mirrors is if their cleaning solution will damage other parts of their glass. While it is pretty easy and straightforward to clean glass, you may unintentionally damage the wood surrounding it. 

For example, mirrors are often framed in wood that can easily be damaged with liquid. Similarly, the frame of your windows and surrounding walls can get damaged if you overspray your windows. 

To avoid damaging the frames of your windows and your mirrors, you should spray your window in small sections. This will also keep your cleaning solution from evaporating too quickly and leaving water spots behind!

Get Help Cleaning Glass With a Professional Cleaning Company

Cleaning glass surfaces in your home can improve your health and make your home look sparkling clean. By following each of these tips, you can find the best ways to avoid streaks when cleaning your glass. 

If you want to leave it up to the professionals, hiring a professional cleaning company can help! They know the best tips for how to clean glass and can make your home feel fresh and clean. 

Are you looking for a house cleaning company in San Diego, Santa Cruz, East Bay, or San Jose area? Anita’s Housekeeping can help! We offer flexible scheduling options and customized cleaning that fits your needs. Contact our team today to learn more about our cleaning services or to request a booking

AUTHORED BY

Anita's Housekeeping Editors