Window day can be frustrating. You cover the entire area so it glistens for a second until a big, ugly streak appears. It feels impossible to get streak-free windows. But it’s just because we need to find the right tools for the job.
Sound like you? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are tips on how to get streak-free windows.
Preparation
Before you clean your replacement windows, make sure the floors and the inside of your walls are protected. Lay down a sheet or drop cloth to prevent your flooring from getting wet or damaged.
How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?
People have different preferences. Some like to clean their Milgard windows every week on their own whereas others prefer calling in professionals for a deep clean, twice a year.
Aim to clean your windows two or three times a year. Once in the spring after a long, cold winter and once in summer or late fall before the holidays.
The Cleaners to Avoid
People’s opinions differ regarding how to clean their Milgard windows. As a general rule, to prevent any damage, avoid:
- Petroleum-based cleaners
- Razor blades, putty knife or abrasive pads
- High-pressure water hoses
All of the above could damage the glass surface or insulating seal so it’s best to make your own window cleaner.
Vinegar
Create a homemade window cleaner by using vinegar. Vinegar has non-toxic and anti-bacterial properties, which make it great for cleaning. It’s also handy as most of us always have a bottle in the pantry. It’s also eco-friendly. This inexpensive method is especially perfect if you have kids. No more worrying about chemicals getting in your little one’s hands.
Cleaning windows with vinegar is productive as its acidic composition breaks down the film of dirt that often accumulates on glass surfaces. It’s also great for attacking any stubborn spots that may arise. When you use a vinegar window cleaner, the results will be free from streaks.
Vinegar Method
Mix white vinegar with warm water at a 50/50 ratio and pour the solution into a reusable spray bottle. Spritz and wipe as you would with any other cleaner.
Another homemade glass-cleaning recipe calls for 1 cup of water, 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Rubbing alcohol also prevents glass streaks.
Dish Soap and Water
Another way to clean Milgard windows is with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Squirt a drop or two of dish soap per gallon of warm water into a bucket.
Or you could mix up 2 quarts of water with 2 quarts of rubbing alcohol. Once mixed, add three drops of liquid dish soap to get the perfect amount of suds.
Best Techniques for Cleaning Your Windows
Whether you’re washing windows with vinegar or dish soap, pour the solution on the sponge and scrub down the windows. Make sure you reach the corners, creases and crevices for an effective job. Wash the edges of the Milgard window first, rinse, and then clean the entire window.
Then, use a squeegee to clear away the excess solution. If you’re cleaning a small window, wipe down the squeegee with a soft cloth every couple of strokes to avoid leaving streaks. Or if the window is large, wipe down the squeegee after one large stroke.
Once you’ve finished, if there is any solution residue on the window frames, rinse and dry them to avoid any damage.
Tips on How to Get Streak-Free Windows
There are few tricks to maximize your window cleaning to ensure no sneaky streaks arise.
Always Use Distilled Water
Glass shows every imperfection, so you must be meticulous with every detail. Water quality varies from place to place and if there are any impurities in yours, it’ll show up on the window. Hard water, for example, has a high concentration of dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium, which results in a streaky mess.
To avoid this, use distilled water as it is free from minerals and won’t leave a mess on the glass. It is also inexpensive. You can buy it from your local grocery store.
Be Mindful of the Weather
Don’t clean your Milgard windows when it is too hot or sunny. Otherwise, the solution will dry too quickly and leave streaks. The best time to clean your windows is when it is overcast and the temperature is moderate.
Minimize Suds
During your cleaning session, be wary about lathering up too much dish soap (if that’s the option you choose). Suds will leave ugly streaks all over your glass, so be sparing when making your dish soap solution.
Avoid Paper Towels
Despite popular belief, the paper towels we use to clean Milgard windows have been doing us dirty. They not only leave streaks but also lint. For a more effective alternative, use a microfiber cloth to get the job done.
Or be eco-friendly and use newspaper to dry the glass. Make sure you don’t use the glossy pages– only the black and white ones. Also, wear gloves. Using newspaper not only results in streak-free glass, it also produces a lovely shine.
Buff the Glass and Switch Directions
If you do end up with a few pesky streaks, use a dry microfiber cloth or newspaper to buff over the stubborn areas and eventually they will disappear.
Another tip: when you’re wiping the windows dry, do so in a vertical direction on one side of the glass and wipe horizontally on the other. This is so you can differentiate between the sides if streaks appear.
Which Method Will You Choose for Streak-Free Windows?
There are many ways to produce streak-free windows without splurging on chemical cleaners. Creating your own home-made mix is great as they’re safe and you can monitor how much to use. Be sure to follow these tips for a smooth and successful cleaning process.
Are you struggling to get your windows to shine? No worries, we’re here to help. Contact us here if you’re in the Orange County area.
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