Even the very best housekeepers tend to neglect the cleaning of their windows and sliding glass doors. The process can prove challenging and often results in less than desirable effects. The main reason for this is that people are not aware of the proper methods for glass cleaning of their doors and windows.

The buildup of dirt and grime can lead to an opaque film covering over your glass, hampering the ability for sunlight to flood into your room and providing some detrimental effects to the look and feel of cleanliness to your home and houseguests. Here are some simple tips that will help you clean your exterior glass quickly and easily, providing maximum results.

Use the Correct Tools

Did you know that old newspaper are one of the best methods for cleaning glass? It’s true! The cotton rags and towels that we use for dusting and cleaning our countertops do not work well with glass. They leave streaks, lint and debris that can leave your windows looking even worse than before you began to clean. Microfiber cloths are a great choice as well as special rags used for wood surfaces.

The Proper Technique

Do you know how professional window cleaners work when they are performing their services on those huge high-rise buildings in the larger cities? They always work from the top of the window pane to the bottom! This seems to prevent streaking.

Squeegees

If you are choosing to use a squeegee instead of newspaper or microfiber, you will notice streaking water running down the windows in certain locations. You should immediately sop up this excess liquid immediately with your newspaper or microfiber towel before it dries, leaving a stain. Whichever method you use, always wipe around the edges of the window with a damp towel. This is where excess water always attracts.

Up-and-Down and Side-to-Side

Use a variety of hand movements when scrubbing your windows, both inside and out. Switch between up-and-down movements to swirling motions to back-and-forth methods. If streaks occur, you’ll be better able to notice them immediately than by sticking to one direction.

Use the Proper Cleaner

You can walk into any grocery store or Home Depot and find hundreds of options of window cleaners. Which ones are the best? If you were to read the labels of each of these options, you will usually find that ammonia is a main ingredient. Ammonia is very dangerous to store in your households, especially for small children, and very often leaves the glass looking cloudy. Try a home remedy of 1 cup each of rubbing alcohol, vinegar and water instead. This has been working for housewives for hundreds of years!

Cleaning Tall Windows

This is where you might want to spend the extra money and hire a professional. There are simply too many safety hazards to consider. But if you are looking for a quick solution, try using a garden hose. You can dip your cloth or towel into some cleaning solution, and then spray your hose through the towel and onto your windows! Use a mop or broom as an extension arm for the damp cloth or newspaper, and you have a quick solution to an age old problem!