Is there anything more infuriating than dedicating precious time to scrub your windows spotless, only for them to flaunt a streaky, smeared appearance later on?
If this rings understandably familiar, take solace in knowing you’re far from alone.
Indeed, such an problem is all too commonplace and can be traced back to a variety of culprits.
In this article, we’re tackling head-on the usual suspects behind the smeared window phenomenon and giving solutions to prevent such an occurrence.
Furthermore, we’ll arm you with our surefire recommendations for consistently achieving impeccably clean windows without any streaks.
Why Do My Windows Smear When I Clean Them?
Cleaning windows can be a tricky task.
Despite your best intentions of achieving crystal clear views, you may often find yourself frustrated with stubborn smears that appear post-cleaning.
So, why is this happening?
Here’s what might be going wrong.
The Cleaning Tool
Surprisingly, the type of cloth or paper towel you use plays a significant role in your window’s final look.
If it leaves behind lint or fibers on the glass, it means you’re using the wrong kind.
To keep your windows streak-free, trade in your current cleaning cloth for a microfiber variant or consider using a squeegee or newspaper instead.
Too Much Soap
Are you adding too much soap or detergent to your cleaning solution?
This might result in an unwanted residue left behind on the glass.
Opt for mild soap mixed with water, white vinegar diluted with water, or a commercial window cleaner of your choice to get rid of the unsightly specks and smudges.
Wrong Cleaning Time
Choosing the right time and condition to clean windows is crucial too.
Direct sunlight dries up the cleaning solution too quickly and leaves behind blotches and streaks.
Instead, aim to clean them when they are in shade or on overcast days for best results.
Wiping Over A Dirty Window
Another common culprit for smeared windows is not properly removing all dirt and grime before wiping down the glass.
Be sure to vacuum or hose off loose debris from your windows first.
For stubborn stains that refuse to budge, use vinegar or a mineral deposit cleaner.
The Technique Of Cleaning
Lastly, the technique you use while wiping also affects how clean your windows turn out to be.
An inconsistent wiping pattern may leave certain parts untouched leading to conspicuous streaks.
For an even coverage and no streaks outcome, try wiping your windows in circular motion if using a cloth or vertical followed by horizontal strokes if using a squeegee.
How Do You Get Rid Of Smears After Cleaning Windows?
Creating an Effective Homemade Cleaner
Combining equal parts citric acid or vinegar with water can create an effective homemade concoction that takes care of these persistent streaks.
Pour this blend into a spray bottle and douse your windows generously.
Allowing it to sit briefly, you then have a choice between using a squeegee (a staple tool for all professional window cleaners), a microfiber towel or even newspaper to chafe away the residue left by the cleaning solution.
The Art of Wiping and Buffing
Another practical alternative involves lightly dampening your towel or newspaper with water or vinegar. Pro-tip: move in a circular motion whilst wiping, culminating in a buffing action to render your windows shiny and clear.
Magic Eraser
If smudges still persist after attempting the aforementioned methods, consider trying out a Magic Eraser.
These unique sponges have the ability to extract dirt and stains from various surfaces sans any chemicals.
Slightly moisten the Magic Eraser before applying it on your glass – always remember to test it on an inconspicuous small area first to ensure it doesn’t inadvertently cause scratches or other damage.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Windows?
Bitter truth: not everyone knows that window cleaning is an art in itself. It’s not solely about achieving transparency but also about maintaining the glass integrity and lifespan.
Initially, you will need to remove any dust, cobwebs or other debris from windows, frames and sills using a dry microfibre cloth or a vacuum with a gentle brush attachment.
This preliminary step ensures that the subsequent cleaning process doesn’t translate into a muddy mess.
The next stage is selecting your cleaning arsenal.
The choices are diverse from warm water mixed with dish soap, white vinegar diluted in water, or perhaps your favoured commercial window cleaner.
Each solution provides different advantages depending on the grime level and your personal preferences.
Next up is the application.
You can use anything from a spray bottle to a sponge or even a T-bar—a handy tool sporting a long handle with a cloth-swathed head—to disperse your cleaner of choice onto the window surface.
Begin at the top and methodically work your way down making sure you cover every inch of glass real estate.
Following this cleaning period comes mosture extraction —the real secret behind spick-and-span windows—with a microfiber cloth, squeegee or even old newspaper if you’re rooting for team eco-friendly.
Be it circular motions or vertical/horizontal strokes; these techniques help mitigate unsightly streaks on your now gleaming windows.
Don’t neglect edges and corners; these nooks can harbour stubborn dirt patches often overlooked.
Lastly, repeat this process on the opposite side of your windows for all-around clarity.
Cleaning external windows may necessitate hosing them down first to tackle any loose grit or debris prior to reaching for that telescopic pole to conquer those hard-to-reach spots.
Done right, cleaning windows can elevate both aesthetics and natural light ingress in your home — another everyday task redefined when approached with knowledge and care!
