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enough

(13,456 posts)
Sat Dec 15, 2012, 09:00 AM Dec 2012

I wouldn't mind washing windows if they looked good when I was done.

Every time I wash windows, I remember why I don't do it very often. Too frustrating. You can work with the best will in the world, the windows can sparkle inside and out, and then the next time the sun shines directly on them, you see the streaks and smudges.

Anybody have advice for window-washing techniques/products/tools that actually work? I'm washing old-fashioned windows with small panes and mullions.

Desperate......thanks!

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I wouldn't mind washing windows if they looked good when I was done. (Original Post) enough Dec 2012 OP
I like to use a vinegar and water solution. Arkansas Granny Dec 2012 #1
what Granny said Viva_La_Revolution Dec 2012 #2
My secret is crumpled newspaper also. Curmudgeoness Dec 2012 #3
Thanks everybody! enough Dec 2012 #4
I have a friend who uses vodka to clean windows! blue neen Dec 2012 #5
I use a squeegee. Lugnut Jan 2013 #6
For just a few windows a crumpled up newspaper is ok... Flying Squirrel Feb 2013 #7
water, paper towels RILib Feb 2013 #8
Newspaper and Invisible Glass<<<---that stuff's amazing. nt LaydeeBug Feb 2013 #9

Arkansas Granny

(31,831 posts)
1. I like to use a vinegar and water solution.
Sat Dec 15, 2012, 09:34 AM
Dec 2012

I can't give exact measurements, but maybe a quarter cup vinegar to a half gallon of water. After washing, dry with a lint free cloth. Others suggest using a crumpled sheet of newspaper to dry the windows. They say there's something about the ink that makes the windows shine.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
3. My secret is crumpled newspaper also.
Sat Dec 15, 2012, 11:53 AM
Dec 2012

It doesn't seem to matter what I use as the cleaning solution, if I don't use newspaper to dry and buff the windows, they are streaked. I have finally settled on using ammonia for windows because, like you, I don't do them often and they are pretty dirty and greasy by the time I wash them, and ammonia is one of the few things that cuts all the grease.

I also learned this years ago when I had a whole bank of windows and sliding glass doors: for the outside windows that this is possible to do, just use a sponge with a bucket of water with dishwashing liquid and wash down the windows, then just hose it all down. The windows sparkle and no streaks. Too bad it can't be used inside! But at least it does make the job one half easier on those windows.

I feel for you with the small panes and mullions. I have one door with windows like that, and it is a lot of work---especially all the corners you have to deal with.

enough

(13,456 posts)
4. Thanks everybody!
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 01:44 PM
Dec 2012

I've been using the vinegar solution. Going to try the newspapers and see how that goes.

If anybody hears about a miracle cure, let me know!

blue neen

(12,423 posts)
5. I have a friend who uses vodka to clean windows!
Fri Dec 21, 2012, 03:47 PM
Dec 2012

It can just be the cheap stuff. We tried it on the car windshield, and it did a great job!

Lugnut

(9,791 posts)
6. I use a squeegee.
Sat Jan 26, 2013, 01:23 AM
Jan 2013

I used to have individual pane windows like yours but we had them replaced with Thermopanes almost 20 years ago. I've used a squeegee on both window types and the streaks are gone.

 

Flying Squirrel

(3,041 posts)
7. For just a few windows a crumpled up newspaper is ok...
Fri Feb 1, 2013, 07:00 AM
Feb 2013

But for a bunch of em, a squeegee is much quicker and easier. The trick is this: Also carry a clean rag with you. Begin by wiping your squeegee clean with the rag. Then use the tip of the squeegee to wipe the very top edge of the window clean (about 1/4 inch strip) after you have sprayed the window and used the sponge side of the squeegee. Wipe your squeegee clean again, then pull straight down from top to bottom. Wipe squeegee clean once again and repeat, slightly overlapping strokes about 2 inches and making sure to wipe squeegee clean after each stroke (change rag once in awhile if it gets too dirty.) On the outside you may be able to get away with just hosing them down after using sponge side - if not, at least they will come cleaner when u go back over them with the squeegee method.

 

RILib

(862 posts)
8. water, paper towels
Sun Feb 3, 2013, 06:34 PM
Feb 2013

Works for me. I wash an amazing amount of stuff, like the kitchen floor, with just water. Don't tell anyone.

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