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Grasswire2

(13,708 posts)
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 07:22 PM Oct 2022

tell me, please, the very best way to clean gunky exterior picture windows...

...because vinegar and water won't do it. Nor does a squeegee. Nor does the Windex special window pad.

A contributing problem, likely, is that I have bird feeders on suction cups there in the winter.

I can't seem to get the glass clean.

Thank you in advance.

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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tell me, please, the very best way to clean gunky exterior picture windows... (Original Post) Grasswire2 Oct 2022 OP
We buy glass cleaner foam from a glass company. Cracklin Charlie Oct 2022 #1
Maybe a petroleum-based solvent? Auggie Oct 2022 #2
If your windows are double-pane, you may have a bad seal. TygrBright Oct 2022 #3
dang! Grasswire2 Oct 2022 #11
A glass company can usually fix the seal and replace the gas between the panes, Bluethroughu Oct 2022 #18
I would try Dawn and water and Finish (dishwasher stuff) and MOMFUDSKI Oct 2022 #4
Is it sticky residue bamagal62 Oct 2022 #5
maybe Grasswire2 Oct 2022 #12
For water spots, I use CLR diluted with water in a spray bottle. crud Oct 2022 #6
thanks every one for ideas. Grasswire2 Oct 2022 #7
If it is from mineralized water deposits, Muriatic acid can work. yonder Oct 2022 #8
Barkeepers Friend. Phoenix61 Oct 2022 #9
Steel wool pads (000 grade) and any cleaner... ret5hd Oct 2022 #10
SOS pad...would that be proper grade? Grasswire2 Oct 2022 #13
Sure, but messy and hard to rinse. ret5hd Oct 2022 #15
Too scratchy. 0000 (4 ought) mahina Oct 2022 #16
Clear ammonia. Rinse with a garden hose, paper towel dry. Meadowoak Oct 2022 #14
I use the windex outdoor hose treatment. Bluethroughu Oct 2022 #17

TygrBright

(20,987 posts)
3. If your windows are double-pane, you may have a bad seal.
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 07:26 PM
Oct 2022

That can let moisture in between the panes and produce smeary-looking windows that are uncleanable by ordinary means.

sadly,
Bright

Grasswire2

(13,708 posts)
11. dang!
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 08:37 PM
Oct 2022

The center window, the largest, is double pane and I was told by a neighbor who looked at it that the seal at the top is bad in one spot. !! It is 6 1/2 feet wide.

 

MOMFUDSKI

(7,080 posts)
4. I would try Dawn and water and Finish (dishwasher stuff) and
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 07:27 PM
Oct 2022

rinse. Then mix vinegar, water, and alcohol for final wash. Then squeegee if you can reach or let the alcohol help air dry.

bamagal62

(3,650 posts)
5. Is it sticky residue
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 07:27 PM
Oct 2022

From
The plastic suction cups? You could try using hairspray to break up the gunk. Then, try dawn and hot water afterwards. See if that works. The cheap hairspray like aquanet works best.

Grasswire2

(13,708 posts)
7. thanks every one for ideas.
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 07:33 PM
Oct 2022

Never thought about washing with HOT water.

I wish I had a teenage neighbor who needs a little pocket money, but I don't.

yonder

(10,002 posts)
8. If it is from mineralized water deposits, Muriatic acid can work.
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 08:02 PM
Oct 2022

Use caution with a very diluted solution, wear gloves, eye protection, etc.

I'd try the other suggestions first (CLR seems like a good idea) and use this as a potentially hazardous last resort.

ret5hd

(21,320 posts)
15. Sure, but messy and hard to rinse.
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 09:08 PM
Oct 2022

000 grade steel wool without have any detergent would be my preference.

mahina

(18,938 posts)
16. Too scratchy. 0000 (4 ought)
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 09:25 PM
Oct 2022

I’d try rubbing alcohol. Use gloves.

That seal may be the cause if noting helps.

To be clear I am not suggesting using rubbing alcohol with stainless steel. But foreign stainless steel is used on automobile finishes. I’m very sure that SOS pads would scratch up your glass.

Good luck!

Bluethroughu

(5,759 posts)
17. I use the windex outdoor hose treatment.
Tue Oct 4, 2022, 10:44 PM
Oct 2022

First rinse with water, then use a car wash brush to loosen grime. Second, use mixture and car was brush again. Third, a little more cleaner...then rinse for clean clear beautiful views.


I live in the country surrounded by trees and farms. My house and windows get filthy, and that stuff makes everything look like new.

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