\nBy Cody Calamaio\n
Washing the windows can be a dreaded chore. If you’re using conventional cleaning products, removing those stubborn streaks from the interior and exterior of clear glass is especially tricky. Paper towel leaves behind fibers that gunk up the window and commercial cleaners might not be the most effective choice. But with a few changes to your cleaning routine, you can have your windows looking sparkly and spotless year round.\n
Direct sunlight can cause your cleaner to dry and evaporate before you can properly wash it away, leading to streaks that are tough to buff out. Overcast skies also reduce glare on the glass, making streaks easier to find.\n
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A lot of grime can hide in the window tracks and frame, and when mixed with window cleaner, it may form an unsightly sludge that can drip onto the glass while cleaning. To remove the grit, use a toothbrush and a sprinkle of baking soda and vinegar to scrub inside the tracks, then wipe away any remaining residue with a wet rag.\n
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Skip the specialty products and make your own cleaning solution using a mix of water and dish soap, which is tough enough to cut through grime on especially dirty windows, like those in the kitchen, yet won\u2019t leave a residue. Alternatively, vinegar can also be used as an effective cleaner.\n
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Paper towels and newspapers are commonly misused as products for scrubbing and drying the glass\u2014but they just break down and leave lint behind. Use a microfiber cloth (like these from Amazon) to do the job instead; it will grab dirt and dust and leave nothing behind.\n
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For high exterior windows, use a sponge mop on a pole to clean with soapy water. Rinse the washed windows with a hose, and use a dry mop or a squeegee fastened to an adjustable pole to remove the water and prevent water spots from drying to the glass surface.\n
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The best way to ensure a streak-free shine is to make sure all the water and soap are removed from the window. Use a rubber-bladed squeegee tool to run over the glass from top to bottom to scrape away excess water.\n
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If you live in a climate that gets a lot of rain, you may want to try a rain-repellent treatment for your windows. More commonly used on car windshields, these specialty spray products cause water to bead up and roll off windows more easily, leading to fewer stains.\n
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While you\u2019re cleaning the windows, it\u2019s a good idea to address the treatments at the same time. Whether you have blinds, curtains, or shades they\u2019re magnets for dust, dirt, pollen, and pet hair. For blinds, take a pair of tongs from the kitchen and wrap microfiber cloths around each side securing them with rubber bands. Now you can efficiently clean each individual blind with a quick swipe.\n
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For everyday maintenance, you can use a sticky lint roller to remove dust and dirt from your window screens. For a deep cleaning, pop the screens off the window and rinse with soap and water.\n
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While you need to pop the screens out for a more thorough cleaning, you can keep the grime in check with the occasional wipe down. Just use an eraser pad (you can pick up a package from\u00a0Target) for a quick scrub in between deep cleanings.\n
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Avoid streaks by mixing up the motion you\u2019re cleaning the window. Start with small circular motions and then finish off with a few horizontal and vertical swipes.\n
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