As of: March 3, 2024 2:07 p.m
The sun reveals that a lot of dirt has accumulated on window panes in the winter. How do you get the windows clean and streak-free again quickly and effectively? Tips for cleaning windows.
For many people, cleaning windows is a tiresome household chore because, unlike washing clothes and dishes, it is entirely manual work. The few cleaning robots on the market have so far hardly proven themselves and have not caught on. But with the right tools, you can quickly get clear windows again, even by hand.
Cleaning with dish soap or rinse aid ensures streak-free windows
The right mix in the cleaning water makes the work much easier. A mixture of warm water (about two liters) and a splash of dishwashing detergent has proven successful. The exact amount depends on the dirt on the window, especially on the outside. A streak-free result can also be achieved with rinse aid for the dishwasher. It contains surfactants that provide shine and repel water. Simply add a splash of rinse aid to the cleaning water.
An additional dash of vinegar dissolves limescale deposits and stubborn dirt, but vinegar also contains acid, which can attack window seals if used regularly. Commercially available glass cleaners in spray bottles are more suitable for small windows, the inside or for cleaning fingerprints from windows or mirrors.
Protect floor and wash frame
Before the actual work begins, you should protect the floor with an old towel or sheet. This protects carpet or parquet from ugly stains. Then first remove any coarse dirt from the window and frame with a hand brush. Then wash the frames inside and outside with a damp cloth and dry them with a cloth.
Clean windows with a sponge or microfiber cloth
Prepare new cleaning water with additives for the windows. You also need a clean sponge, sponge cloth or microfiber cloth. Thoroughly wet wipe the window from top to bottom to the corners and edges. The microfiber cloth removes stubborn dirt particularly well, even if you don’t use detergent. Microfibers are fibers that are particularly fine. They are mainly made of polyester and polyamide and can be machine washed at 40 or 60 degrees after use, depending on how dirty they are.
Dry with a squeegee, newspaper or microfiber cloth
A squeegee with a rubber lip is ideal for drying the windows.
Then dry the disc with a squeegee – ideally in one piece in the shape of a figure eight from top to bottom. It’s best for beginners to draw from top left to right. After each strip, dry the rubber or silicone lip of the squeegee with a cloth. Important: The wiper rubber must be undamaged and soft, otherwise there will be streaks. Finally, wipe the edges of the glass dry. As an alternative, there are pullers that suck in the dirty water electrically. However, the devices are quite heavy.
If you don’t want to work with a puller, you have to clean the windows dry. Traditionally, newspaper is suitable for this as it absorbs moisture well and does not fluff. This doesn’t work with paper from magazines. However, the printing ink quickly leaves black streaks on light window frames. Other drying options include tea towels or chamois leather. This also works very well with a dry microfiber cloth and ensures a streak-free shine.
safety first
Cleaning windows can be dangerous in apartments with high windows and on upper floors. The upper areas of the panes and frames can also be easily reached on a stable ladder. If you don’t want to climb a ladder, you can use a wiper and a puller on a handle.
Further information
The devices are intended to make window cleaning easier and promise a streak-free shine. Market has tested some. more
Environmentally friendly, inexpensive, versatile: soda removes stubborn dirt in the household and is also suitable for washing. more
Cheap home remedies often help against dirt better than expensive special cleaners. How do you clean tiles, ovens and windows? more
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NDR 1 Lower Saxony | May 25, 2023 | 6:40 a.m