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How can I get streak free windows?

(46 Posts)
CoolCoco Mon 31-Jan-22 17:08:24

I have a south facing kitchen/diner with large patio doors and floor to ceiling windows. In the lovely winter su, the windows just show up a myriad of streaks. This is after I spent an hour trying to clean said windows and doors. I started off with white vinegar and microfibre cloths - still streaks, tried to dry off with newspaper- more streaks plus little bobbly bits of wet paper on the glass, finally tried some soapy water and a window scraper like window cleaners use- left a load of lines and some streaks. Anyone got a foolproof method/ some marvellous product I can use.?

Serendipity22 Tue 01-Feb-22 17:12:15

I apologise if someone has already mentioned this x

I read somewhere that windows should not be washed/cleaned in sunlight.

Dont remember where I read it or when i read it, I suppose its how true the information is opposed to where and when it was read.

smile

Serendipity22 Tue 01-Feb-22 17:14:41

Mr Google is marvellous.

MiniMoon Tue 01-Feb-22 17:36:11

My kitchen window is directly behind the sink. It gets splashed with all manner of dishwater. I wash it with a drop of washing up liquid on a cloth, then finish it off with plain water and a microfiber cloth. I don't wash it in the mornings when the sun is on it.

Callistemon21 Tue 01-Feb-22 17:45:42

Mine too MiniMoon and it's difficult to reach.

3dognight Tue 01-Feb-22 21:05:16

Basically wait for a dull day, and wring the cloth to within an inch of its life, using plain water.

SpringyChicken Tue 01-Feb-22 22:45:45

Bond-It glass cleaner is excellent.

Kalu Wed 02-Feb-22 00:59:56

I use a spot of Fairy and a splash of vinegar in tepid water. Wash twice, first wash with rough side of glass cloth, rinse, then with a well wrung glass cloth, finish off wiping dry with kitchen roll. Same method for mirrors too is the only way I have found to avoid streaks.

I’m not impressed with the Karcher at all.

Hetty58 Wed 02-Feb-22 03:21:50

I always use my Karcher and wash with plain cold water (from the dehumidifier) - although the squeegee needs a regular wipe. I finish drying with a cloth - then, finally, polish with a scrim. (Yes, I'm fussy, don't like streaks.)

Allsorts Thu 03-Feb-22 10:50:27

Same as Hetty, but I sit down and still see a streak.

grandtanteJE65 Sat 12-Feb-22 11:44:47

Here is what I do:

Never clean windows in sunshine - a grey overcast day is what you want.

If windows are very dirty, use warm water with washing-up liquid, followed by hot water with methylated spirits added, using a different cloth to the one you used before.

Polish with newspapers.

Do the outside of the pane first, then the inside, then the outside again if necessary.

This usually works, but I admit it is not infalliable.

travelsafar Sat 12-Feb-22 11:46:18

I get my window cleaner to come in and do mine every now and then, it's worth the cost smile

TillyTrotter Sat 12-Feb-22 11:55:12

Has anyone tried Mr Muscle Platinum Shower Shine?
It’s nearly £2 a bottle but it works on my shower screens.

SueDonim Sat 12-Feb-22 12:33:58

We found the old-style of pink Windowlene in a local ironmonger’s shop. I think it was around £2. It’s been fantastic, far better than any of the modern sprays/wipes and all the rest. It gets off everything, including splashes above the kitchen sink.

The fumes are a bit heady so you need to open the window once you’re done but the windows now sparkle.

Ali08 Sun 13-Feb-22 21:48:30

Brick them up. No streaks then.

Ali08 Sun 13-Feb-22 21:50:41

grandtanteJE65

Here is what I do:

Never clean windows in sunshine - a grey overcast day is what you want.

If windows are very dirty, use warm water with washing-up liquid, followed by hot water with methylated spirits added, using a different cloth to the one you used before.

Polish with newspapers.

Do the outside of the pane first, then the inside, then the outside again if necessary.

This usually works, but I admit it is not infalliable.

Do alternating stripes. Say outside, do up & down, inside do left to right. Then if you see a streak it's easier to define which side it's on.

Callistemon21 Sun 13-Feb-22 22:57:38

Ali08

Brick them up. No streaks then.

You don't have to pay Window Tax either
?

Maggiemaybe Sun 13-Feb-22 23:15:54

I do as Oldnproud and ayse recommend. Water with a capful of white vinegar, dry off with scrunched up newspaper. Environmentally friendly, cheap and very effective.

nanna8 Sun 13-Feb-22 23:23:41

Same applies to shower screens, drives me nuts and I have tried the karcher etc but still get streaks and really hard to shift soap streaks at the bottom. Still, life goes on ….

LizzieDrip Mon 14-Feb-22 10:18:39

I had a cupboard full of various window cleaning sprays, cloths, squeezies etc UNTIL I discovered Astonish glass and window spray. It’s the best thing I’ve ever used! I buy it from my local Savers shop where it’s only £1. You might be able to get it on Amazon. I use kitchen paper towel to rub it in and give a final polish with a dry microfibre cloth. Completely streak-free! This product has ended years of window cleaning frustration.

Humbertbear Mon 14-Feb-22 12:32:35

My window cleaner (sorry but the windows are big and high) uses distilled water. He just leaves it on the windows (no drying) and they are clean and streak free