I spent hours washing two large windows on Monday. Smashed my thumb and wretched my shoulder. They looked so nice when I was done I felt like I accomplished something.
This morning they look horrible. It hurt my itty bitty feelings. So much for the cheery morning view of the garden.
How do I get them clean and streak free?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

Tisha

I`d rather be playing in the dirt!

I've tried all sorts of vinegar-based concoctions, squeegees, old linen napkins, newspapers, etc. etc. Always end up with streaks. I end up just paying a local window-washer. They do a wonderful job, are quite reasonable, and it's a family run business so I feel good about hiring them. Dad does the inside, son does the outside. Thanks for the reminder to call them and get on the schedule!

@Bonehead, Deb,
Thank you for your input.
I`ve never had so much trouble with this before.
These are sound deadening, storm windows. I don`t think that has anything to do with the cleaning process. Thinking it`s more of the type of cleaner/chemical issue.
Window washers probably have better cleaning products.
Once again, Thank You for your input.

Tisha

One thing I have found is to clean when there is no direct sunlight shining on the window for whatever reason it makes a difference for me. I think the cleaning product dries too fast leaving streaks, overcasts days work best for me.

Tisha: Windex and paper towel, and elbow grease! Cheers!

I just use a little dawn in water, works well, no streaks

I don't clean windows very often but when I do I mix plain white vinegar with an equal amount of water (distilled if possible), spray on the glass, squeegee then wipe with a microfiber towel.

Tisha, if it makes you feel a little better we have the exact same issue with our windows; it started when we replaced the windows in our house, all the new ones seem to be impossible to get really clean looking. The best luck I've had is to use a microfiber cloth (which should never be washed with any sort of fabric softener, by the way) to polish the windows after washing them - I normally use Windex, but have tried all sorts of other concoctions as well. Might just go with Deb's plan and hire someone to do it this year!

Something I found, oil cutting solution is a must BUT -- the number of dirt removal rags , or what ever you use, should not be one item fits all.
Change even the washing item THEN -- if you think you have enough drying rags, DOUBLE that amount, then go back and get a couple more.
A certain female I know does a horrid job of cleaning as some how she thinks one washing and one, or two at most, drying rags will work.
When she cleans the car windows , it looks like one of the New York window washing derelicts you used to hear about.

I agree that lots of clean drying rags help a lot. Change to a new one after each big window, or use clean paper towels.

Karen

I have trouble with my truck windows coming clean and even my dad can't get his clean. Makes me want to find someone who will do it for me and pay them 20 bucks to do it. House windows we have no issues with. My dad just takes the hose and sprays them down then hits them with a squeegee and done.

Try Sprayway glass cleaner, by far the best cleaner I have ever used.

Wow!
What a lot of good ideas to work with.
While cleaning the frig on Sat. the neighbor to the north of me asked if all the smoke coming from the south bothered me or the dogs. ????
Seems the farmer pulled down a 2 1/2 story barn and has been burning it at night.
All night!
I got up several times that night to look. Sure enough, the sky to south was glowing orange. About 4am they stopped. Last night they resumed their nocturnal burning. There`s still half the barn rubble left so I think this will be going on for a while. Not the best time to clean outside windows I guess. Still good to know fire residue is part of the equation. RpR you`re right about a good solution to cut the oil film.
I`m collecting the suggested implements to try on my now sooty windows. I `m
only going to clean the two that I `need` to see my garden and woods. Next year
the window washers will get the honor of freeing up my time so I can keep up with my dirt therapy (it`s mandatory).
@daylilydreams, @fwmosher, @crawgarden, @greene, @Weedwhacker @kqcrna, @pepper23, and @NJBob, Thank you so very much for taking time to help me with cleaning my `therapy` windows.

Tisha

Where does one purchase Sprayway glass cleaner??

Hubby uses some stuff for the tractor cab windows..........I'll have him look tomorrow and see what it is. He said he had some left in the shop. He also said that John Deere makes some really good stuff to clean windows too.

Windex makes a bottle of window cleaner you hook up to your hose. Spray on. Rinse off. Reaches second story windows. I haven't hand washed windows in years!

https://images-na.ssl-images-a...

Kinda leaves a mess in the living room, tho.

I've used that on the sunroom windows, but my water pressure is kinda crummy due to the length of hose I have to use. Did a good job from what I could see.

I don't have a photo, only memories. My mom used to open the window, sit on the window ledge (outside) then close the window most of the way to clean the outside top of the windows...and this was on the second story of the house. I know that is a bit difficult to envision if you've never seen it done so I found two photos online (not mine so can only post links); here are two links so you get the idea. And this was before spray cleaners; strictly a bucket and a rag.

https://www.masterfile.com/ima...
https://www.masterfile.com/ima...

ShadyGreenThumb said:Windex makes a bottle of window cleaner you hook up to your hose. Spray on. Rinse off. Reaches second story windows. I haven't hand washed windows in years!

https://images-na.ssl-images-a...

I tried this once -- didn't take into account how hard our water is... ended up having to rewash the windows with pure vinegar to get the water spots off.
I've been thinking about trying it again, using some of the "Jet-Dri" stuff for the dishwasher added to the rinse water (although I haven't quite figured out how to do that); any thoughts about that idea?

Hey, maybe others didn't factor in the water as part of the issue. Maybe rinsing the windows with distilled or filtered water might make a difference?

well to be honest, to have streak free windows, you need to give away your children and your pets...


Honestly, I have just given up. Someday when the kids move out (Sooooon I hope, 3-4 yrs?) I will clean up the place. Until then, its a waste of time to bother.