Keeping the glass surfaces around your home clean can be a challenge unless you have the right tools and techniques to keep them clear, shiny, and streak-free.
Some tricks for clean and clear glass
Cleaning glass is also an art, from the way you remove dirt to the materials used. Here are some tricks for clean and clear glass that you can apply to make your home’s glass surfaces sparkling and streak-free.
Clean from top to bottom
Cleaning from top to bottom is one of the tricks for clean and clear glass. (Image: The Spruce)
If you really want your mirrors or windows streak-free, clean from top to bottom. Cleaning solution can drip, so use gravity to your advantage and let it flow to the areas you haven’t washed yet. Start at the top and move down to ensure that no drips fall on the already perfectly cleaned glass surface.
Clean windows on a cloudy day
You might doubt this because you think you’ll see dirt on the glass more clearly when the sun shines on it. However, sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving residue and streaks. If you wait for a cloudy day to clean your windows, the solution will stay on until you wipe it off, leaving your windows clear and streak-free.
Use a rubber squeegee
Using a rubber squeegee is a trick for clean and clear glass. (Image: The Spruce)
You’ll be surprised at the difference this simple tool makes on glass surfaces. The first wipe with a regular cloth doesn’t remove all the cleaning solution, and going over it again will surely leave streaks.
However, a rubber squeegee will help you easily polish each section of the window. A rubber squeegee with a long handle is a must-have if you plan to clean high windows or shower doors.
Clean corners with cotton swabs
No matter how hard you try, grime seems to build up in the corners of your windows and is difficult to remove unless you have the right tool. Cotton swabs are the perfect solution to clean those hard-to-reach areas on your windows.
Use old t-shirts
Old t-shirts are great for cleaning glass. (Image: The Spruce)
Old t-shirts are ideal for cleaning glass because they don’t leave lint behind and only absorb enough water to polish the windows nicely. Also, using old t-shirts instead of paper towels is a great way to save on cleaning costs and be environmentally friendly.
Use a homemade cleaning solution
Sometimes, homemade solutions work wonders, are more cost-effective, and don’t contain mysterious chemicals. To make your own glass cleaner, mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. The combination of isopropyl alcohol and vinegar will create a quick-drying glass cleaning spray that can rival commercial brands. This solution can also be used to add shine to hard tiles, chrome, and other surfaces.
Clean glass with newspaper
Newspaper has the ability to clean glass without leaving streaks. (Image: The Spruce)
One trick for clean and clear glass is to use newspaper. Glass is a unique material, so using a wet cloth to wipe it down not only cleans it less effectively but also leaves streaks and smudges. Instead of using a wet cloth, you can use newspaper to dry the glass. Spray the solution onto the glass surface and wipe gently with newspaper. Finally, if you want a shiny finish, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining streaks.
Note: Many glass and window cleaners can damage the wooden frames of mirrors or windows. Prevent drips from falling onto the wood and damaging these surfaces by placing a small cloth to absorb the drips. Avoid spraying too much cleaner at once. Instead, spray and wipe the windows in small sections, spraying from the top to the bottom of the glass.
According to VTC News
