White vinegar works perfectly and saves you time in cleaning windows. Mix it with water at let the mixture be 50-50 solution. Don't be worried about the smell of vinegar because it disappears quickly leaving a clear window. Minerals in hard water leave streaks in windows.
Use Vinegar
Whether you are out of name brand glass cleaner or you want to use a more natural cleaner, vinegar works wonders on windows. Try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a streak-free clean. You can use a spray bottle or dip a rag in the solution, just like you would an ordinary cleaner.
The most common is a water-fed pole cleaner mounted on an extendable pole for easy access to exterior windows. This setup requires significant investment into tools and training but makes cleaning high windows simple. The next most common option is a pair of squeegee and scrubber tools mounted on poles.
If you have smeared windows when you're finished cleaning, you've left cleaning solution, soap, or minerals behind. Whether you have white residue on windows or another blemish, the solution is the same. Clean faster, use cleaner water, and wipe away all your solution, so nothing is left behind.
The water that escapes as steam from the steam cleaner, is demineralised and therefore acts like distilled water. This means that it does not leave any stripes or streaks on the glass. However, if stripes or streaks unexpectedly occur after cleaning, this is usually because detergent residue has not been removed.
Vinegar is non-toxic, making it perfect for cleaning your windows instead of using harsh chemicals. It is much more economical than chemical cleaning solutions. Crawling insects are also not fond of vinegar, so using this solution will help keep your windows looking cleaner for longer.
For perfectly clear windows, you can add a few drops of methylated spirits to a clean, dry and lint-free cloth and give the windows a wipe down. The methylated spirits will evaporate within a few seconds leaving crystal clear and shiny windows behind.
Photography by Erin Boyle. Above: A tablespoon of cornstarch is the secret ingredient. Add it to a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to produce the shiny, streak-free result that is everyone's goal when it comes to cleaning windows.
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
In a spray bottle, combine 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of water, and 5 drops of concentrated dish soap. Give it a good shake to thoroughly mix the ingredients. The vinegar is an acid and will help break up any mineral or hard water deposits. The dish soap helps to soften up the grime and gently remove dirt.
Tip #1: Use Cheap Washing Liquid
All you need to achieve brilliantly clean windows is a bit of washing up liquid and warm water. There's no need to buy expensive washing up liquid as the cheap stuff will do the job just as well as long as you use just a little bit.
For best results, avoid using Windex® Original Glass Cleaner on very hot or cold surfaces. The product may evaporate before wiping and cause streaking. Choosing the right towel can also help achieve a streak-free shine.
Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.
It is a neutral cleaner. This means it is safe to use on most surfaces in your bathroom, including grout. Methylated spirits is safe to use on glass, sinks, chrome taps, ceramic, stone, marble and grout. (Do not use on painted or varnished surfaces).
Combine two parts water with one part white vinegar in a spray bottle and you'll be all set with a homemade window cleaner. You can also combine warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap if you prefer. Invest in a glass spray bottle to mix up your formula.
You will want to dry off the windows quickly to prevent streaks. Don't waste money on chemical glass cleaners, try this formula instead: 1/3 methylated spirits, teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and hot water. The methylated spirits helps reduce streaking and helps the glass to dry faster.
Do You Have to Rinse after Cleaning with Vinegar? Rinsing is not necessary! If you're simply using a vinegar and water solution to wipe and disinfect, you won't need to rinse. However, if there's also plenty of dirt and grime you're wiping away, you may also want to rinse with some extra water.
Window Washing Tips
You'll need a good squeegee, some clean, dry cloths and a spray bottle of window cleaning solution. If you want to take an environmentally friendly route (which we recommend), then a solution of warm water and vinegar will do the trick and get your windows clean.
Vinegar doesn't sanitize or disinfect
Some limitations are that vinegar doesn't disinfect MRSA, STAPH and other nasty germs that can make your family sick. Vinegar DIY cleaners can leave behind as much as 20% of the germs that make families sick because it's not potent enough to kill all of them.
Yes, washing up liquid can be used in your Kärcher products as well as the Kärcher Window Vac. You can use washing up liquid as an effective cleaning agent in your Kärcher device. Just place a few drops into the water and continue using as normal.
There will be no streaks on your clean windows because steam cleaners do not use any household chemicals. If there is any residual moisture on your steam-cleaned window, it will simply evaporate.