Have you ever spent hours washing your windows, only to notice streaks everywhere? This has to do with the evaporation rate—if your cleaning solution evaporates before you have time to wipe it off, it will leave a mark.
Make sure to use a commercial glass cleaner or try a combination of distilled water and white vinegar. Once you have the product ready, use a microfiber cloth, t-shirt, or newspaper instead of paper towels. Spray the product on your cloth instead of on the mirror in order to avoid drips that you'll need to wipe up.
Using a microfiber cloth will ensure that your glass is clean, dry and lint-free. The small fibers in a microfiber cloth are designed to absorb or cling to anything they come into contact with. This means they will absorb the cleaning liquid you use, and also grab onto any dirt or grime from your glass.
Excessive Cleaning Solution
Whether you have purchased a premixed glass cleaner, or you are using your own soapy mixture, too much cleaning solution will cause streaky windows. It is a common misconception that the more cleaning solution you use, the cleaner the glass will be but with windows this is not the case.
Your glass cleaner could be behind those pesky mirror streaks! Many commercial glass cleaners have cleaning agents like ammonia and detergent, which can end up streaking your mirror.
Why do my mirrors streak when I clean them? Experts suggest that streaks are primarily caused by the wrong tools. If you're using products with soaps and additives (that are less able to evaporate) or you're wiping with a crude edge (such as those on paper towels) then you're less likely to achieve a spotless finish.
The safest cleaner for a mirror is clean, warm water used with a soft cloth. An approved glass cleaner such as Windex or similar products may be used. However, be very careful not to allow the edges of the mirror to get or remain wet over a period of time.
The product may evaporate before wiping and cause streaking. Choosing the right towel can also help achieve a streak-free shine. Extra-absorbent paper towels can leave lint and film behind because they are treated. Cloths that contain fabric softener may also leave a cloudy residue.
Some commercial glass cleaners contain wax, which can leave a streaky residue. Washing windows on a sunny day or using hot water can also cause streaks, because the cleaner dries too quickly on the windows. Many pros recommend washing windows with plain soap and water and a squeegee.
Smears and streaks on windows are mainly caused by watermarks and areas where cleaning solution has remained on the surface – this is down to excess moisture not being absorbed when wiped away. Window cleaning products will say that they are streak-free, but it is not that simple.
For best results, avoid using Windex® Vinegar 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. Extra-absorbent paper towels can leave lint and film behind because they are treated.
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.
One of the most frequently asked questions on the subject of cleaning car windshields is, “can you use Windex on car windows?” The short answer is in fact, yes. However, there is a caveat that may affect vehicles in the Arcadia and Glendale areas. In cars with tinted windows, Windex may cause damage.
First, it's not made for all surfaces, such as your computer screen. It may be too corrosive for the delicate material of your screen and could cause damage, per Oprah Daily. Plus, if you're prone to zoning out while cleaning, make sure you don't mix Windex and bleach.
Wipe off any excess cleaner to prevent streaks
You can use a squeegee for a streak free finish. Also work in an S-shape. Periodically wipe the squeegee blade on a clean rag to avoid smearing dirt around. Remove remaining water with a damp chamois or microfibre cloth and dry the windowsill.
(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.)
Top Pick: Windex – Complete
Our pick for best overall glass cleaner is Windex. It simply cleans and eliminates streaking better than any of the other products we tested.
The dish soap helps to soften up the grime and gently remove dirt. Generously mist the solution over the surface of the window, and allow it to sit on the glass for a few minutes. Wipe off the window in a large circular motion using a lint-free microfiber cloth, newspaper, or even coffee filter.
Bleach and ammonia
Many window cleaners, such as Windex, contain Ammonia. If mixed with bleach, it produces a toxic gas called chloramine.
To avoid this, wet a reusable bamboo round (or cotton pad) with rubbing alcohol and dab at visible problem spots to break up and remove gunk beforehand. Then, clean the mirror with a microfiber cloth and your favorite glass cleaner for an all-but-guaranteed streak-free finish.
These can be removed by wiping your mirror with a little rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth. Next, spray your mirror with a glass cleaner or your preferred cleaning solution. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe the mirror. Work from edge to edge and then top to bottom, don't use a circular motion.
Best Overall: Stoner Invisible Glass Glass Cleaner
It's safe and effective to use on windows, doors, tables, mirrors, ovens, car windows and more. “Glass so clean you'll think it's invisible” certainly holds true and is why it's our Best Overall pick above the rest. Plus, we love that it's ammonia-free.