Frustrated that, however much you try cleaning your windows, they still look streaky and less than perfect? Here are the 4 options I tried (all better than spray and a cloth), and which came out as the definite winner for streak free windows every time.
Why Do My Windows Never Look Clean?
Have you ever felt like this, or is it just me?
Seriously.
I used to spend HOURS with a spray and a cloth, cleaning my kitchen windows and feel so happy that they were grime free and that that job was done for a while.
Without fail though, the next morning, I’d come down to find the suns’ rays coming through the glass – proudly showing off a huge number of streaks and marks…
It was as if I hadn’t done anything the day before – and my heart always sank.
Now, I love my kitchen because of this gorgeous morning sun that streams in and wakes you up – but I HATED those streaks…
It’s embarrassing, and I found myself apologising to guests that my windows looked like I just hadn’t bothered.
It got to me so much that I felt like I was wasting my valuable time – and something had to change.
I could either accept that they were less than ideal when I’d tried to clean them, or I could test out a few different methods out there and see if anything worked.
So – if you’re ready to tackle your own window cleaning frustrations, here’s what I tried, and what worked best for me.
I hope it helps you to decide what to try in your own home…
TIP – Always clean windows on a cloudy day, because a sunny day means they will dry and leave residue/marks too easily. You’ll have much more success with any chosen method if you have more time to clean before the heat stops you in your tracks.
Method #1 – Use Newspaper
This was a trick that a tradesman told me to try years ago when we were staging a clients home for sale.
Instead of using a cloth, the idea is to finish the windows off but rubbing a screwed up page of newspaper on the glass (as if it were a cloth).
Sound weird, doesn’t it – but it actually worked pretty well for me that day.
There are only two issues with this method: –
#1 – It takes a lot of elbow grease, and can feel like a workout
#2 – In this more digital world, not many of us actually have newspapers anymore – so it’s becoming something that can’t be used on a regular basis anymore.
So – although it’s definitely worth a try (if you have newspaper in your house anyway – why not!) – it’s not what I settled on as part of my cleaning routine.
Method #2 – Use A Steam Cleaner Attachment
Looking for another option, my thoughts went to my steam cleaner.
I use it for my hard floors and love it – and I knew it had a window attachment, but it had never occurred to me to try it…
Another bonus with this was that the steam means that I can clean without any cleaning products at all which made the whole thing much easier and cheaper.
The result?
Yes, the windows DO stay quite streak free, but it does have a couple of drawbacks: –
- It’s heavy to use. I’m quite strong, and go to the gym several times a week, but I still find that my arms are really aching after a few minutes of using it. I couldn’t do the entire house in one go, which I would prefer to do.
- Because it cleans with steam, there’s LOADS of water to contend with, that runs to the bottom of each window and then down onto the window sill if I’m not quick – so I get through lots of cloths when doing the whole house, and it can get quite messy.
So I was still on the lookout for a better option…
Method #3 – Use A Squeegee
I get quite mesmerised when my window cleaner comes round and cleans the outside windows for us. As with most window cleaners, he uses a squeegee and he makes it look SO easy!
And, as I was already using a squeegee to wipe down our shower after each use (to save cleaning time each week), I decided to give it a go on the interior windows all around the house.
The result?
Even though it was fun (and it worked), I got into a mess with the excess water and dirt that came off the windows.
You need 3 hands – one for the cleaning spray, one for the squeegee – and another for a cloth to grab the dirty water coming off the window.
Of course, on outside windows the window cleaner can just flick the excess water away and onto the ground, so it’s not really an issue as much, but for inside windows there’s nowhere for this mess to go other that the windowsill or the floor.
Far from ideal.
Method #4 – Use A Window Vacuum
At this point, I loved the squeegee the most – but didn’t love the excess water at all.
So – you can imagine my elation when I found out about Window Vacuums.
Yes, really! – they exist, and I have to admit that I was sceptical about bringing another gadget into my home that wouldn’t be worth the space it would take up in the cupboard.
But honestly – it’s a game changer, and worth every penny.
Basically, you spray and clean your window as usual, then you use the vacuum like a squeegee and along with taking the water off the window, it also sucks it all up into a little container in it – so all you have to do is empty that when you’ve finished.
Voila! No more dripping water at the bottom of all the windows, or on the window sill.
The vacuum I have is the Bosch GlassVAC, and here’s a quick video to show it in action: –
Plus, my more in depth review is HERE. For a quick summary, some of the reasons I like this solution are: –
- It’s small and lightweight – so I can actually do the job without feeling like I’ve had a workout at the gym (it also means I can store it away easily).
- It’s cordless – so REALLY quick to move around the house, and take outside
- You get rid of the excess water in an easy way – no need to have extra hands for wiping up after cleaning!
- You can use on mirrors, tiles, car windows, shower screens etc…. – so it’s not a one-trick-pony! (I’m all for multi-tasking tools that you can get the most value from)
- You can use in conjunction with your favourite cleaning products – whether that be vinegar, a favourite brand, or even just good old soap and water – you can pick!
- You don’t have to do much cleaning – just spray, rub a little to get things moving – and then vacuum everything up.
So now, when I come down the day after cleaning my kitchen windows – and the suns shining through the glass, that glass is streak free!
I’m a convert for sure, and it’s out performed all other methods for me time and time again.
So there you have it – all the methods I’ve tried, and the one that works best for streak free windows.
I’d love to know whether you agree with me as to what’s the best option, so let me know in the comments below what works for you.
Happy cleaning!
