Windows

[E.R.]

Has anyone got any tips for successful cleaning of windows? I don't like any cleaners that I've had, they end up leaving a scum. I use vinegar,but the results are never great, I still end up with lovely streaks all over them.

[shaneystar2]

I've got a window cleaner to whom I bow and scrape but he only does the the ones I cannot reach which is most of them really but I have to admit I do like a bit of window cleaning on a nice day so I do the conservatory ones and the little side ones downstairs which I can reach and use a bucket of warm water ,with a good slug of white vinegar and a chamois leather .I wash on ,wring out , wash off ,wring out and buff up .Job done ..no smears .Never clean windows when the sun is them.Always do them on a dull day or when the sun has gone over if you can .If the sun is on them that's when you get smears .

[beejay1124]

as Shaney says ,never when the sun is on the windows
i use hot water with a spot of fairy liquid(or similar) added sponge &dry with newspaper
works for me

[heathfield]

'SqueegeeOff' from B&Q. Made in the US, so not cheap, but since you only use a teaspoonful in a half gallon of water a bottle will last for years. Just did my windows inside and out today. Magic.

[4candles]

Yeah, you can't beat a chamois - used as suggested above.

For the odd awkward bit I use a dry lint-free cloth with a dab of meths.

[Clanad]

Here in the U.S., all the commercial window cleaners use a squegee for removing the water... I asked one what he used in the water and, after glancing over his shoulder as if he was revealing a family secret, said in sotto voce, Ammonia... I've found an ammonia product that smells like lemon and absolutely doesn't streak, but needs to be used with the squegee (live rubber preferably, mines 14 inches across and fits most windows). I usually run over the windows lightly with crumpled newsprint afterward since the ink leaves a nice shine...

[smurfchops]

For quite large windows, not small square ones. Get one of those T shaped things the window cleaners use. Get a sponge with lots of washing up suds on, all over the windows, then down in lines, with the T shaped thing. You will only have to clean off the edges if you do it quickly and straight, and along the bottom. Again, not when the sun is shining. Good luck !

[ethanryan]

do what your doing with the vinigar thing but add washing up liquid to it aswell. they wipe them dry with newspaper

[Twenty20]

Vinegar is acid, washing up liquid is soap which is alkaline. Using both together will surely cancel each other out.

[E.R.]

Thank you everyone, great selection of hints for me. Must get myself a chamois and remember about the sun.

Clanad. where did you find ammonia? Haven't been able to get it for ages. I sprinkle it about to deter cats in the garden!!

[msemma]

One other thing - try using a microfibre cloth. You can get them in most housejold sections in shops.

There is one in pink you can get from ASDA (that comes as a two part set in the car section) and is excellent for shining up my car. I use both cloths on my windows now too. You don't need anything other than water for them either.

[Clanad]

Here in the U.S.A., E.R. , the brand of my choice is Parson's (seen here: http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/Ar m%20&%20Hammer/CDC84856.html?source=froogle2&u tm_source=froogle2&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign =parts&utm_keyword=CDC84856&utm_content=Jansan )... I get it at any hardware (DIY) store or even at most grocery stores. If you can't locate a premix, this is the simple recipe for mixing it yourself (assuming you can find the ammonia)... simply mix two tablespoons of sudsy ammonia with one quart of water. You can make more if you keep the ratio the same. It is easiest if you mix the two ingredients in a spray bottle. Some people insist on mixing about 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap (ya'll call it "washing up soap", no?)... but sometyimes this causes streaking in my estimation...

[tickledtrout]

I use the same as msemma, they are great and very easy

[micaman]

finish off with newspaper to polish your windows and bingo no streaks

[mazie]

white vinegar and a chamois leather and absolutely agree with the buffing up with a newspaper bit, never get any smears, crystal clear.

[tufty7]

I work with glass and have tried them all to some degrees of satisfaction,
If I want to do the ones at home you cannot beat windowlene , the old pink stuff that dries into a powdery film , it does the job everytime and is as clean as it gets .....

[E.R.]

Thanks for the latest hints. Clannad, it hadn't registered that you were in US. Think maybe the EU don't approve of ammonia!!!!

[katerich48]

Morrisons sell bottles of household ammonia in their cleaning section.. and the best cloth to get is called an E cloth originally sold at the Science Museum now on sale at John Lewis... works every time..

[katerich48]

p.s. with the E cloth you only need to use water..