Cleaning very dirty or greasy windows without leaving streaks
After renovations or a winter without cleaning, are your windows opaque? The classic method is no longer enough. You need to degrease deeply.
Recommended Materials
- Rubbing alcohol
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Squeegee
- Microfiber cloths
- Window scraper (razor blade)
Steps to follow
Step 1
Start by dusting the frame and the glass dry with a cloth or a brush. If you wet the dust, you will create mud that will spread everywhere and dirty your washing water instantly.
Step 2
For dried fly specks, paint or cement residues: use a window scraper (special razor blade). Wet the area and pass the blade flat on the glass. It removes everything without scratching the glass.
Step 3
Prepare the shock mixture in a bucket: Very hot water + 1 glass of White vinegar + 1 tablespoon of Rubbing alcohol (to degrease and speed up drying) + a few drops of dish soap (wetting agent).
Step 4
Wet the window thoroughly with a sponge or a sheepskin washer. Scrub well, insist on stains. The window must be soaked.
Step 5
Use a professional quality squeegee. Start at the top, pull a horizontal strip, wipe the blade with a dry cloth. Then go down making vertical strips or S-shapes (American method) slightly overlapping the clean area.
Step 6
Finish the edges and bottom of the window with a dry microfiber to pick up drips.
Step 7
If persistent greasy traces (pollution, road film, soot) remain visible, rub the window with an onion cut in half before washing. Onion acid is a powerful natural degreaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have streaks in the sun ?
The sun heats the glass and evaporates the water and product too quickly, before you have had time to use the squeegee. Never wash windows in direct sunlight or strong wind.
Newspaper ?
Yes, printing ink (lead is no longer used) and absorbent paper are excellent for finishing and shining, but watch out for black marks on white frames.
Precautions
- Be careful not to scratch the glass with the scraper (always flat, never at an angle).
- Protect the floor from dirty water drips.
