November 30, 2023

How to Clean Windows and Mirrors Without Leaving Streaks

Looking out the window and seeing the beautiful New York City skyline is an incredible way to start your day. But when that view is interrupted by streaks on the glass, it’s not nearly as impressive. Your windows and mirrors can get dirty quickly, whether they’re covered in dust, your kids’ fingerprints, or smudges from your dog’s nose.

Keeping your windows and mirrors shiny and streak-free doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few simple steps, you can maintain clean surfaces that make your home look polished and put together in any season. We’ve got a few basic tips to help you keep your reflective surfaces looking like new. 

Basic Methods for Streak-Free Cleaning

Arguably the easiest way to clean mirrors or windows is by filling a spray bottle with plain tap water. Spray the surface and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Hot water works best here, but room-temperature water will work well, too. Many people are surprised to learn that you don’t need a special glass cleaner to keep your windows shiny and smudge-free!

If you do want to use something other than water, you can create a simple cleaning solution at home. Add half a cup of rubbing alcohol, a quarter teaspoon of dishwashing soap, and two tablespoons of ammonia to a spray bottle. You can then spray your solution on your windows and mirrors for an easy clean. 

Mirrors and windows tend to dry quickly, so work in small sections. When your water or cleaning solution doesn’t have a chance to dry, you’re less likely to have a streaky finish. To keep things running smoothly, fold your cleaning cloth in half three times and use a new section of the cloth when you move to another part of the mirror.

Move gently during the cleaning process to avoid damaging your surfaces. If your mirror or window doesn’t get clean enough the first time, repeat the process until you achieve your desired results. Using more force won’t necessarily get your surface clean faster, and you run the risk of leaving scratches behind.

What to Avoid

Getting a streak-free shine can be easy when you’re using the right tools. A microfiber cloth can be invaluable here, as it will produce a clean surface without leaving any fuzz or dust. Avoid cleaning with paper towels, as they can leave dust particles behind and ruin your flawless shine. On top of that, microfiber towels can be washed and reused up to 50 times, while paper towels go straight into the trash after a single use.

Stay away from glass cleaners with additives such as soaps or dyes. These products are likely to cause streaks and don’t perform better than their non-scented counterparts. Additives can leave layers of oil or grease on your surfaces, which will turn into streaks as they dry or as you try to wipe them off. As we mentioned, plain water works well, but if you do choose to use a glass cleaner, pick one without a scent.

Some people swear by using newspapers to clean their windows and mirrors, but the ink can leave a stubborn residue behind. Stick with a microfiber cloth or, for something disposable and low-budget, use a paper coffee filter. If you happen to have a blackboard eraser lying around, it can be an effective tool for removing streaks after the initial cleaning process.

Tips for Cleaning Mirrors

Cleaning your mirror can be a quick and easy task when done correctly. Start by looking for any difficult stains or particularly stubborn fingerprints and tackle those areas first. Then, clean your mirror starting from the outside edge and working your way inward to the center.

Always check your mirror from multiple angles to catch streaks you may have missed on your first round of cleaning. For the most effective clean, work from side to side instead of using a circular motion. Moving in circles can cause static electricity to build up, which can attract dust and make your windows dirty again in an instant. Working from side to side avoids static electricity while also making it easier for you to fully clean the entire surface of the mirror.

Bathroom mirrors in particular can get dirty and foggy thanks to the steam from your shower. To prevent fog and make future bathroom cleaning easier, make a cleaning solution with a cup of vinegar, a cup of water, and a teaspoon of dish soap. Put your mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on the surface of the mirror. After a few seconds, use your microfiber cloth to wipe the spray away. Repeat the process every week or as often as necessary.

Tips for Cleaning Windows

Start by cleaning your windowsills before attending to the windows themselves. Vacuum up any loose dirt and grime, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge. After that, you can tend to your windows in the same manner you would clean your mirrors.

Particularly dirty areas can benefit from spot cleaning. Perform this step before cleaning the entire window. Wipe the area gently; too much force can scratch the glass. You can go through the cleaning process as many times as needed in order to achieve the beautiful finish you desire. Remember: you can always clean the window again, but once you’ve scratched the glass, the damage is done.

If you have high exterior windows, you face a new challenge entirely. If you don’t have a ladder, you can spray down your windows with a garden hose and a stream sprayer attachment. An extension pole with a brush or sponge on the end works well to get your windows clean, and you can finish the job with a squeegee. If you do have a ladder, use caution when climbing up and down, and always have someone with you to have your back in case of a fall.

Working with White Glove Cleaner

Windows and mirrors allow us to see the most beautiful parts of the world, so it’s important to treat them with care. If you’re unsure about cleaning your own surfaces or simply want a bit of help, White Glove Cleaner is here.

Our team is proud to serve all five boroughs of New York City, offering a wide array of residential and commercial cleaning services. We provide regular cleaning services which can be scheduled on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. You may also opt for a specialty service like our “green” cleaning (using hypoallergenic cleaners safe for kids and pets) or move-in/move-out cleaning.

Working with a professional house cleaner in New York not only saves you time, but it can also save you money in the long run. You won’t need to purchase any cleaning supplies or equipment since we use our own top-quality products. We’ll treat your home with care, helping you maintain your space for years to come. Whether you need a one-time deep cleaning or recurring cleaning services, our crew is here to help. Let us help you create a space that you love to return to at the end of every day. Contact White Glove Cleaner today to learn more and to schedule your first service!