10 Easy Tricks To Get Rid Of Smudges From Glass And Windows
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Smudges can be very annoying in homes with lots of windows and glass doors. Whether it's from kids' sticky hands, pets' noses, mouths, and paw prints, or regular dust and grease buildup, glass surfaces are magnets for mess. It doesn't help that when sunlight streams through these apertures, every mark becomes more visible. Then, even small smudges make the entire surface look grimy. Cleaning these stains and streaks may feel like a challenge, but it's possible. There are tried-and-tested methods that help keep your glass surfaces sparkling clean and smudge-free. For example, you can use household ingredients like vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, or baking soda, sometimes mixed with water. Newspaper and coffee filters reduce streaks, microfiber cloths trap oils, and squeegees remove water stains.
Unlike wood or fabric, any dirt or residue left behind on a glass surface instantly becomes noticeable. The transparency of the material makes it impossible to hide imperfections. Additionally, using the wrong products or cleaning methods can make the situation worse. They can cause the smudge to spread instead of being removed. Blemishes don't go away easily, despite scrubbing or wiping them off with a tissue or rag. This is why understanding how to effectively clean windows and glass doors is important. You can save yourself time, energy, and frustration.
Use a mixture of vinegar and water
Vinegar is one of the best ways to clean your windows for a streak-free finish. This classic cleaning solution has long proven its effectiveness. Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz it on the glass and wipe it away with a lint-free cloth. This hack works because vinegar cuts through grease and grime and dissolves mineral deposits. If the smell bothers you, add a few drops of essential oil. This solution is eco-friendly, safe for kids and pets, and often costs less than store-bought cleaners.
Try coffee filters
If you like preparing coffee from fresh beans, then this easy and all-natural way to leave your glass windows clean and streak-free is very doable. Coffee filters are quite useful for cleaning glass surfaces. Dampen one with a cleaning solution, like the water and vinegar combination we just mentioned, and wipe your windows in a zig-zag motion from the top to the bottom. Use more cleaner if you see stubborn streaks after your first attempt, but do not soak the filter. Repeat the process with a fresh, dry filter until the window is moisture-free.
Invest in microfiber towels
While paper towels may seem convenient, they often leave lint and streaks behind. Microfiber cloths, on the other hand, are designed to trap dirt, dust, oils, and other liquids without spreading them. They're soft, reusable, and perfect for polishing glass to a smudge-free shine. They are also reasonably priced. A 24-piece pack of Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths sells for under $12. Dampen a towel slightly for cleaning or use it dry to buff out fingerprints and stains. Wash the towels after use, but avoid using fabric softener since they can reduce absorbency.
Polish with newspaper
It may sound a bit strange, but newspaper is an excellent glass-cleaning tool. The newspaper's texture is abrasive, helping to lift smudges without scratching. Plus, the ink polishes the glass, leaving windows extra shiny. Spray some cleaner on the window and wipe or scrub the surface in a circular motion with a crumpled sheet of newspaper. Be sure to use the black-and-white and not glossy newsprint for a truly streak- and smudge-free finish. Since the ink may leave stains, wipe the area again with a clean microfiber cloth before calling it a day.
Use rubbing alcohol for stubborn smudges
Rubbing alcohol is perfect for tackling oily streaks on windows because it breaks down grease and evaporates quickly. Dampen a soft cloth with a 50:50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water, and rub the affected area. Then, clean the entire window as usual. Use this genius hack to clean glass patio doors that always get dirty due to being used constantly as an entry and exit. Bear in mind that a little goes a long way with this solution. Excessive alcohol can dry out materials around your windows, so use it sparingly.
Buy a squeegee
If you want that professionally polished look for your large windows, shower doors, and glass sliding doors, invest in a squeegee. They make it easy to remove cleaning solution and dirt in one smooth motion. They're widely considered one of the best tools for easily cleaning exterior windows. Start at the top and work your way down, wiping the blade with a cloth after each pass. This will prevent watermarks and smears from forming. It's an affordable solution — for example, the highly rated Hiware All-Purpose Squeegee sells for about $12.
Use baking soda for sticky smudges
Removing stubborn smudges from windows is a baking soda cleaning hack worth trying. The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda helps get rid of gunk and sticky messes on glass. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water, then apply it to the dirty spot with a soft cloth. Rub in a circular motion until the smudge is gone, then wipe the area clean with vinegar or glass cleaner. For heavily water-stained shower doors, apply dry baking soda after spraying vinegar on the glass. Let it fizz before rinsing and drying the glass.
Try a steam cleaner
Fill the steamer's tank with tap water and plug in the device. Wait for the steam to appear before holding its nozzle in front of the glass. Steam the entire panel and then use a microfiber cloth or squeegee to wipe away the dirt that has been softened by the vapor. Note that this hack is not recommended during winter, as the steam can damage the frosted glass. Don't have a steam cleaner? For streakless clean windows, grab your clothes steamer instead. This handy laundry tool will surprise you with what it can do to smudges.
Clean on a cloudy day
There are several reasons why you shouldn't clean your windows on a sunny day. For one, scorching sun rays cause the cleaning solution to dry too fast, leaving behind streaks and watermarks. You can also struggle to open your eyes in the glare of bright sunlight, causing you to miss some spots. Instead, choose a cloudy day to clean your panes, or tackle the job in the early morning or evening. You can work more slowly, giving you enough time to ensure smudges and residue are wiped away completely.
Don't forget the frames and edges
Smudges on window and door glass often reappear after you clean them. During the cleaning process, you can accidentally spread the grime that accumulates around edges, tracks, and frames back onto the glass. Use a damp cloth or small brush to clean these areas before tackling the panes. This extra step prevents frustrating repeat smudges and helps keep your windows cleaner for longer.