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Hassle-Free Window Cleaners For a Streakless Finish
Modified: December 6, 2023
Extend the life of your glass windows by using the right window cleaner! Know which products will keep your windows shiny and streak-free.
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No matter how creative someone is, running out of ideas is a common symptom of burnout. If you find yourself in the same sticky situation, stop working and stare outside the window. This simple act helps clear your mind and bring your focus back. But know that this won’t work if your windows are covered with filth and dust. Instead of relaxing your mind, you’ll only get distracted by the dirty windows. This is one of the reasons why you should always have a window cleaner at home.
Importance of Maintaining Clean Windows
Keeping windows clean and streak-free helps improve a home’s curb appeal. But more than that, it also improves our physical and mental health. Physically, because you get to exercise your body every time you clean your windows. Mentally, because spotlessly clean windows are a mood-booster.
Here are more reasons why you should maintain clean windows:
Read also: 13 Best Window Vacuum Cleaner For 2024
Keeps a Healthy Home
Bay windows and most window types are natural dust magnets. Outside allergens such as sand, soil, and pollen accumulate on windows until they appear dusty and moldy. This might seem surprising, but most would still choose not to prioritize window cleaning. They will only start cleaning if someone starts sneezing and coughing frequently. Don’t wait for this to happen. Stock up some window cleaners at home! Make sure to also schedule a window cleaning at least once a week.
Avoids Chemical Buildup
Harsh window cleaners can cause chemical damages on glass windows, but there’s still another element that can potentially damage your windows — acid rain. Acid rain is common in the Eastern United States because of the emissions released from coal-burning power plants. If you happen to live in this area, expect your glass windows to look cloudy and misty. Hard water spots might also appear, and they may cause damage to your glass windows. Fortunately, you can easily avoid hard water spots and any chemical buildup by using the right window cleaning products.
Provides Better Insulation
Experiencing snow for the first time feels magical and surreal, but enduring the cold weather for months is not. You have to keep yourself warm and comfortable by allowing more natural light to stream through your windows. Do this by always keeping your windows clean. Letting the dirt and grime stay on your windows will only lower your home’s heating efficiency, so make sure to clean your windows regularly for better insulation.
Gets Rid of Tacky Streaks
Hard water coming from faucets and garden hoses contain minerals that leave window streaks when dried. Instead of using hard water, use distilled water to clean glass windows. This option might be more expensive, but it ensures a clear, streak-free finish! Also, don’t forget to shop for window cleaners. Just make sure not to choose ones that contain harsh, toxic chemicals to avoid damaging your windows.
Window Cleaners You Should Have at Home
Household chores are such a drab. It takes a lot of time and effort to dust off the windows and remove the streaks. You can call for a professional window cleaning service, but this can be quite expensive. Save money and make window cleaning easy by buying potent spray window cleaners and investing in smart cleaning tools.
Window Cleaner Products
Installing tinted windows can increase a home’s energy efficiency because the tint blocks UV radiation. This helps keep the house cool without having the AC on full blast. You just have to be careful when choosing a cleaner for such windows because some contain ingredients that can strip off the protective tinted film.
Consider using this Glass Cleaner from Sprayway if you have tinted windows at home. It’s ammonia-free, so it won’t cause the tinted film to discolor and peel off.
Key Features
- Fresh scent
- Ammonia-free window cleaner
Specifications
- 19-ounce bottle
- 4-pack glass cleaner
Pros
- Doesn’t leave streaks
- Versatile glass cleaner
Cons
- Recommended for outdoor use because of the strong smell
Even though some people don’t like using Windex because it contains ammonia, it is still without a doubt, an effective window cleaner. Ammonia helps break down stains, so having this ingredient in a window cleaner makes it easier to remove the stubborn dirt. You just have to know how to use it properly to avoid a streaky window. For example, don’t apply the spray directly on windows if it’s too hot and sunny outside. The spray will dry quickly, leaving a streaky residue on glass windows. So, before using ammonia-based glass cleaner liquids such as this, gear yourself with proper window cleaning techniques first.
Key Features
- Outdoor glass cleaner
- Specially-designed spray bottle
Specifications
- 32 fl. Oz. bottle
- 2-pack window cleaner
Pros
- Formula is not harmful to plants
- Powerful, stain-removing ammonia-based window cleaner
- Attachable to a garden hose for a hassle-free cleaning experience
Cons
- Doesn’t work much on neglected glass windows
Kids are curious little creatures, and they will touch anything that intrigues them. This includes your clean, shiny glass windows. Consequently, this will leave unsightly, smudged fingerprints on the glass. One way to effectively remove them is by applying this Glass Cleaner from Glass Plus. Instead of ammonia, it uses “surfactants” to get rid of dirt and grime. Just make sure to use a clean, microfiber towel to wipe off the cleaner from the glass windows. Doing this will help prevent streaks.
Key Features
- Ammonia-free
- Streak-free shine
- Versatile window cleaner
Specifications
- 32 fl. oz. bottle
- 3-pack window cleaner
Pros
- Available on large, value packs
- Works on almost all glass surfaces
- Can also be used on granite and steel surfaces
Cons
- Low-fill level
If you want a more environmentally friendly option, we recommend this Surface Cleaner from Puracy. It is a 99.96% cleaning spray with plant-based ingredients such as green tea and lime. So, it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and strong fumes that can potentially harm you and your family’s health. This is great for cleaning glass windows and other hard surfaces such as granite and steel.
Key Features
- No harsh chemicals
- Plant-powered ingredients
Specifications
- Pack of 2
- 25 fl. oz. bottle
Pros
- Safe to use around pets
- All-in-one surface cleaner
- Doesn’t leave a streaky residue
Cons
- Spray tends to leak when used
When shopping for natural spray window cleaners, always check if they are USDA Certified Bio-Based products. Products with that certification contain “renewable biological chemicals” that are derived from plants and animals. An example of such a product is this Glass Cleaner from Seventh Generation.
Apart from having natural-based ingredients, this glass cleaner doesn’t contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or fumes that can cause breathing problems. Thus, it’s a safe window cleaner for your family and pets.
Key Features
- Streak-free shine
- Plant-based window cleaner
- 0% fragrances and harsh fumes
Specifications
- 23 fl. oz. bottle
- 96% Bio-based product
Pros
- Versatile surface cleaner
- Doesn’t emit a strong chemical smell
Cons
- High price tag
Home Window Cleaner Tools
Installing a roof window is a great solution to open up dark, small rooms because it brings in more natural light. The only downside is that it’s difficult to clean. Luckily, this Magnetic Window Cleaner from Tylor Bright Tools is designed for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas in a window. It has two squeegee gliders: one for cleaning the inner part of the windows and another squeegee for the outer part. Moreover, a safety string is attached to the outer glider to ensure it won’t accidentally fall.
Key Features
- Double-sided squeegee
- Strong rare earth magnets
- Natural rubber squeegees
Specifications
- Designed for single-glazed windows (0.1” to 0.3” thick)
- Overall dimensions are 9.21 inches x 1.97 inches x 3.15 inches
Pros
- Built to last
- Includes microfiber cloths for wiping streaks
- Squeegees have a separator for convenient storage
Cons
- Requires careful handling to prevent the outer squeegee glider from falling
Blinds help add privacy to your home, but they can easily get soiled with dust. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe the gaps in between, but this is not enough to clean each dusty corner. Try using this RUMAICAN Window Cleaner Set instead. It’s a unique window cleaner tool that has three blades of microfiber sleeves. Use this to make window cleaning faster and more efficient.
Key Features
- Microfiber sleeve cloths
- Sturdy polyurethane plastic duster
Specifications
- Available colors: blue and green
- Product size is 8.5 inches x 3 inches
- Package inclusions: 2 blind cleaners and 6 microfiber sleeves
Pros
- Great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas
- Microfiber sleeves are washable and reusable
Cons
- Not ideal for large blinds with wide gaps
A liquid glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth are not enough to clean an entire window. You still have to remove the dust and debris on the window grooves (or tracks) to ensure a smooth operation. This will be a piece of cake with the right groove gap brush and a window track cleaning brush at home.
Fortunately, this Window Cleaner Set from ANERONG has everything you need. It includes three cleaning brushes: blind brush, groove brush, and track brush. Now, you won’t have to look for these items individually!
Key Features
- Space-saving cleaning tools
- Multifunctional window cleaners
Specifications
- Kitchen Groove Gap Brush is 7.5 inches x 3 inches
- Dustpan Clean Brush is 7.3 inches x 0.8 inches
- Window Shutter Brush: 6.5 inches x 1.8 inches
- Window Track Cleaning Brush: 9.5 inches x 2.4 inches
Pros
- Made of durable PP plastic
- Can be hung to save storage space
- Complete set of window cleaner tools
Cons
- Shutter brush doesn’t slide smoothly on curtain blinds
You might not like the idea of using sprays because they leave streaks if you don’t know how to properly apply them. If that’s the case, you may want to try this All-in-One Glass Cleaner from Windex. It features a cleaning pad with a “Sheeting Action Formula” which helps get rid of dust and dirt. This is also very easy to use as you only have to douse the glass windows with water and spray a little bit on the cleaning pad before you begin cleaning!
Key Features
- Long, plastic handle
- Convenient cleaning pad
Specifications
- Reaches up to 11 feet
- Package inclusions: 1 cleaning pad and 4-foot handle
Pros
- Leaves no streaks and water spots
- One pad can clean up to 20 windows
- A long, plastic handle makes it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas
Cons
- Great for outdoor windows only
Of course, let’s not forget the classic method of cleaning glass windows: using a window squeegee. A window squeegee helps prevent hard water spots as it removes the excess moisture on each stroke. Easy to use, this glides smoothly on glass surfaces and you usually only need a single stroke to remove dirt.
For window squeegees, choose this Professional Window Cleaning Tool from Unger. This 2-in-1 window cleaner with a squeegee and microfiber scrubber sleeve ensures there’ll be no streaks left behind.
Key Features
- 2-in-1 window cleaner tool
- Machine washable scrubber sleeve
- Professional rubber squeegee blade
Specifications
- 10-inch window cleaner tool
- Item weight is 7.2 ounces
Pros
- Microfiber sleeve doesn’t leave scratches
- Vertical handle that can be attached to a telescopic pole
- Squeegee is attached to a stainless steel channel to prevent it from wobbling
Cons
- No plastic telescopic pole included
Windows might not seem like the most vital part of a house, but they play a huge role in keeping your home bright and well-ventilated. Thus, you need to keep windows clean and streak-free to allow natural light to stream in. Make sure to also choose the right window cleaners to avoid damaging the window’s structure. You can go back and review our list to ensure you’ll buy only quality spray window cleaners and tools.
Once you have all the necessary window cleaners, don’t forget to store them in a garage storage cabinet. This will keep chemical-based cleaners in good condition and out of children’s reach.
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