Windows are one of the most unforgiving surfaces to clean. If you leave a little smudge on most surfaces, it is typically hard to see it unless you look at it from different angles. That is definitely not the case with windows! But tackling those pesky smudges, streaks and fingerprints can be easier than you think. With these OctoClean tricks, you can start cleaning your windows like a pro in between your regularly scheduled professional cleanings.

What Causes Window Streaking?

Before we tell you how to get rid of your window streaks, it is helpful to understand what causes them in the first place. Here are the top two causes of window streaking.

The Towel

Most people use a paper towel that can shed, leaving you with streaks of dust, debris and lint. Others, even most local commercial cleaning companies, will use a squeegee. Using a squeegee can result in dirt being wiped across the glass if the rubber or cloth is not frequently changed. Towels that are not as absorbent will spread dirt and moisture instead of removing them, resulting in ugly streaks. Use a clean microfiber cloth instead.

When cleaning your exterior windows, you can use a broom wrapped with a microfiber towel to remove dust and cobwebs from the glass.

The Cleaner

All window cleaning solutions are NOT created equal! Some multi-purpose cleaners claim to be streak-free but fail to deliver on that promise. First, wash your windows with soapy water, but avoid having too many suds. Start washing windows using a non-abrasive sponge. For most windows, an ammonia cleaner will give you the best results. These cleaners are very powerful, and one or two applications will take away the majority of spots when you wipe it away.

Tips for Streak-Free Windows

Time of Day

A bright, sunny day can cause your cleaner to evaporate too quickly, leaving behind a residue that appears as streaks. To avoid leaving streaks, it is always best to choose a day with plenty of cloud cover. If it is a sunny day, then you will want to start early before the sun gets high in the sky. The art here is to clean rapidly to try and avoid streaks.

Make Two Passes at the Window

If dirt or streaks remain, spray and dry again. Dirty windows typically require two rounds of spraying and drying. On the first pass wipe horizontally, then rewash the window and wipe vertically. The difference in directions will help to show any areas you may have missed. Use constant pressure, not to light that you pass over the dirt and not too hard that you can’t move your tool. Think of Goldilocks and make sure the pressure is just right!

How do you know if the streak you missed is on the outside or inside of the window? When cleaning the outside of the window, clean and dry it with a horizontal motion. Clean the inside vertically. If you’ve got a streak you will then know if it’s inside or out.

There are many reasons you should leave your window cleaning to the professionals. To help make sure your facility gives the best possible first impression to visitors and employees, make sure you call the cleaning experts at OctoClean.