0
Streaky windows are the last thing you need on cleaning day. You’ve just cleaned that window—so why does it look like that? If you’re sick of streaky windows, join the club. At Charlie’s Soap, we understand your frustration and are here to help. That’s why we’ve created this definitive guide to answer the age-old question: what is the best way to wash windows and achieve a streak-free shine?
Why Do Some Cleaners Streak?
Have you ever wondered what causes streaks in the first place? The short answer: heat. When the cleaner dries before it has been fully buffed in, it will leave the tell-tale streaks behind. That’s why it’s much harder to get shining results on sun-facing windows.
It’s true that temperature plays a role, but the product you use also plays a big part. Many window cleaners are ammonia-based, which causes the product to evaporate even faster and shortens the drying time. This makes ammonia-based cleaners more likely to leave streaks behind. These kinds of chemical-based cleaners are also more likely to contribute to cloudiness and may even damage tinted windows in the long term.
Finding the Right Cleaner
So, we can cross off ammonia-based cleaners. Instead, we need a cleaner that’s powerful enough to quickly cut through dirt and grime yet gentle enough to be safe on a variety of glass finishes—Charlie’s offers not just one but two great options for cleaning windows, both inside and out.
Charlie’s Soap Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner is perfect for outside windows! This eco-friendly formula is dye-free, fragrance-free, and, yep, ammonia-free. It’s packed with natural cleaning agents and is the perfect cleaner for beautiful, streak-free windows.
You should use Charlie’s Soap Kitch & Bath Household Cleaner to clean your windows inside. This multi-surface cleaner is safe and effective and will leave your windows sparkling on the inside, leaving no streaks behind.
Steps for a Streak-Free Shine
1. Dust the Glass
To get a streak-free finish, remove any dust or cobwebs accumulated on your windows and windowsills. These particles can easily turn into streaks while you’re cleaning your windows. Run a feather duster or dry cleaning rag over the surface of the glass to remove any debris.
2. Buff the Glass
Charlie’s Soap Indoor & Outdoor and Kitchen & Bath cleaners are available in handy spray bottles for easy application. Spritz the solution over the window, then you’re ready to buff it in.
Many people like using paper towels or microfiber cloths to clean their windows. These tools are absorbent, but they come with some drawbacks. Most notably, they tend to leave a lot of residue behind, including lint, and potentially cause minor scratches. Instead, try choosing one of the two most effective tools for buffing your windows: newspapers and squeegees.
- Newspapers: Commonly touted for their window-polishing abilities. Newspaper is highly absorbent and made with densely packed fibers, while its non-abrasive material won’t scratch your glass. They’re also cheaper than paper towels, and they allow you to repurpose old newspapers!
- Squeegees: For another great way to get that through-and-through shine, squeegees are a great option (though they require some practice). Start at the top of the window and work your way down, using a towel or rag to catch residual water lines and drips.
Once you’ve buffed or squeegeed away the cleaning solution, you’ll be left with stunning, streak-free windows of your dreams.
Clean, for Life with Charlie’s Soap
No matter the mess, Charlie’s Soap is committed to creating quick and effective solutions. From your windows to your pipes and everything in between, Charlie’s Soap has the right cleaner for the job. Whether you’re using our array of household cleaners, stain solutions, or laundry detergents, you’ll find that Charlie’s gives you a pristine clean that you just can’t get anywhere else. Shop Charlie’s Soap now.
