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What is the best cleaning solution for windows?
Carol Mayo from Sun City, AZ
I use ammonia and water. I don't really measure it carefully, but I use about 1/4 cup in a quart-size spray bottle of water.
And I don't just use it for windows - it cleans practically anything!
I do my windows with dish detergent. There's a lot of good grease cutting dish detergents on the market that work splendidly. I'm one who gets out the ladder, the bucket of water and washing/drying rags. Keep your water clean and there won't be any streaks; that's the key. I live in the country and do outside windows twice a year, after farmers have their crops sown and after harvesting. I save the indoor ones for winter time cleaning; good exercise.
I've used vinegar water and dry windows with crumpleed newspaper which newsprint is so messy, but does a top rate job too.
I've also used Windex and other spray cleaners, but like the results better using dish detergent.
I use a micro cloth (for windows) and water with a dry micro cloth to finish. Easiest ever - NO streaks. We have very hard water here and I have had people ask what I use to get and keep the patio door glass so shiny.
My husband drives a cab and has to keep everything spotless! He says my home made solution works better than anything that comes from a store. Just a quick squirt of Dawn dishwashing liquid, 1/4 C white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of ammonia, and add water to make 24 ounces. He sprays it onto the glass while I spray it onto the cloth. Either way it works beautifully.
My grandmother always had the cleanest windows in town! She used white vinegar and wiped them with a newspapaer. Try it, it works!
I have a house which is 20% glass windows and glass doors. And I hate smeared windows in the car or truck. Recipe: one or two drops of dish washer liquid soap, about quarter cup of white vinegar, about the same rubbing alcohol and then fill with filtered water, a typical spray bottle of about 24 to 32 ounces. I use reverse osmosis drinking water which is almost pure H2O.
Unless you distilled the process (evaporate then condense) there is no such thing as 100% pure water. Spray on glass and then clean with plain steel wool, squeegee off wiping the squeegee with a clean towel after every single pass. Wipe areas as needed. Get various size squeegees, for big sliding glass doors get at least an 18 incher. Fast, easy, excellent results.
