What would be the best "solution"...

[KFCA]

for getting sparkling, streak-free, immaculate windows? I've read that a solution of water, vinegar & a very small amount of dishwashing liquid was just the ticket. And of course commercial makers of glass cleaners tell you maybe otherwise. So would the inexpensive homemade solution be equal (or even better) to the commercial one? What does science have to say?

PS: What causes "streaking" anyway?

 

[jambo372]

Vinegar solution is perfect. Polish with a scrunched up newspaper afterwards for shine.

 

[Rolfe]

Vinegar solution is perfect. Polish with a scrunched up newspaper afterwards for shine.

Jambo's not wrong, but if you want to spend a little bit more money for convenient packaging, Mr. Muscle window cleaner works a blue streak. On other glass and mirrors too.

Rolfe.

 

[Soapy Sam]

I tend to agree with Jambo too. But then why do so many commercial glass cleaners reek of dilute ammonia?

 

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

And if there are any scratches, this stuff might help:

http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/liquid_lense.html?gid

~~ Paul

 

[Ladewig]

I like using squeegees, but sometimes use soft towels. In a pinch, I've used newsprint and have had good results.

 

[KFCA]

My former roommates' boyfriend swore by using wadded newspapersto rub down newly-washed windows...said it was better than anything else. Always wondered if there WAS anything "magic" about newsprint for this purpose...or if it was just in his head. The results were always excellent though.

 

[WildCat]

Vinegar solution is perfect. Polish with a scrunched up newspaper afterwards for shine.

Here in Chicago, would the Sun-Times or the Tribune do a better job on windows? Or maybe one of the spanish papers, Hoy! or La Raza? Just don't make me subscribe to the New York Times or some other snobby paper, I don't care how well they clean a window.

 

[Soapy Sam]

Avoid coloured ink, staples and anything with a horoscope.

 

[rightbrain]

My former roommates' boyfriend swore by using wadded newspapersto rub down newly-washed windows...said it was better than anything else. Always wondered if there WAS anything "magic" about newsprint for this purpose...or if it was just in his head. The results were always excellent though.

Nothing magic--newspaper is soft enough to wad up and use like a paper towel, but it doesn't leave any lint.

Vinegar and water works just fine. So does a 50-50 mix of alcohol and water.