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10 Mirror and Window Cleaning Tips

10 Mirror and Window Cleaning Tips

Get your windows, mirrors, and other glass shiny and looking like new with a few simple cleaning tips. When it comes to glass, it’s important to know how to clean it properly so you get the best, streak-free shine. This may require a bit more precision and awareness of the right products and tools to use when cleaning the glass in your home.  

Whether you’re doing a deep cleaning of the house or just looking to add some tips to your weekly cleaning routine, these tips and tricks will leave you with the cleanest windows or mirrors that look like new.

Let’s start with cleaning solutions. 

While all-purpose cleaners can be useful in a variety of situations, cleaning glass is just not one of them. If you use these types of solutions on windows or mirrors, you will probably end up with a streaky appearance from the residue left behind. 

  1. Try making your own solution with a mix of 1 cup of white distilled vinegar and 2 cups of water. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent that cuts through grease and doesn’t streak. Vinegar is also much cheaper than most cleaning solutions and often more effective.
    If you need the solution to be a bit stronger to get rid of dirt and grime on the glass, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the solution. You’ll want to make sure there is enough water in the solution to dilute both the acidity of the vinegar and the strength of the soap so you don’t end up with the same residue you’d get from an all-purpose cleaner.
  2. Another option for making your own effective window and glass cleaner is to mix one part rubbing alcohol, one part anti-bacterial dishwashing soap, and a splash of ammonia. You can also add a fresh scent with some lemon juice or oil. Lemon juice and oil are also effective natural cleaning agents, plus they smell nice!
    Making your own cleaning solution can come in handy and save you money in the long run. Many cleaners you purchase contain mostly water, so you can get the same or similar results with homemade solutions at a fraction of the cost.
    Plus, this way, you know exactly what chemicals you’re bringing into your house. It is important to note that you should always be very careful when mixing cleaning chemicals. Be sure never to mix ammonia with any solution that includes chlorine bleach. This can create a toxic gas that is dangerous to breathe in or have in contact with your eyes and skin.

Choose the right tools.

Many fancy tools are available for cleaning glass, but many of the most effective tools can easily be found in your home. You don’t have to break the bank on expensive cloths or specialized equipment. Here are some cost-effective options that will clean glass throughout your home. 

  1. Use a squeegee. Want to get those hard-to-reach places without leaving any streaks? Try using a squeegee. You can quickly remove the dirt on glass, as well as any excess cleaner, without leaving any streaks or lines beyond. Squeegees are a cheap investment that pays off time and time again when cleaning windows and mirrors.
  2. Carefully use a sharp razor blade to remove stuck-on gunk. Do your mirrors or windows have gunk or paint overspray staining them? Clean off any adhesive materials easily with a sharp blade. This trick can also come in handy with any excess caulk that might find its way onto your windows.
  3. Remove residue easily with some steel wool. Scrubbing with steel wool can remove adhesive residue, tree sap, or other tenacious stains from glass and mirrors. This is a great option if you don’t have a box cutter blade. Just be sure to use the right steel wool, fine 0 grade, to avoid scratching your mirrors and windows when cleaning.
  4. Wipe your windows down with newspapers. This might sound strange, but wiping down your windows with newspapers will leave a clean, streak-free window or mirror behind every time.

Other Tips You May Want to Try

  1. If you notice a build-up of hard water spots, a quick remedy is to wipe the glass with a dryer sheet. Not only will this get rid of the water spots, but it will also help prevent them from returning as quickly.
  2. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight. The solution may dry too quickly for you to wipe it away streak-free. Try cleaning windows in the morning or evening instead of in the afternoon heat.
  3. Use tongs and towels to clean blinds. Cleaning blinds can be tedious, but you can make it a quick and easy job with a few towels tied to the ends of tongs. Instead of cramming your hand between the layers of blinds, simply wipe each blade between the tongs to get rid of dust quickly.
  4. Use cotton swabs or a toothbrush to clean corners and windowsills. Windowsills and corners can easily gather dust. This also applies to the corners and frames of mirrors. Pull out a cotton swab or old toothbrush to get the dust and dirt out of those tiny places.

Mountain States Windows & Siding

Quality, durable, and well-insulated windows and siding can improve your home’s curb appeal and save you money on your energy bill. That’s where Mountain States Window & Siding can help. 

Our expert technicians offer friendly service with the knowledge, experience, and professional equipment to ensure your windows are beautiful and function appropriately with energy efficiency. So whether you are building new or renovating a space, we are ready to give you the windows of your dreams. 

From blueprints to the final touches, Mountain States Window & Siding and Mountain States Kitchen and Bathroom are dedicated to helping you bring out the best in your home. Contact us today for a consultation and quote for your project, and let’s get started!

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