Some tips for cleaning clean, transparent glass

Keeping glass surfaces around the house clean is a challenge unless you have the correct tools and methods to keep them clear, shiny, streak-free.

Some tips to help keep glass clean and transparent

Cleaning glass is also an art, from how you remove dirt to the material used to clean the glass. Below are tips to make glass clean and transparent that you can apply to make your glass surfaces shiny, without a trace of dirt.

Clean from top to bottom

If you really want your mirrors or windows streak-free, clean from top to bottom. The cleaning solution may drip, use gravity to let the cleaner flow into areas you haven’t washed yet. Start from the top and move down to ensure that no drops of water fall on the perfectly cleaned glass surface.

Clean windows on a cloudy day

You may be skeptical of this because you think you will see stains on the glass more clearly when sunlight shines on it. However, sunlight can dry the glass cleaner too soon, leaving behind residue and streaks after cleaning. If you wait on a cloudy day to clean your windows, the cleaning solution will remain until you clean them and your windows will be clear and streak-free.

Use a rubber squeegee to clean the glass

You will be amazed at the difference this simple tool makes on glass surfaces. The first wipe with a cloth usually does not remove all of the cleaning solution, and having to wipe the glass areas again will certainly leave streaks.

However, a squeegee will help you easily polish each part of the glass door. A squeegee with a long handle is essential if you plan to clean tall windows or bathroom walls and doors.

Clean the corners with a cotton swab

No matter how hard you try, residue seems to accumulate in the corners of the glass and is difficult to remove unless you have the right tools. Using cotton swabs is the ideal solution for cleaning hard-to-reach areas on your windows.

Use old t-shirts

Old t-shirts are ideal for cleaning windows because they have no lint residue and are just absorbent enough to polish the windows clean. Additionally, using old t-shirts instead of tissues is a great way to save on housekeeping costs and is good for the environment.​​

Use homemade cleaners

Sometimes homemade solutions work better, are more economical, and do not contain unknown chemicals. To make your own glass cleaner, mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Combining isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar creates a fast-evaporating glass cleaning spray that can compete with commercial brands. It can also be used to give a beautiful shine to hard tiles, chrome and other surfaces.

Wipe the glass with newspaper

One trick to make glass clean and clear is to use newspaper. Glass is a material with its own characteristics, so using a wet towel to wipe it not only does not clean it effectively, but also leaves blurriness and stains. Instead of using wet towels, you can use newspaper to dry the glasses. Spray the solution onto the glass surface and wipe gently with newspaper. Finally, if you want the glass surface to be shiny, use a dry cloth to wipe off any remaining dull spots.

Note:  Many glass and window cleaners can cause damage to the wood frame areas of the mirror or window. Prevent water from dripping on wood and damaging these surfaces by placing a small cloth to soak up any drips. Avoid spraying too much detergent at once. Instead, spray and clean windows in small sections, working from top to bottom of the glass.