A Guide to Using Distilled Water to Clean Your Windows

Windows, mirrors, and glassware can be magnets for dirt. Even if you clean them often, they will undoubtedly become grubby again soon after. On top of this, getting glass to look truly clean can be challenging because of the streaks that persist even after vigorous cleaning.

As such, you need to use the right tools when cleaning glass. Generally, it is best to use a chamois or squeegee when cleaning glass, and you should also take care to use supplies like white vinegar and distilled water. Here are some tips to help your glassware sparkle.

Gather the Right Tools 

The right cleaning supplies are essential for gleaming, streak-free glassware. Therefore, you should collect the right things before you begin cleaning. Things like white vinegar, distilled water, a spray bottle, and a microfiber cloth can all help you to achieve the best results.

Using distilled water for cleaning glassware is recommended as minerals and impurities in tap water will contribute to streaks and spots after wiping the glass. As such, you will always be fighting a losing battle, even if you use the proper tools and elbow grease.

You might also need some paper towels if you are cleaning a window with a wooden windowsill. By laying these out around the frame, you can protect the wood from any drips and preserve the structural integrity of the windowsill.

Mix Up Your Cleaning Solution

The best way to achieve the best results when cleaning glassware is to mix your own cleaning solution. Thankfully, this is very straightforward to make. Simply add one part white vinegar to one part distilled water. This ratio will leave your glassware gleaming.

You can then spray this onto your cleaning cloth and begin wiping down the glass.

Technique is Important

The way that you clean glassware can influence the results you see. Therefore, you should take care to wipe the surface in a gentle circular motion to remove spots. Following this, you should switch to vertical strokes and then horizontal swipes to achieve a clean and shiny finish.

If you want to a professional-grade finish, you could also go around the edges of the glass with a cotton swab or a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help to give your windows and mirrors a uniform and spotless appearance.

Finish With a Polish

The final stage to getting sparkling glassware is to polish the surface once you have finished wiping it clean. To do this, take a piece of newspaper or an old cotton t-shirt and buff the surface until it is gleaming and spotless. This final stage will help you to achieve the standard set by professional cleaners with far less expense and hassle.

Conclusion

In summary, glassware can be frustrating to clean due to its tendency to pick up dirt and streaks. Therefore, taking the proper approach with the right tools and technique is essential if you want to save money on window cleaning bills and do it yourself.