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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

How to clean windows without smearing please anyone?

26 replies

Jan49 · 03/05/2013 01:51

Can anyone please explain to me how you clean windows and get them to look clean instead of covered in smears? My current method involves window cleaner and/or hot water and washing up liquid and dusters and cloths and they end up very smeared so they looked better before I cleaned them. Thank you.Smile

OP posts:
KeepYerTitsIn · 03/05/2013 02:55

Bowl of hot water with a cup of white vinegar chucked in, teeny tiny drop of washing up liquid, wash with microfibre cloth (tesco value ones are ace, £1.50 for 5) and dry off with cotton tea towel. Also, wipe inside of window horizontally, the outside vertically, then if there are any smears that show up in the sunshine you know which side of the window they are on.

Showtime · 03/05/2013 23:29

Agree with KYTI but I'm a believer in scrunched-up newspaper for drying off.

DalaHorse · 03/05/2013 23:51

You mean you've not heard of a Karcher window vac? Wink

Check it out on amazon. Sometimes there are offers in places like DIY places (I think). They are expensive but addictive (and major time saving). You get a fluffy cloth on a spray bottle to loosen marks & dirt with then you hoover the spray off the window with the hand-held rechargable vac. Just the vac is fine on its own (but the handheld spray cloth thing is marginally easier than using seperate cloth and bottle as you spray and dab with one hand, hoover with other).

I got one for Christmas and have never looked back. I was a bit Hmm but now I heart it!

DalaHorse · 03/05/2013 23:53

PS but prior to Christmas, a bottle of Mr Muscle window cleaner, a large roll of kitchen roll (seperate bits application and drying off) and a lot of elbow grease did the job ok!

edlyu · 04/05/2013 00:03

1 bowl of clean water
1small squeeze detergent
1 clean microfibre cloth
1 window squeegy

Put the detergent into the water. Wet the cloth and wipe all over. let it sit for a minute. Squeegy the window - horizontal for one side and vertical for the other. If you do get any streaks wipe them off with your own clean finger ( as you have been washing the cloth out your finger will be grease free) .
Job done .

Relax with Brew and Biscuit Grin

munchkinmaster · 04/05/2013 00:09

Window cleaner spray is work of smeary devil.

I used to go for fairy liquid and a blade (like the window cleaner uses). But more recently have gone for a set of micro fibre cloths (e cloths special glass set). So fab for mirrors, glass doors etc. you Wash with one cloth and dry with the other.

I agree news paper also good for polishing windows but can dirty up upvc frames if you are not careful.

Vivacia · 04/05/2013 20:59

Dilute white vinegar and microfibre cloth. I also have a Karcher window vacuum (I use it on tiles, windows and shower screen) and highly recommend one if you can afford it.

EeyoreIsh · 04/05/2013 21:00

warm soapy water clean.

dry with the window e cloth.

amazing Grin

HDEE · 04/05/2013 21:02

You need the Karcher window vac. It will change your life. Takes seconds.

Primrose123 · 04/05/2013 21:04

Another vote for the karcher window vac. It's amazing! I bought the spray wiper too.

Vivacia · 04/05/2013 21:11

I've found window cleaner and washing up liquid leave smears.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 04/05/2013 21:13

E cloths and water. Scrubby one to clean, polishing cloth to finish. Nary a smear.

cheeseandcrackers · 05/05/2013 07:14

X5 steam cleaner, windows take seconds & are always smear free.

Roshbegosh · 05/05/2013 07:25

Which kercher vac is it ? Is the spray wiper that bottle with the sponges bit? Had a look on amazon but don't want to get wrong thing and do you buy their detergent?

MousyMouse · 05/05/2013 07:30

hot soapy water
any old cloth
a squeegy

(and don't do it on a sunny day, as the dirty water evaporates too quickly leaving streaks.)

Delayingtactic · 05/05/2013 07:46

Window cleaner and newspaper. Honestly never ever leaves smears.

thegirliesmam · 05/05/2013 08:50

You need to work v quickly with window cleaner (soap will mpre often than not smear) and newspaper. Dont let the newspaper get very damp. The smears will be off the cloth/paper/duster getting wet, making it worse when you try and go over. Paper is good because one it is even the tiniest bit damp just use another piece. No expense on cloths, kitchen towel etc :)

hollyisalovelyname · 05/05/2013 22:43

I have that Karcher window vacuum. It's crapola!!! I've gone back to doing them by hand. Like i chucked fifty quid in the bin Hmm

Roshbegosh · 06/05/2013 09:25

Thanks Holly, you have saved me fifty quid.

sarahthesolicitor · 06/05/2013 10:51

Ecloths and water

Looped cloth to clean
Flat cloth to dry

Half price (£2.49) in Sainsburys at the moment and worth every penny.

toiletbrush · 06/05/2013 19:34

I'm a cleaner and have tried it all and have to agree that e-cloths, the polishing ones are fantastic. No smears and no need for any cleaning products.

ppeatfruit · 07/05/2013 11:31

Exactly toiletbrush The micro fibre cloths can be used damp or even dry sometimes they are ace!! Good for computer screens too Grin

ppeatfruit · 07/05/2013 11:32

In fact I have one next to my computer with my marigolds as we speak!

TheOneWindowCleaner · 16/07/2016 19:05

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Anjushank · 17/11/2018 07:35

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