I can't get my windows sparkling clean

**forHISglory** · 01-05-2008, 03:26 PM

I am having a problem cleaning my windows. We live in a solar home, so have 3 stories of windows facing due south. I'll clean them inside and out and they will look sparkling. Then when the sun hits them in the morning, I see the wipe marks all over the glass. After the sun gets higher, they look clean again. Then it's the same thing again in the evening when the sun starts to go down. It's like a certain angle of the sun makes the glass look awful and streaked.

I have tried many methods: windex (or generic complement), vinegar, water. I have used paper towels, cloth, special window cleaning papers. I don't use newspaper as the ink tends to leave dark marks on the white frames.

So if you have tried and true ways of cleaning windows so that no streaks are left, please help me out. Thanks!

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 01-05-2008, 04:29 PM

After you wash them and dry them try putting on a coat of Rain X. I find that helps to not only eliminate some streaking it helps to keep them from getting spotty too quickly. Also it makes the doggie nose prints on my sliders come off easier the next clean.

Laurie in Bradenton

**stinkbug** · 01-05-2008, 04:38 PM

You might also try using a squeegee to illiminate smears and streeks.

**emily_hope** · 01-05-2008, 05:24 PM

I am interested in hearing solutions to this problem myself. My windows are the same way. I think I have them clean and then the sun hits a certain way and you can see every wipe I made.

**Missy** · 01-05-2008, 05:39 PM

i wonder how window washers tdo it, the ones on scaffolding on sky scrapers...probably with the squeegee sponge combo thing.

if you figure it out, share it with us all!!

**zakity** · 01-05-2008, 09:21 PM

Have you tried amonia?

And, I know amonia is spelled incorrectly and I can not figure out how to spell it. I have a head cold and a sinus infection and I am being too lazy to dictionary.com it.

**forHISglory** · 01-05-2008, 09:56 PM

I've not tried ammonia. Do I use it straight? Cut it with water? Any tips in using ammonia? I've smelled it before and it's strong!

**zakity** · 01-05-2008, 09:59 PM

You just pour it in a spray bottle (and label it well) and spray on like you would the other stuff. I was always told to use newspapers with amonia.

**shortcake** · 01-05-2008, 10:03 PM

This might sound silly, but I would try washing them at the time of the day that you see the streaks the most. Using one of the methods the others have mentioned. That way you will probably be able to get them all since they are really visible.

**Stella** · 01-11-2008, 12:46 AM

We have the same problem with our sliding glass door. I finally had to take a hose and sponge to the outside and then do a final windex job. That was the only way for me to get mine streak-free.

Laurie, I will have to try Rain-ex on mine. We have LOTS of doggie nose prints on the lower portion.

**sdrjeolsen** · 01-11-2008, 12:50 AM

I like the rain-ex idea too. I use it on the shower doors, it works great to keep them from getting yucked up, its wonderful.

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-11-2008, 08:26 AM

I live and die by my window squeegee! We have 4 huge floor to ceiling windows in the front of our house, and without the squeegee, I would lose my darn mind, with 2 kids and a dog constantly touching the glass (and a neighbor, who enjoys putting his face up to the glass after I've cleaned it, just to grind my gears).

Anyhoo, I got mine at the dollar store for a buck. It is cheapo and plastic, but it has lasted about 4 years now, I think. I would certainly give it a try. It should leave you completely streak free!