Streak-free glass and windows
Streaks on glass usually come from one of three things: too much product, a cloth that leaves lint, or a surface that dried before it could be buffed. A diluted white vinegar solution addresses the first, microfiber addresses the second, and timing handles the third.
A basic glass solution
Mix roughly one part white vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle. The dilution is enough to cut light film and water spots without leaving a strong odour. For glass with greasy fingerprints, a single drop of dish soap can be added, though too much soap is itself a common cause of streaking.
Cloth choice matters
- Use a flat-weave microfiber cloth for the final buff; it leaves far less lint than paper towel.
- Keep one cloth slightly damp for cleaning and a second dry cloth for drying.
- Wash microfiber without fabric softener, which coats the fibres and reduces their grip.
Technique
- Wipe away loose dust first so it does not turn to muddy streaks once wet.
- Spray lightly; the surface should be damp, not running.
- Wipe in one direction with the damp cloth, then buff dry with the second cloth.
- Check at an angle against the light and touch up any remaining marks.
Cold-weather timing: On a cold day, a solution sprayed on an exterior window can dry or even freeze before it is wiped, locking in streaks. Work on smaller sections, choose the warmer part of the day, and keep the dilution light so less liquid sits on the glass.
Where to be careful
Avoid spraying solution directly onto framed mirrors and the edges of insulated glass units, since liquid that seeps behind the seal or into a frame can cause damage over time. Spray the cloth instead and wipe inward from the edges.
For the reasoning behind using vinegar as a mild acid, see baking soda and vinegar, used correctly. Floor-specific notes are in natural floor care.