I wouldn't mind washing windows if they looked good when I was done.

[enough]

Every time I wash windows, I remember why I don't do it very often. Too frustrating. You can work with the best will in the world, the windows can sparkle inside and out, and then the next time the sun shines directly on them, you see the streaks and smudges.

Anybody have advice for window-washing techniques/products/tools that actually work? I'm washing old-fashioned windows with small panes and mullions.

Desperate......thanks!

[Arkansas Granny]

1. I like to use a vinegar and water solution.

I can't give exact measurements, but maybe a quarter cup vinegar to a half gallon of water. After washing, dry with a lint free cloth. Others suggest using a crumpled sheet of newspaper to dry the windows. They say there's something about the ink that makes the windows shine.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. what Granny said

the trick is to go over the window with crumpled newspaper till it's completely dry.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. My secret is crumpled newspaper also.

It doesn't seem to matter what I use as the cleaning solution, if I don't use newspaper to dry and buff the windows, they are streaked. I have finally settled on using ammonia for windows because, like you, I don't do them often and they are pretty dirty and greasy by the time I wash them, and ammonia is one of the few things that cuts all the grease.

I also learned this years ago when I had a whole bank of windows and sliding glass doors: for the outside windows that this is possible to do, just use a sponge with a bucket of water with dishwashing liquid and wash down the windows, then just hose it all down. The windows sparkle and no streaks. Too bad it can't be used inside! But at least it does make the job one half easier on those windows.

I feel for you with the small panes and mullions. I have one door with windows like that, and it is a lot of work---especially all the corners you have to deal with.

[enough]

4. Thanks everybody!

I've been using the vinegar solution. Going to try the newspapers and see how that goes.

If anybody hears about a miracle cure, let me know!

[blue neen]

5. I have a friend who uses vodka to clean windows!

It can just be the cheap stuff. We tried it on the car windshield, and it did a great job!

[Lugnut]

6. I use a squeegee.

I used to have individual pane windows like yours but we had them replaced with Thermopanes almost 20 years ago. I've used a squeegee on both window types and the streaks are gone.

[Flying Squirrel]

7. For just a few windows a crumpled up newspaper is ok...

But for a bunch of em, a squeegee is much quicker and easier. The trick is this: Also carry a clean rag with you. Begin by wiping your squeegee clean with the rag. Then use the tip of the squeegee to wipe the very top edge of the window clean (about 1/4 inch strip) after you have sprayed the window and used the sponge side of the squeegee. Wipe your squeegee clean again, then pull straight down from top to bottom. Wipe squeegee clean once again and repeat, slightly overlapping strokes about 2 inches and making sure to wipe squeegee clean after each stroke (change rag once in awhile if it gets too dirty.) On the outside you may be able to get away with just hosing them down after using sponge side - if not, at least they will come cleaner when u go back over them with the squeegee method.

[RILib]

8. water, paper towels

Works for me. I wash an amazing amount of stuff, like the kitchen floor, with just water. Don't tell anyone.

[LaydeeBug]

9. Newspaper and Invisible Glass<<<---that stuff's amazing. nt