Getting Streak-Free Windows
Streaky windows are almost always a technique or tool problem — not a product problem. Ontario homeowners spend money on premium glass cleaners when the issue is that they're cleaning in direct sunlight, using paper towels, or leaving cleaner on the glass too long. The method matters more than the product.
What Causes Streaks
- Direct sunlight: Sunlight causes the cleaner to dry before you can wipe it off, leaving residue. Clean windows in the morning or on overcast days
- Paper towels: Paper towels leave lint and fibres. Use a microfibre cloth or a squeegee
- Too much product: A light mist is enough. Excess cleaner requires more wiping to remove, creating more streaks
- Dirty cloths: A cloth with accumulated residue from previous cleaning sessions redistributes grime
The Squeegee Method (Best for Large Windows)
- Wet the window with a sponge or applicator dampened with glass cleaner or a dilute dish soap solution
- Starting at the top corner, pull the squeegee across the window in a single overlapping stroke
- Wipe the squeegee blade after each stroke
- Dry the edges with a microfibre cloth
The Microfibre Method (Best for Smaller Windows)
- Spray a light mist of glass cleaner on the window
- Wipe in an S-pattern from top to bottom — not in circles
- Buff dry with a second clean, dry microfibre cloth
Ontario-Specific Note
Ontario's cold winters mean window condensation and ice can leave mineral deposits. For mineral staining, white vinegar applied with a cloth and left to dwell for a few minutes dissolves calcium deposits before cleaning.