Making a stain-free window cleaner with your own hands

Special washing cases

Special cases include pollution that cannot be dealt with without the use of chemicals. Complex contaminants appear as:

• dense bloom of soot;
• oily film;
• insects crashed on the windshield.

It is recommended that you purchase a cleaning agent that is designed to be cleaned from the inside. Such substances will not damage the elements of the vehicle interior, and, if necessary, they can be used for external cleaning. Auto chemicals are recommended for glass and mirrors, as they do not leave stains or streaks after using them. There is no ammonia in the composition of modern products.

Nicotine plaque

The elimination of nicotine plaque from the glass surface is carried out at a positive temperature. If it's freezing outside, you must first warm up the air in the cabin. If the temperature is below freezing, the car windows will not be clean after washing.

To eliminate nicotine plaque, the following are used:

• aerosol "Secunda";
• alcohol-containing substances for glass cleaning;
• detergent "Mister Muscle".

In the absence of the listed funds, the use of ordinary alcohol is allowed. Before applying to the surface, the substance must be diluted in water. Surface application is carried out using:

1. microfiber rags - rinse well after use, or discard.
2. a rubber rag is the most effective way, because when you buy it already contains a detergent;
3. paper towels or newspapers - must be changed periodically during use.

The washing procedure is the same for all substances. After diluting the substance, gently apply it to the surface and wash nicotine spots

Then gently wipe the glass surface with a cloth or rubber scraper. To prevent plaque from reappearing, the surface must be wiped regularly

Oil and fat

Oil and grease stains are easier to wash off immediately. If this type of contamination hardens, it is much more difficult to get rid of it. The most effective car glass cleaners against oil and grease:

• foamy detergent;
• ammonia.

The substance is applied to the stain, after which it is erased with:

• a wad of newspaper;
• faux suede rags.

If a newspaper is used, a new one is taken after it gets wet. The steps are repeated until the glass acquires a clean appearance. Newspaper is a good option because it cleans up greasy stains well and contains lead, which provides a polishing effect. Faux suede has similar features. Additionally, these materials reduce the risk of surface damage to a minimum.

Frosted glass

The frosted glass cleaning system is almost the same as cleaning ordinary windows in a car. For washing, ordinary water is used, which is applied to the surface of the stain, and left for a certain period. Then one of the following means is taken:

• a piece of suede rag;
• a piece of soft cloth;
• microfiber cloth.

Detergent is applied to the rag, after which the dirty surface is processed. Wash correctly with light, gentle movements. After washing, the matte finish is wiped off with a damp cloth and a dry cloth. This method helps to avoid divorce. Frosted glass doors are washed in the same way.

Difficult dirt is removed using:

• chalk composition;
• ammonia-water solution;
• water-vinegar mixture.

Folk methods

If the above methods do not suit you, use alternative methods. They are more efficient than mechanical methods and cheaper than chemical agents. Among the popular recipes are:

• solution based on ammonia;
• soda-based solution;
• a mixture of chalk, lime and caustic soda.

Ammonia

We moisten a piece of cloth with a solution of ammonia, and then wipe the dirt. As soon as the marks completely disappear, dry the place with a regular napkin. After the ammonia, the glass will shine like new.

We mix soda with water, until a pasty substance is obtained. Apply it to the damaged area and leave it on for a few minutes. We wash off the excess paste, and wipe the stain with a knife blade or scraper.

Lime, chalk and caustic soda

To prepare the solution, we take:

• 30 grams of lime;
• 10 grams of chalk;
• 10 grams of caustic soda.

We process the required area with the resulting substance and give it a few hours to dissolve the paint. We wipe off the excess with a damp cloth, and remove the remaining paint with a clerical knife.

Safe tools and tools

Use only soft cloths and tools, as the glass is very easy to damage

It is necessary to take care of frosted glass of doors, furniture sets, sinks using devices that are safe for covering.

Suitable for the surface:

• Synthetic suede rags. It has a multi-layer porous structure that allows it to absorb moisture well. Another plus is the absence of villi in the composition, so they do not remain on the matte surface.
• Microfiber cloths. They are comfortable, smooth and streak-free.
• Magnetic sponges. It is a device with a sponge and a scraper located on each side of it. They have a built-in magnet. Using the magnetic sponge, you can press the soft sponge well against the glass and ensure streak-free and free of dirt.
• Melamine sponge. They effectively clean dirty matt surfaces even without the use of a cleaning agent. The melamine sponge can also handle old greasy stains.

The steam mop is a tool that safely removes carbon and grease from matte surfaces, even if the stains are old. The attachments are made of microfiber, so you don't have to worry about the condition of the coating.

Safe household chemicals: how to choose

“Mister Muscle” effectively cleans glass surfaces

You can clean contaminated frosted glass on the door at home using household chemicals

When choosing them, you need to pay attention to the composition

To remove stains, do not use detergents that contain alkali, acids and silicone. Organic solvents and powders are also banned. All these substances erase the matte finish.

It is not recommended to use regular soap: it leaves a lot of streaks that are difficult to get rid of.

To wash off water deposits on glass, traces of stickers and grease, you can use the following chemicals:

• Glass liquids: "Mister Muscle", "Fratty Cleaner", "Clin".
• Dishwashing gels: Fairy, Gala, Pril, Cinderella.
• Universal cleaning agents for various surfaces. For frosted glass, such compositions as "Amway L.O.C.", "Profoam 3000" are safe.
• "Ajax" is a special tool for adding to a steam cleaner. It will help clean the glass, even if the dirt is old.

Folk remedies: their advantages and disadvantages

You can clean surfaces with a matte finish using folk methods. Their main advantages are the availability and safety of the composition. Although improvised means are inferior to industrial ones in efficiency, they still give results.

Popular ways:

• Laundry soap shavings. Grate half of the bar on a coarse grater and add a little soapy water to get a rich soapy solution. Moisten a soft sponge and wash the dirty surfaces. The composition copes with fresh greasy stains, therefore it is suitable for maintaining a matte oven door.
• Liquid soap with glycerin. Combine several tablespoons of liquid soap with a teaspoon of glycerin. Apply the composition on the surface, wait 10 minutes, then rub gently.The product is suitable for combating old grease stains.
• A vinegar solution. Combine half a glass of vinegar at a concentration of 9% with a liter of water. Put the container on the stove and warm it up under a closed lid to 50 degrees. Moisten a cloth or sponge in the solution, wipe the surfaces, then rinse with clean water and wipe the glass dry.
• A solution with citric acid. It is effective in removing limescale that often appears on shower doors. To prepare 20 g of acid, dissolve in 200 ml of warm water, mix. Pour the solution into a spray bottle, spray on the surface and leave for 15 minutes. Then wipe the door with a soft sponge, rinse with warm water.
• Composition with starch. Such a tool will cope with small dirt. Dip a spoonful with 18 g of potato starch into a liter of water, stir thoroughly. Wipe off glass elements, rinse with cold water, wipe dry.
• Composition with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. The components must be connected in equal proportions. Dip a sponge in the resulting composition and treat the contaminated areas. This product is suitable for cleaning fireplace glass.
• Paste for removing rusty deposits from frosted glass. Mix in equal proportions finely ground edible salt and lemon juice (in a tablespoon), apply to the area of ​​contamination without rubbing. Leave for 10 minutes, then remove and remove the rest with cool water. This product will also help to remove soot and burn-on from the fireplace glass.

When working with substances that are aggressive to the skin, such as vinegar and ammonia, you need to protect your hands with rubber gloves.

Mechanical method

The cheapest way that does not require any additional resources from the glass owner. The tools for its implementation are always at hand. The process of cleaning from paint does not consist of complex actions that require special skills or dexterity.

You will need:

• prepare a minimum set of tools;
• treat the surface stained with paint;
• follow directions exactly.

The disadvantage of this method is that it takes time to implement it.

Surface treatment

To remove paint stains that have stained your window opening, you must:

• treat the place of contamination with a degreasing liquid;
• moisten a piece of cloth with hot water;
• fix it on the spot;
• wait 10-15 minutes until hot water softens the stain.

What you may need

While the hot water soaks the stain, prepare any item from the following list:

They are equally effective against paint stains, and the only condition they must meet is the sharpness of the cutting edge. A dull product will not solve the problem and may damage the glass by leaving scratches on it.

When choosing a knife to remove dirt from a glass surface, pay attention to the following nuances:

• the blade should not be too long, otherwise it will be inconvenient for them to work;
• the more flexible the knife, the easier it is to peel off the paint.

Experienced builders recommend using a clerical knife for these purposes. Its blade is flexible enough and easily adjustable in length.

Razor

The razor acts as an analogue of a clerical knife, with the same result removing dried paint drips. The razor must be handled carefully so as not to break the blade during cleaning.

Metal scraper

If there is no suitable knife and razor in the house, use a metal scraper. If you are renovating an apartment, such a thing should always be at hand. The scraper is less comfortable than the above products, but with the proper skill, it will provide similar results.

Work technology

The technology for performing work to remove traces from glass surfaces is quite simple and effective. You will need:

• apply the sharp edge of a knife or razor to the paint drip;
• gently press against the glass;
• remove traces from the working surface with smooth movements.

Do not try to remove the entire stain in one stroke.Chip off small pieces and wipe off the rest with a damp cloth and soapy water.

Prevention of contamination

When painting, preparation is the most important step in the process, making it quicker and easier to clean after painting. If the furniture cannot be removed from the room, move it to the center of the room, cover it with oilcloth. Do the same for wall radiators - a thorough coating will eliminate the need for complicated cleaning.

Expert opinion
Natalia Osadchaya

When painting the ceiling, do not forget to cover the lighting fixtures; be careful that the lamp does not burn the oilcloth.

It is better to cover the floor with a double layer, and the 2nd layer, ideally, should be made of a more durable material. Place cardboard boxes or old sheets on the oilcloth so that the remaining plaster does not turn into dirt. This cardboard or fabric layer also prevents the oilcloth from tearing when using stirrups.

It is enough to cover the glass on the windows, it is easier to clean the primer from the window frames and from the door (it is better to cover the MDF door linings, they can be easily damaged during cleaning). Covering the frames takes a long time and also makes it impossible to open the windows.

Scraping paintwork

If there is a need to update wooden frames, then prepare the surfaces before painting. The wood needs to be cleaned so that it is even, without pieces of flaking paint. Then the new window coating will not peel off after a short time.

The most common construction tool used for this purpose is the spatula.

Sometimes a metal sponge is used for dishes. It allows you to clean the window surfaces at the end of the main work.

When wood frames are first painted, it is likely that the factory coating was polyurethane paint. In this case, before cleaning the frame, wipe it with soapy water and sandpaper. Then you can apply a special primer so that the paint adheres better to the window.

Burning old paint from the window frame is considered a rather interesting method. Using a special balloon, the coating layer is heated with a flame. Next, the wooden frames are cleaned with a spatula, and the remaining irregularities are removed with coarse sandpaper. Before painting, cracks in the wood are putty and cleaned with a grinder.

Basic rules for washing windows

Rain and snow, dusty wind, condensation, tobacco smoke, insect marks and fingerprints, children's play with paints and felt-tip pens are the main causes of window glass contamination. Ideally, windows should be washed every three months. Ground floor dwellers may need to clean more frequently, while perfectionists and meticulous cleanliness seekers may repeat cleaning procedures even more frequently. Regardless of how often you wash your windows, it is better to follow a number of simple rules:

when is the best time to wash windows? The ideal time for cleaning is cool, calm and cloudy weather. The fact is that at high temperatures, the detergent will dry too quickly, and you will not have time to wipe it off so that no streaks remain. The same goes for a windy day. The bright sun will cause glare, which can interfere with the quality assessment of the washing result;

what is the best way to wash windows? It is better to start washing windows by sorting out the deposits of things on the windowsill, if any. Then you can remove the curtains and send them to the wash. Don't forget blinds and mosquito nets. The next step is washing the window sill and window frames. It is better not to use soda and other abrasive products for these purposes - both plastic and wood can be damaged. A soapy solution based on laundry detergent, dishwashing gel or laundry soap is ideal. To heighten the effect, you can add a few drops of ammonia. The frames are thoroughly wiped with soapy foam, and then the foam is washed off with water.You can act with a sponge, in the most difficult places you can use its hard part. The main dust and dirt from the windows can be removed with the same soapy water and a sponge, and only after that proceed to using the main detergent (purchased or homemade). If you are careful to keep your windows clean, you can use the main remedy right away. It is better to start washing windows from the inside.

When washing plastic windows, special attention is paid to seals, drainage holes and metal fittings - a brush may be needed for high-quality cleaning;

what tools do you need? Container (basin or bucket) for detergent solution and water. You will also need a sponge, a piece of dry cloth or a microfiber napkin (the main thing is that there are no fibers left on the window from the material)

Many people find it convenient to use a special wiper. This is a jig with a sponge on one side and a collar on the other. The handle can usually be lengthened so that hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned much easier. Of course, detergent is the main thing that we need in the fight against streaks and dirt. It is best to apply the detergent to the glass with a spray bottle, but you can use a sponge;

which remedy to choose, industrial or homemade? The shelves in supermarkets and household chemicals stores are literally littered with special products that promise the perfect result in the form of streak-free transparent glasses with minimal effort. Not all tools are as effective as advertisements promise, but many do very well with their responsibilities. Not so long ago (many remember that time well) there was no special chemistry, so the housewives used improvised glass cleaning products, and it must be admitted that the windows in the apartments were no less transparent than they are now. Folk recipes mean the absence of toxic and allergic substances and good savings, because all the ingredients can be found at home. The result will be no worse than when using store products.

With ready-made products, everything is clear: you need to make a choice based on reviews or your own instinct, apply to glass, wash them and evaluate the result. The choice of products is huge. Folk recipes are a whole storehouse of knowledge. If you are afraid of unnecessary hassle, we hasten to please you: it is generally easy to prepare a window cleaner at home. As a rule, it is enough to mix several components, and then proceed as with a store-bought product.

Note that if a soap or a composition that requires rinsing is used, then the procedure will be as follows: a solution is applied, the surface is wiped with a sponge, all foam is removed with a screed from top to bottom, the glass is washed with clean water, then you can walk again with the screed, and now it remains to wipe dry glass with a rag, paper towels, or newspaper.

Features of stainless steel

Housewives do not in vain choose saucepans, pots, kettles made of stainless steel. Cookware made of high quality alloy (chrome, nickel, steel) has advantages over products from other materials.

Corrosion resistant

Chromium, which is part of the alloy, forms a film on the surface that protects the metal from corrosion. The anti-corrosion layer is constantly being renewed.

Strength and durability

The alloy (X18H10) is highly durable. The dishes made from it are not subject to deformation. The steel surface is not afraid of mechanical damage.

Heat resistance

Stainless steel cookware is designed for a wide temperature range. It can be safely placed in the freezer, oven.

Environmental friendliness

There is no place for harmful microorganisms on the smooth, polished surface. Food cooked in stainless steel dishes does not contain harmful impurities, there are no extraneous tastes and odors in it.

Versatility

Stainless steel models are available for gas, induction and electric stoves. The hob of the latter can be of any type:

• pancakes-burners;
• Hi-light;
• glass ceramics.

Industrial detergents

If folk remedies do not help get rid of contamination, you can use industrial detergents.

Laundry soap

Laundry soap, which is found in almost every home, will help to clean the door with frosted glass. To prepare a soapy solution, a bar of soap is grated, added to a bowl, and poured over with water. Then the mixture is stirred until the soap is completely dissolved. The solution is applied to the dirty surface with a rag in a circular motion. If solutions remain on the glass, it is washed again and wiped off with dry napkins.

Dishwashing liquid

There are special products that are used for washing dirty dishes. They are also suitable for cleaning frosted glass. They are applied to the door and rubbed with a sponge. After 5-10 minutes, the rest of the cleaning solution is washed off with water.

Glass products

If the above cleaning methods do not help get rid of the dirt, you will have to use glass cleaners.

"Mister Muscle"

It is a popular detergent used for cleaning dirty glass. It is easy to use "Mister Muscle", for this it is sprayed onto the product and rubbed with a sponge. Then the treated surface is washed again with water and dried so that there are no traces of stains.

Clin

Most often, this detergent composition is used to clean household appliances and kitchen furniture from stubborn grease stains. However, experts advise using Clin for cleaning door glass. The detergent composition is sprayed onto the matte finish and after fifteen minutes it is wiped off with a dry or damp cloth.

Help

To clean doors, Help detergent is often used, which contains components that effectively fight even old grease stains. This liquid is stirred in warm water, after which the glass is washed with the mixture. Apply the product with a sponge.

Fratty Cleaner

Fratty Cleaner can be used to clean porcelain, crystal, silver, mirrors and regular glass surfaces. The advantages of such a detergent include the fact that it not only removes dirt, but also gives the treated coating an antistatic effect.

IKeep

It is an effective detergent composition that does not use toxic substances. The product has disinfecting properties and therefore all microbes are removed from the treated glass during cleaning. During use, IKeep is evenly applied to the door. The liquid is rubbed with a sponge or napkins.

Ecover

It is an effective product that comes in the form of a liquid cream. Ecover is able to remove limescale, rust stains, grease marks and dust from dirty surfaces. Most often it is used for cleaning sinks or bathtubs. However, some housewives use it to treat stained glass. The cream is applied to the surface and left on it for half an hour. Then the remaining liquid is washed off with some water.

Ajax super effect

This composition is used if traces of fat are visible on the glass surface. When using Ajax Super Effect, the agent is applied to the dirty area. After that, a dry cloth is moistened in water to wash off the remains of the detergent composition.

"Second" for window panes

To clean a tile, glass table, mirror or crystal, you can use "Seconds". This cleaner is popular with housewives as it leaves no residue after use. It removes fingerprints, dirt and grease from surfaces.

Cif

It is a versatile product that is suitable for cleaning all surfaces. The liquid is sold in a container with a sprayer through which it must be sprayed. First, the Cif is applied to the surface, after which it is wiped off with a paper towel.

Pril

This detergent is available for washing dishes, but it contains components that can clean the frosted glass from dirt. Pril is evenly applied to the dirty area with a sponge, after which the solution is removed with a dry cloth. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times until the surface is completely clean.

The best glass cleaning sprays

Most housewives prefer to buy glass cleaning sprays, they are convenient to apply to various surfaces, and then wash with one stroke of a soft cloth.

Clin "Windows and Mirrors" - to keep the glasses clean longer

5.0

★★★★★
editorial estimate

98%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

Clin Windows & Mirrors - isopropyl alcohol based glass cleaning spray. The special formula does not require polishing and does not leave streaks, and also creates a water-repellent invisible film that allows the glass to stay clean longer.

The manufacturer offers a choice of lemon or apple scent. The liquid is sold in a 500 ml plastic bottle. There are special notches on it so that the bottle does not slip in the hand during cleaning. The handy spray is childproof and has a foam nozzle.

Pros:

• convenient and practical bottle;
• there is a choice of flavors;
• 2 spray options;
• does not require polishing;
• water-repellent formula;
• leaves no residue.

Minuses:

difficulties during the first use.

Many have trouble opening the bottle for the first time. The drawn instructions on the packaging on how to turn off the child protection system and bring the sprayer into working condition is not very clear. Although here it is enough to simply turn the cap 180 degrees.

Mr. Muscle with ammonia - popular glass cleaner

5.0

★★★★★
editorial estimate

94%
buyers recommend this product

Mr. Muscle is a spray designed for cleaning glass surfaces. Thanks to the liquid ammonia included in the composition, the liquid easily copes with oil stains, soot and other contaminants.

The hostesses write in the reviews that they also successfully use Mr. Muscle for cleaning stainless or chrome-plated household appliances, tiles and metal furniture. The spray is easy to wipe off without leaving streaks or film on the surface.

The 500 ml clear plastic bottle allows you to monitor the level of the remaining liquid, and the fine dispersion spray ensures an economical use of the product and does not leave smudges on the glass.

Pros:

• affordable price (140 rubles per bottle);
• presented in most stores;
• does not leave streaks;
• low consumption;
• convenient application without smudges;
• transparent bottle.

Minuses:

Strong smell.

Due to the pungent smell, Mr. Muscle is recommended for use in ventilated areas.

Cinderella "Spring Flowers" - an excellent budget tool

4.9

★★★★★
editorial estimate

90%
buyers recommend this product

Cinderella "Spring Flowers", despite the low price, effectively copes with dirt of various origins and does not leave marks on the glass after application. Also, the product is suitable for cleaning plastic profiles, which means that when washing windows, no additional cleaners are required.

The light pink liquid has a not too harsh floral scent. The clear plastic bottle has finger recesses to prevent the spray from slipping in your hands. The atomizer is convenient and reliable. A couple of clicks are enough to clean the mirror.

Pros:

• low cost (up to 70 rubles for 500 ml);
• pleasant aroma;
• economical;
• suitable for plastic surfaces;
• removes dirt well.

Minuses:

not sold in all stores.

Cinderella "Spring Flowers" is a budget cleaner that is not inferior in quality to more expensive counterparts.

Trying to wash old greasy stains

As already mentioned, old greasy marks are much more difficult to remove than fresh ones. Therefore, we will consider possible options for how to remove a greasy stain that has time to dry out and get old.

Laundry soap with black ground pepper

If you find old stains on the matte finish, it is unlikely that anyone can get by with the use of detergent, as this requires a special approach. In order to effectively clean the stubborn dirt that appeared a week or a month ago, the following method will help:

1. You should take a foam rubber sponge, 72% laundry soap and some powdered black pepper.
2. It is recommended to thoroughly lather the sponge with soap and sprinkle 2-3 grams of black pepper on it (this is about half a small spoon), apply all this to the affected area and rub until the fat disappears completely.
3. At the end of the treatment, all soap stains should be removed with clean water.

Vinegar

But they also get rid of dirt on a matte surface by using a vinegar solution, which is prepared by mixing a glass of water with one tablespoon of 9% table vinegar. All affected areas are treated with the resulting mixture. At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to remove all stains with clean water.

Melamine sponge

Melamine sponges were invented in China and are in incredible demand among modern Russian women. The cost of such a sponge is quite acceptable, and the result of its use is impressive to everyone. With its help, you can easily get rid of even traces of perennial fat on any frying pan or saucepan, not to mention the matte finish of the glass. Let's take a look at how to remove grease marks on glass using this Chinese tool:

1. It is recommended to wet the melamine sponge with water first.
2. Then make scrubbing movements on the affected areas until all the greasy marks completely disappear.

For information on how to conduct preliminary testing for the interaction of the processed glass and the selected tool, see the following video: