Cleaning the windows at home is one of those chores that almost no one looks forward to. Part of the reason is that it can potentially take hours to clean both the inside and outside of every window in the house. It can also be extremely difficult to get windows fully clean, with the glass often ending up looking hazy and not really any cleaner than before.
What “Hazy” Windows Usually Mean
The hazy appearance you can get after cleaning your windows can come from several different things. For instance, if you don’t fully wash off the cleaning product, you can end up with a film or residue on the glass. If you don’t use proper cleaning techniques, you can just spread all of the grime around instead of fully removing it. Hard water minerals can also leave spots that make the glass look somewhat hazy.
The Most Common Reason: Cleaning Product Residue
One of the main reasons why DIY window cleaning doesn’t always produce good results is that you’re using the wrong tools, techniques, or glass cleaner. The biggest mistakes many people make in this regard are using too much spray or not fully removing the cleaner. This results in the cleaner leaving behind a dull film. When sunlight hits the glass at the right angle, the film catches the light and makes the glass look dingy and cloudy.
Hard Water Spots and Mineral Buildup
When cleaning your windows, it’s crucial to use a squeegee or rag to get rid of all of the water before it dries. If water dries on the glass, it can leave behind mineral deposits that create a haze. This problem is especially common in areas with hard water that contains a high concentration of minerals. Mineral deposits are quite hard and often can’t be removed with normal wiping, meaning you may need to use a special cleaning product and quite a bit of elbow grease to get rid of them.
Dirt, Dust, and Outdoor Buildup Can Smear Instead of Lift Off
Dust, pollen, salt, and other outdoor contaminants can be difficult to wash off glass. If you don’t use the right method and cleaning product, you may just smear everything around and create a cloudy finish. Pollen can be especially difficult to tackle due to how sticky it is and how much of it there can be on the outside of the window.
Why DIY Technique Often Leaves Streaks and Haze
If your windows look worse in direct sunlight than they did before you tried to clean them, it means that you’re not cleaning them in the right way. Uneven pressure when washing the windows, using dirty towels and tools, or not using the squeegee properly can all lead to streaking and an overall poor result. Professional cleaners prevent streaks by applying even pressure when washing and squeegeeing and by using a consistent squeegee angle. Wiping the blade of the squeegee after each pass is also essential for avoiding spreading grime around.
How to Fix Hazy Windows at Home
Some of the biggest keys to preventing and overcoming hazy windows include using clean microfiber cloths and not overusing window cleaner. You also want to make sure to dry the windows thoroughly to avoid water spots and mineral deposits. In this regard, it’s important that you work in the right conditions, which generally means not cleaning your windows in the middle of the day when the glass is much warmer. If you have issues with hard water spots on any windows, you’ll usually need to gently scrub the glass with a sponge. Spraying the glass with vinegar can also help, as the vinegar dissolves the minerals so that they’re easier to wipe off.
When the Problem Is Beyond Basic DIY Cleaning
If your windows are overly hazy and you’re finding it tough to ever get them fully clean, you may need to enlist the help of a professional. Issues like a heavy buildup of debris film or etched mineral residue can be tough to tackle without specialized tools, techniques, and the right know-how. It can also be extremely difficult to keep hard-to-reach exterior glass fully clean without professional help.
Why Hiring a Professional Window Cleaning Service Gets Better Results
If you’re tired of your windows just looking “less dirty” after you clean them, it’s well worth hiring a professional window cleaner. Professionals have better tools at their disposal and are trained to use proven methods that provide the best results. They also have equipment to safely access hard-to-reach windows so that you don’t have to risk injuring yourself trying to clean them on your own. Another benefit of hiring a professional is that you save yourself the time that you could put to much better use.
Get Truly Clear Windows With Big City Window Cleaners
At Big City Window Cleaners, our family-owned company is the name to trust for residential window cleaning in Los Angeles and LA County. We have same-day availability and highly trained teams that produce quality results every time. Our company is fully licensed and insured, and we’re proud to have earned the title of Best Window Cleaning Company in Los Angeles multiple times.
If your DIY efforts continually result in haze, streaks or hard water spots, contact us to schedule professional window cleaning and brighten your home’s appearance.
