I am a rather lazy house keeper and have not done my outside windows for many years. Today, in order to better view the hummingbirds, I tried to get the grime off of one of the windows. I tried SIX times with Windex and some of the grime remains. Is there anything stronger than Windex?
---MIKE---
I have good luck using _Sudsy Detergent Ammonia_ and warm water (Dollar store).
You can also try Vinegar.
-- Oren
"I didn?t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you."
used to clean windows in a school.used 1 vinegar,1 ammonia and 1 liquid soap.
go to the automotive section of any store and buy a "automotive" glass cleaner. THey come under variuos names. They are super window cleaners.
Sometimes buffing with a sheet of newspaper as a final step helps also.
If its a double pane window, make sure the grime is on the outside. THeres nothing you can do if the dirt is between the two panes of glass.
---MIKE---
In my experience, 409 Window & Glass Cleaner (the purple stuff) beats Windex hands down.
I had a heck of time trying to clean my windows, until I tried Zap! Glass and Surface Cleaner. I got it at the Dollar General Store. It costs about $1.50 for a 32 oz. spray bottle. It works great getting that film off of the windows.
Bill Gill
For me just buying and using a cheap half gallon jug of Sudsy_Detergent_Ammonia works fine for home and auto. I've used it to clean inside homes and vehicles with heavy smokers. It really cleans up the road grime on a windshield. I dilute it on the strong side.
Used with a micro fiber cloth; you'll see nice clean windows.
-- Oren
..through the use of electrical or duct tape, achieve the configuration in the photo..
on 8/9/2007 1:33 PM ---MIKE--- said the following:
Only a woman knows what is the best window cleaner. I recently bought a window cleaner in Sam's Club that came in an aerosol bottle. It's called "Invisible Glass" made by Stoner (whoever that is). My wife says it is better than Windex. I'm gonna take her word for it (the alternative is not pleasant). :-).
She's right. Stoner stuff is easier to find at your FLAPS than a general department store. Also, nothing beats using 0000 steel wool with the cleaner of your choice, assuming that your windows are uncoated glass. I've done the steel wool on many a windshield that was previously impossible to see through; it'll get out everything except the pits.
nate
Many years ago I took this tip out of a magazine, and I've never used anything else. It works wonderfully.
In a bucket, combine 1/4 cup liquid diswasher detergent and 1 tablespoon Jet-Dry brand dishwasher rinse agent for every gallon of hot water. Apply to windows with a soft brush, or terry dishtowel, and then hose off. The water sheets up and rolls off without streaking, and with no wiping and no drying.
It really works, you'll be amazed. :-)
Cheri
on 8/9/2007 4:07 PM Cheri said the following:
I'd be amazed if my wife hosed off the inside of the windows. :-)
on 8/9/2007 4:07 PM Cheri said the following:
When I was a kid (b. 1937), my mother used a vinegar and water mix and cleaned with regular newspaper. This was before any commercial window cleaners were available. It still works pretty good.
LOL, yes...there is that. However, it could be a great way to get the other spouse to take over window washing duties in the future. ;-)
Cheri
on 8/9/2007 4:45 PM Cheri said the following:
I doubt that. Men would live in a cave if they had their druthers. :-)
i wouldn't recommend the razor. the final cleanup crew on my house used that, and left large scratches, and since they were lawsuit-proof, i am still looking at the scratches and cursing.
Good stuff!
"---MIKE---" wrote
When in doubt, Dow Scrubbing Bubbles. Spray it on in a thin layer and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, wipe it down. This is not for regular window cleaning but for a really bad case.
nancy
Vinegar will remove the hard water deposits. Now if the window/glass are etched by the deposit of calcium - forget it.
Vinegar and elbow grease cleans the over spray of irrigation on our vehicles. I wish desert rain would not deposit dirt on my fresh washed ride :-))
-- Oren
"If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me."
Hoo, boy, I'm going to acid test some of these. I have large windows that the previous owner let hard irrigation water dry on. White streaks. I tried TSP, Windex, 409, ammnoia, vinegar, and nothing works. I may try just a flat razor.
But I'm going to try some of these and see. I own the windows from hell.
Steve
Tried 'em all and found Zep Window cleaner, sold in Home Depot the best.
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