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Streak-Free Windows

House Doctor | Gary Dymski
March 6, 2003

Q. I'm having a hard time getting my outside windows cleaned. There seems to be a film and spots remaining after cleaning. We have tried different cleaning agents, towels, newspaper, etc. and nothing seems to help. After cleaning windows and mirrors inside, we seem to have a film remaining. It's very noticeable when the sun streams in. Help. I love clean, sparkling windows and mirrors, and my husband doesn't mind doing windows, but he is getting frustrated. -Evelyn Bass, Glen Cove

A. My grandmother, mother and mother-in-law never used commercial window cleaners, and we rarely use them at our house. We find the old-time window cleaning solutions, mixtures of white vinegar, ammonia, cornstarch, rubbing alcohol and warm water work best. I'm sure there are several variations, but this works for our house.

To clean windows indoors or out, try a half-cup each of white vinegar and ammonia in about a 1 1/2 gallons of warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. When outdoors in subfreezing temperatures, add a couple of tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. This will keep the solution from freezing.

Another suggestion: Use paper coffee filters to dry the windows. Several readers over the years have told me that this is the best way to wipe the windows streak-free. The filters work better than old newspapers.

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