Modern cleaning materials are so strikingly different from Soviet gray rags that one cannot even dare to call them so disparagingly. But we will step over ourselves, since many of you, out of habit, are looking on the Internet for information specifically about rags, meaning by rags effective absorbent napkins and mops.
In this article we will organize a real battle of modern rags. Let's find out which ones are best used for wiping surfaces, which ones are best for wet and dry cleaning of floors, which ones are best for car care, and which ones are best not to buy.
Cheap means useless: a few words in defense of ordinary rags
Let's get this straight - we're not trying to convince you that you should only buy fancy microfiber cloths. Soviet gray rags made from batting can also be useful to you, as well as budget wiping material made from cheap waffle fabric.
From left to right - batting rag and waffle fabric
► Short-lived batting, for example, perfectly absorbs large volumes of water. A cheap cotton rag for 30-50 rubles (rags) is useful for cleaning large volumes of dirty liquid, in which you are unlikely to want to stain an effective absorbent microfiber cloth for 100-1000+ rubles.
► Thin waffle fabric will not “survive” even one wash in a washing machine, but due to the low price of 20-30 rubles per linear meter, this shortcoming can be easily forgiven. As well as the inability to wipe surfaces without streaks and residual wet marks. Because with its help you will remove up to 90% of contaminants dissolved in water using the “wet” method, simplifying the task with a microfiber cloth for 100-1000+ rubles.
Napkins made of batting and waffle fabric are the best option for the initial cleaning of contaminated surfaces. They will not serve you for long, but will help to significantly extend the “life” of much more expensive wipes for final wiping of surfaces.
Watch our video in which we tested cleaning wipes made from 8 different materials:
What are they?
Window cleaning involves more than just cleaning the glass. The frames and window sills also need to be put in order. In addition to the usual rags and sponges, you can use special purchased rags for cleaning.
Synthetic suede
The faux suede napkin has an embossed pattern, giving the material volume and corrugation. This fabric is characterized by high density and rigidity, coping with dirt no worse than a scraper. Ultra suede is well known to car enthusiasts as it helps keep the car clean.
Material composition - multilayer material has many advantages:
- the texture is porous, thanks to which it absorbs moisture well;
- both sides of such a napkin are working, so when washing the window, you can simply turn the rag over;
- You don’t have to rinse the napkin often, since both sides are used;
- the synthetic composition does not leave lint on the glass.
The peculiarity of the application is the need for storage in a damp state in a special plastic package. If you do not follow this rule, the surface will become hard. Despite the fact that the material is wet, such a cloth allows you to wipe the surface dry and is suitable for rubbing.
Microfiber
Not every microfiber cloth is ideal for cleaning windows. Their surface should be sufficiently dense and smooth. One of the good options is offered by the domestic one.
Using such equipment is very simple:
- Moisten the napkin.
- Squeeze out excess moisture.
- Wipe the glass.
This option is suitable for regular cleaning, but may not cope with serious dirt and neglected windows. Another disadvantage is the high cost for a quality product. When using a cheap analogue, the effect is much lower.
Sponge
The option of using a sponge is quite popular . This device allows you to apply a generous amount of detergent to the window and distribute it well.
This method will help in cases where the glass is in poor condition and needs to be soaked.
Another advantage is low cost. You can use any sponge, even a cheap one. But it is better to give preference to the one that does not have a hard side that can damage the frame or seal.
There are also disadvantages. A porous spongy surface is not able to wipe the surface dry , much less add shine. For these purposes, you will need to use either another napkin of a different type, or a squeegee.
Cotton
Cotton napkins are a fairly expensive option for rags for cleaning windows. They differ in size, absorb liquid well, and can be used several times.
But they are not very suitable for washing glass , as they quickly become wet and cannot help with adding shine. Most often, this type of rag is used for cleaning floors.
Latex
Latex wipes are another rag option that can be used for cleaning windows. This method is suitable only at the first stage - when applying the cleaning composition to the glass. Cleaning and adding shine will have to be done with other rags.
Latex can be used repeatedly. Washing napkins is allowed, but not in hot water.
For glass, such napkins are rarely used , since they cannot cope with all types of dirt, and do not even eliminate fingerprints.
Viscose, cellulose
Viscose napkins are only suitable for applying cleaning composition to glass.
They are not intended for dry use. The material does not damage the surface, but is not able to make windows shine .
Napkins made from cellulose and viscose are not very durable. They may tear when twisted. If you leave such rags wet, fungus will quickly settle on them.
Rags
Using pieces of fabric and old items is one of the common options for rags for cleaning windows. If the choice is made in favor of rags, then not every material will do.
You need to choose a lint-free fabric that absorbs moisture well and does not fade . Optimally - light cotton or linen.
Synthetics are not suitable for these purposes, as they do not have sufficient absorbency and can only smear dirt and not remove it.
Using a rag, you can easily apply a glass cleaning agent. In order to wipe the surface dry, and even more so to give the glass a shine, you will need to use several rags, constantly replacing the wet one with a dry one. Additionally, squeezing can be applied.
What rags are best for dusting and washing floors?
Modern rags for floor cleaning are called mops, and housewives simply call them replaceable mop heads. More than 80% of mops are made of microfiber, the rest are mixed (cotton with polyester) or synthetic/natural (acrylic or cotton).
Microfiber attachments, compared to cleaning cloths, have thicker fibers, from which solid or cut loops are formed. Some nozzles have abrasive inclusions designed to remove dried-on dirt. On sale you can also find advanced mops with polyamide slip strips for quickly washing smooth surfaces.
Looped microfiber nozzles with loops of different lengths are designed for washing floor coverings. For dry cleaning of floors and dusting of walls, we recommend using mops with long split loops made of acrylic or cotton and polyester.
► Note: the mop can be attached to the working platform of the mop using two pockets, Velcro, “ears” or buttons.
1 - split acrylic, 2 - split cotton-polyester, 3 - universal split microfiber, 4 - loop microfiber with slip stripes, 5 - microfiber with medium-length loops, 6, 7 and 8 - combined loop, 9 - Kentucky, 10 - abrasive
Read more about modern mops and mops in our large article “Washing floors correctly: life hacks for wet cleaning and choosing equipment.”
Select an option
Each housewife chooses the best option for herself , guided by the following factors:
- price;
- duration of service;
- ease of use;
- the duration of the window cleaning process itself.
The cheapest option is to use rags or sponges. But the window cleaning process will in this case take longer than when using a microfiber cloth or artificial suede.
Store-bought rags for cleaning windows - artificial suede and microfiber - have a fairly long service life . But only if you purchase quality products.
Latex, cellulose, cotton and rayon are impractical choices, especially when you need to clean quickly, thoroughly, and with just a rag.
Types of materials from which cleaning wipes are made
Cleaning the house is a daily and labor-intensive task. To make it easier, manufacturers have created special napkins. Today in stores you can find a large assortment of this product. The area of application differs depending on the material. Therefore, let's look at this issue in more detail.
- Cellulose . The main feature of such products is a high degree of liquid absorption. The material is natural and therefore safe. When dry, such products are hard and dry. This ability helps prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Products are used only in wet form. They collect dust well and do not leave streaks. Such a rag requires special care: do not rub too hard, do not twist or bend it when dry, wash only by rinsing in soapy water.
- Microfiber . This is a synthetic material consisting of polyester and polyamide. Due to the special structure of the fabric, such rags gently polish the surface, penetrate into shallow recesses and remove dust and dirt well. They perfectly absorb moisture and are used for dry and wet cleaning. The product can be washed by hand or in a machine at a temperature of 60 C, and dried only naturally.
- Viscose . Natural material made from compressed wood pulp. Suitable for dry cleaning of household appliances, as it does not create static. The downside is that such napkins quickly disintegrate and begin to emit unpleasant odors. Therefore, they need to be changed frequently.
- Bamboo . This is a natural material that easily absorbs dirt and gets rid of it when washed. The products have a good moisture absorption rate. Does not retain unpleasant odors. They can be used for any type of cleaning. Suitable for washing dishes without using detergents. They can withstand up to 500 washes, which means they can last for a very long time. The fabric is not subject to rotting.
Recommendations
Advice from cleaning experts will help simplify the solution to the issue of cleaning and washing windows:
- Any cleaning should be done with rubber gloves.
- Rags can be used both for applying detergent composition and for adding shine.
Wiping away moisture with crumpled up newspaper is a good option when you need to restore shine after using a rag or sponge.- The water container should be comfortable - stable and not too small.
- Not only a store-bought product is suitable as a detergent, but also one made independently according to home recipes.
- Areas that are inconvenient to clean (for example, at the junction of the frame and glass) can be washed with an old toothbrush.
- Plastic frames must not be treated with caustic acids.
- Seals and metal fittings should be wiped first with a damp cloth and then with a dry one.
- Do not leave the rag dirty after cleaning.
You will find a lot of important and useful information about fast and effective window cleaning in this section.
Window cleaning robot as an alternative option
A window cleaning robot is a worthy alternative to manual washing, which greatly facilitates this process. In order not to waste time on cleaning and practically not take part in this process, it is recommended to use a special device - a robot for washing glass and windows.
The instructions for using this new technology will not leave any questions: you just need to place the device on the glass, and then it will do everything necessary. A popular model of such a robot is a device called a “trunk”.
Features of washing PVC windows
Metal-plastic windows, unlike wooden ones, are more demanding to maintain. The smooth surface of plastic and glass cannot be cleaned with abrasive agents, as this can lead to defects - scratches.
The surface of window sills is very often not smooth, but rough. Uneven texture is more difficult to clean from dirt. To do this, it is recommended to use detergents in powder form or a soap solution.
When choosing what to use for cleaning windows, unless there is an urgent need, you should avoid the following potent drugs:
- acid;
- solvent (including acetone);
- bleach.
PVC windows require careful handling of frames.
In addition to washing frames and glass, attention must also be paid to mosquito nets. They are removed for the winter, and in the warm season, when they become dirty, they are washed in the shower using a cloth. Dusty, dirty blinds can also ruin the effect of a washed window. It is also advisable to clean them in a manner suitable for them, taking into account the properties of the material and the type of construction.
Advice! Window washing can be combined with prevention - lubricating hinges, treating the seal with glycerin.
How to wash without streaks, detergents?
Washing windows using rags or special products must be properly organized. First you need to prepare the area - remove foreign objects, blinds and curtains so that they do not interfere.
Window cleaning includes the following main steps:
- Elimination of dust and heavy dirt.
- Application of detergent composition.
- Surface cleaning.
- Bringing shine.
If the windows are in a state of disrepair, preliminary removal of contamination may require the use of additional devices and household chemicals. Rags cannot cope with cement or paint stains.
Application of window cleaning composition can be carried out in two main ways:
- The composition is sprayed onto the glass surface and wiped with a dry cloth.
- The rag itself is soaked in the cleaning solution and wrung out.
The choice of option depends on the type of dirt and the type of cleaning cloth. After the cleaning agent has been applied, it is necessary to wash the window, carefully working through difficult and especially dirty areas. If the windows have not been washed for a long time, re-treatment may be necessary.
If the glass is washed quite often, then it is not necessary to use household chemicals; it is enough to simply wet clean and polish the surface.
How to properly and quickly wash windows without streaks in winter?
In winter, windows are very rarely washed. Most often they wait until it warms up. You cannot wash windows in severe frost. This way, all the liquid you apply will freeze.
Instructions:
- Dissolve salt in water. It is necessary to prepare a warm solution containing 500 ml of water and 50 g of salt
- This liquid can be used to wipe the outside of glass. It helps defrost ice
- Next, apply a special liquid. It can be purchased at a car chemical store
- After this, quickly wipe it off with a microfiber sponge.
- Start cleaning from the inside
- To do this, prepare a solution of 10 parts alcohol and 1 part glycerin.
- Rub the inside surface with this solution and polish until shiny using a microfiber sponge.
Cleaning windows in winter
Cleaning windows is quite simple. Stock up on glass sponges and special cleaning solutions.
How to buy a rag or napkin on Aliexpress for washing windows without streaks: links to the catalog
In household chemical stores, such wipes are not cheap. This is due to the fact that goods are imported from abroad. Accordingly, you can save money by using the Aliexpress website. Here you can find a huge selection of napkins and brushes for cleaning glass.
To make your first order on Aliexpress , read the instructions for registering and searching for goods, payment and delivery on the official website here , or read the article on our website “First order on Aliexpress” .
Cloth for cleaning windows and mirrors from Aliexpress
Reasons for the appearance of streaks on glass
Stains, stains or deposits remain on glass and mirrors for various reasons.
Even with perfect cleaning, cloudy traces may remain, and this is due to the following reasons:
- Washing glass in hot weather and exposure to sunlight leads to rapid evaporation of moisture, which causes streaks to form. Therefore, experts do not recommend washing windows in hot weather.
- Wrong glass cleaning products chosen. Products containing low-quality ingredients leave cloudy stains. If you decide to use an abrasive cleaner to clean your glass, be prepared not only for cloudy marks, but also for scratches.
- Wrong cleaning method.
If you do not first clean the windows from the dust that has accumulated on them, after cleaning, streaks and stains may remain on the glass. To avoid stains and streaks, it is important to choose the right glass cleaning technology and means.
