How to clean windows with ammonia. How to wash windows yourself with ammonia solution

Ammonia is one of the means of removing dirt and stains from various surfaces. With its help, you can also clean window glass efficiently - until it shines and without streaks.

To do this, you need to know exactly how to use the drug, and how best to prepare the most effective solution for glass.

In this article we will tell you whether and how to wash windows with ammonia.

General information

Features of use
Ammonia is an ammonia solution that has a strong unpleasant odor. One of the areas of its application is the removal of difficult-to-remove contaminants.

It is very effective, so it is added to household chemicals in factories. It is also added to glass and mirror cleaners.

The main feature of using ammonia is to take small dosages that should not be exceeded.

REFERENCE! Adding ammonia to the product provides it with good results and removes almost all types of contaminants.

Pros and cons of using ammonia

When using ammonia to prepare glass cleaning solutions, there are several advantages.

These include the following:

- low cost;
— efficiency of use;
— ease of use;
— availability — sold in any pharmacy;
- economical consumption.

Among the disadvantages are:

- unpleasant pungent odor;
- Care must be taken when using it.

REFERENCE! Of course, the listed disadvantages may alarm someone, but you should not refuse to use this product because of them, since its effectiveness outweighs all the disadvantages.

How to choose a product

When choosing a suitable cleaning solution for glass, you should not rely on advertising promises or colorful packaging. There are more important criteria to consider when purchasing:

cost of goods;
no unpleasant odor;
convenience of the sprayer;
economical consumption;
composition features.

For people prone to allergies, it is advisable to choose a product with a hypoallergenic formula. Sprayers based on natural surfactants are suitable. It is also important to take into account the degree of contamination. If the windows overlook a busy highway, then it is better to choose a more active cleaning formula.

Characteristics of the drug and methods of application

Ammonia is an ammonia solution that is almost impossible to confuse with anything else. Its peculiarity is a very pungent odor. However, in addition to its not very pleasant aroma, ammonia also has the quality of quickly dissolving acids. For this reason, it quickly removes dirt from the glass surface.

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How to quickly and without streaks wash the windows at home yourself?
Instructions: how to wash plastic windows yourself
How to safely wash windows on a balcony outside

When working with ammonia, it is very important to be able to correctly calculate the dosage of the product to prepare a high-quality solution: if you make a mistake in the proportions, washing windows will turn into a real challenge.

Ammonia has been used at home for high-quality window cleaning for a very long time. During this time, housewives found the most suitable proportions of ammonia solution to create a good detergent. Two options are considered the most effective. Experienced housewives recommend using them.

In the first case, take 5 ml of ammonia per 5 liters of water and mix everything very thoroughly. This is the simplest and most economical option.

The second method of creating a detergent consists of 200 g of water and 0.5 liters of glycerin. Add 5 drops of ammonia to this mixture and mix well. Such a solution not only effectively cleans windows from dirt, but also creates a protective shell on the glass, resulting in less staining of the surface in the future. This detergent is good for cleaning windows both in the house and in the car.

Water and lemon

You can replace vinegar with citric acid or lemon juice. The simplest recipe for washing plastic windows will look like this: for one glass of water, about 50 grams of citric acid, i.e. approximately 1 to 5. If the pollution is not industrial in nature, the composition can be made less concentrated, but there will still be no streaks.

There is a more complex recipe for a cleaning composition based on citric acid, which we will make with our own hands according to the following recipe:

fill a suitable half-liter or liter jar with peels from fresh lemons;
Fill the remaining space in the jar with regular table vinegar;
close the jar tightly and leave to marinate for a couple of weeks;
after a while, open the jar, strain into another container, you will get an excellent concentrate;
This concentrate must be added to the water with which you will wash the windows, the result of your work will be simply wonderful, and the surface will not only be cleaned, but also disinfected.

However, not all home-made cleaning compositions are so environmentally friendly; for example, compositions based on ammonia are a priori made from chemicals. The main character here is ammonia.

Preparing window cleaner

The composition recipe depends on how dirty the windows are and what specific effect you plan to achieve after washing them (of course, other than “just cleanliness”):

For everyday or regular window cleaning, 5 liters of clean water will require 5 ml (teaspoon) of ammonia. If half a bucket of solution is not needed, then you can reduce the amount. It will be enough to add a few drops of ammonia to a glass of water;
For “major” cleaning, washing dirty windows (for example, those located on the roof, in the garage, in the boiler room, etc.) you will need to prepare a stronger solution. For 4 liters of water – 100 ml of ammonia. You can also add 100 ml of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of starch and literally a pinch or drop of the universal dye “Blue” to the composition;
For autumn cleaning to prepare an apartment or house for a cold winter, you will need to prepare a solution that will not only remove dirt from the glass, but also protect it from condensation and ice. To do this, 1 glass of water is mixed with 100-200 ml of glycerin and 5 ml of ammonia.

Mixing must be carried out in a clean, grease-free container. This will help keep the composition effective.

Alternative folk remedies

Solutions of lemon juice and laundry soap will also clean windows efficiently
. In addition to ammonia, folk experience has preserved other home remedies for windows:

laundry soap solution – 2–3 tbsp. l. soap shavings per liter of water;
a mixture of vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:5;
composition of vinegar and dishwashing gel: 1–2 glasses of water, 3 tbsp. l. vinegar, ½ tsp. facilities;
a solution of lemon juice in water in a ratio of 1:5.

To remove insect marks and other stains, you can rub them with half a raw potato or onion.

If you need to slightly mask the unpleasant odor of ammonia, you can add a few drops of citrus essential oil to cleaning solutions.

Ways to protect glass from dust and ice

By treating glass with a solution of table salt, you can protect them from the formation of frosty patterns.
Using self-made solutions, you can not only clean the windows, but also protect them. A mixture of water and ammonia with the addition of glycerin creates a thin coating on the surface. This film protects the window from contamination.

In frosty weather, treatment with glycerin prevents the glass from becoming covered with ice. You can also protect the window from ice patterns by wiping it with a salt solution - 1-2 tbsp. l. per glass of water.

How to wash windows with ammonia (work stages)

For truly high-quality window cleaning, you will need not only ammonia, but also a little preparation. You will need:

A spray bottle for applying a solution of ammonia to the window. If glycerin is added to the mixture, then after use it will only have to be thrown away. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can get by with a sponge;
Two soft cloths made from lint-free material. For example, microfiber. Towels will not work. One of the napkins is needed to collect excess product, the second is for final rubbing. You can replace it with a large number of old newspapers, but it is worth considering that some publishers use cheap paper, which still leaves lint;
Individual protection means. All work must be carried out with rubber gloves, and ideally also with a respirator and goggles. Ammonia is caustic and therefore can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.
The solution dries quickly. Therefore, work should be carried out as quickly as possible. To protect yourself from unpleasant pungent odors, windows should be washed in a well-ventilated area.
Remove all large contaminants such as cobwebs, insects, bird droppings and dust. Use a mop or some other available tool for this;
Use a sponge to wipe the frames, slopes, window sill and other elements of the window structure. Hard-to-reach places can be treated using cotton swabs - they will be able to reach the junction areas of the sashes, fittings, and so on;
Apply a solution of ammonia. Use a spray bottle for this. If you don’t have a spray bottle, dip a sponge in the solution and apply it onto the window with wide movements;
Clean the window immediately. Move in one direction - from top to bottom and, for example, from right to left;
Wipe again with a dry and clean cloth, rubbing until shiny and transparent.

If necessary, the procedure can be repeated. It is worth noting that washing with ammonia is a final treatment. If you need to remove large contaminants from the surface of the glass, it is better to first wash it in the usual way, and then repeat using ammonia.

Cleaning sequence

In order for this process to be completed successfully and as quickly as possible, it is necessary to follow the sequence of actions.

First of all, you will need to thoroughly clean all window sills and window profiles.

This is very important, and without carrying out this procedure you should not start washing the glass itself. First you need to remove the curtains or blinds and get rid of everything that is located on the windowsill

These items will interfere with the work process and may be damaged by water that gets on them.

Window washing always begins with a thorough cleaning of the frames and window sill. All movements are made from top to bottom. This will prevent dirt from spreading further over the surface and will save the worker’s effort. To begin with, you can treat the surface with a vacuum cleaner. This will help get rid of various cobwebs and unpleasant insects. Then the window sill and frame are wiped with a sponge and foam. After this, the foam is carefully removed with a clean cloth soaked in water. Then the surface must be treated with a solution of ammonia, possibly without glycerin.

Next, you should proceed directly to washing the glass. This is the most difficult and responsible part of the work. First of all, the dirt needs to be washed off with a sponge. To do this, the foam rubber is well moistened in the solution prepared according to the second recipe.

Windows need to be washed from top to bottom, this is very important. At the end of this process, it is necessary to polish the glass surface with a piece of soft cloth or newspaper.

After treating the glass with ammonia, this process will occur very easily.

If the windows have blinds, they can also be washed with ammonia. This is not difficult to do, but for this procedure you will need an old but clean sock. It is put on the hand over the glove, moistened in the solution, and then each strip is grabbed and wiped. You can use another sock to wipe the blinds dry. This method is very effective for cleaning plastic light protection devices.

Precautions when cleaning windows with ammonia

A number of precautions must be taken when using it:

Use protective gloves and respirators.
If the composition gets on exposed skin or mucous membranes, rinse immediately under running water.
Carry out all work in a well-ventilated area. When washing windows from inside the apartment, organize air flow. For example, open doors and windows, and install fans so that one “pumps” air in and the other “pushes” air.
Ammonia can cause fabric discoloration. Therefore, carry out work in a special robe (or simply in things that you don’t mind throwing away if something happens).

And most importantly, when working with ammonia, it is unacceptable to use any cleaning products containing chlorine. When mixed, they enter into a chemical reaction, the product of which is a poisonous gas. It causes acute organ damage if inhaled.

Precautionary measures

When working with ammonia at home, it is important to remember your own safety. To do this you need:

before starting work, open the windows and ensure a flow of fresh air - it is important that the room is ventilated not only during washing, but also after that, because staying in a room with unpleasant odors for a long time can cause illness;
use personal protective equipment (the minimum is gloves and goggles, but it is recommended to supplement them with a respirator to protect your respiratory system);
have access to running water so that if liquid gets on your skin or eyes, wash the affected areas as soon as possible.

It is not recommended to use other household chemicals together with ammonia. This is especially true for products that contain chlorine. The fact is that as a result of their compounds, dangerous evaporation will occur, which can threaten health.

What you will need

Before starting the process, it is advisable to prepare all the necessary tools. At home, this will require a container in which ammonia and water will be diluted. In advance you will need to find a sponge or soft lint-free cloth - in general, anything that will be convenient to work with. When working on large areas, it is recommended to use a spray bottle.

Washing windows with ammonia will not work without:

paper, magazines or newspapers - they will help wipe off the applied product;
soft cloths, with the help of which the remaining composition is removed from the glass;
rubber gloves, plastic goggles and other safety equipment - some women even use polyethylene raincoats to protect their skin and clothing.

When cleaning windows, you will need to reach distant surfaces. In a private house or apartment with a high ceiling, it is best to use stepladders and sliding stairs.

How to clean windows after renovation?

Of course, it is better to cover the windows with paper in advance to prevent them from getting dirty, but everyone has the right to make mistakes. Moreover, so many people make mistakes in this matter that many ways have been found to deal with a wide variety of contaminants formed during repairs:

drops of chalk or lime whitewash are easily washed off with CIF gel for shiny surfaces;
acrylic paint can be removed with gasoline or white spirit;
cement particles can be removed from glass with phosphoric acid, but you must act very carefully so that the substance does not get on the window sill;
the remains of masking tape are removed with drying oil, turpentine, vegetable oil or isopropyl alcohol;
enamel and nitroenamel are dissolved with acetone;
“Solvent 646” will help to deal with polyurethane foam that gets on the glass.

Details

About the concentration of the solution

How to dilute ammonia for cleaning glass

Before you start washing windows, you need to prepare a solution of water and ammonia. There are several ways to do this. But before that, you need to prepare your inventory. You will need:

- container for preparing the solution;

- sponge;

- napkins or rags.

Ammonia has a strong, unpleasant odor, and even when used in minimal quantities, good ventilation must be provided.

How much ammonia to add when washing windows

The usual method is the simplest and to prepare such a solution you only need ammonia and water. Necessary:

— fill the container with water (5 liters);

- add 5 ml of ammonia to it;

- mix the components thoroughly.

Although the method of preparing the solution is very simple, it turns out to be very effective.

Supplements

Cleaning windows with glycerin and ammonia

This recipe helps prevent ice from forming. If this is your goal, then you will need an additional component in the form of glycerin. In addition, after using this solution, the glass will shine.

Glycerin does not have the ability to clean dirt and remove stains. It is added to the composition so that the glass acquires shine. A bonus to this is that glycerin helps prevent frost from appearing on windows in winter and dust from settling.

Instructions:

- pour a glass of water into the container;
- add 200 ml of glycerin;
- pour 5 drops of ammonia;
- mix everything thoroughly.

REFERENCE! After using this solution, less dust will settle on the glass.

Cleaning streak-free windows with ammonia

Before you start cleaning the glass, you should first prepare for this procedure. To do this you need:

- remove all foreign objects from the window;
- remove curtains, tulle;
— in the presence of heavy contamination, you must first wash off the main dirt and dust. Remove cobwebs, wipe the glass with a damp or dry cloth.

Windows should be washed in the following order:

Wash frames and slopes. This is done with any suitable solution, which includes ammonia solution. It is best to do this with a sponge or rag.
Wash the glass using a sponge or rag. If the windows are high, you can use a special mop to reach all areas.
It is necessary to wash off dirt from top to bottom so as not to smear dirt on the glass.
Wipe the glass dry.
Clean the blinds.

REFERENCE! A small amount of ammonia in cleaning solutions does not harm metal-plastic materials.

3 alternative ways

If for some reason you cannot use ammonia, then there are other means that give good results, which are available in every home. What they have in common is accessibility and good cleaning results after use.

Vinegar

Depending on how dirty the window is, you need to select the optimal concentration of the cleaning solution. The usual recipe is based on mixing 0.5 liters of water, 50 ml of vinegar and 0.5 tsp. dishwashing detergents.

This recipe can be used to remove dirt and stains well. After using this product, the glass begins to shine and there are no streaks on it.

Dentifrice

If the glass is too dirty, you need to use tooth powder or chalk.

Preparation of the product is based on mixing a liter of water with 50 grams of powder. The prepared solution must be applied to the glass and then cleaned with a napkin. Do this when the product dries a little.

REFERENCE! Heavily contaminated areas should be treated separately, using a more concentrated mixture of powder and water to obtain a paste.

Onion

A head of onion, cut into two halves, can help remove stains on glass. Onions can help get rid of streams, insect marks and other contaminants.

To make the stains disappear, rub the stains with a fresh onion cut. After this, the window should be washed in the usual way.

REFERENCE! The onion method is quite labor-intensive for cleaning the entire window, but it’s just right for getting rid of local dirt.

What is ammonia

Ammonia is a solution containing ammonia. It has a sharp, specific smell that cannot be confused with anything else. Ammonia perfectly dissolves acids, for this reason it will not be difficult for it to deal with old contaminants. The most important thing is to correctly calculate the proportion and make the solution in accordance with all the rules.

Many housewives have heard about the properties of ammonia as a detergent, however, not everyone knows how to use it correctly. But with its help you can significantly reduce the window cleaning time and reduce labor costs. Therefore, in this article I will tell you in detail how to wash windows with ammonia.

Ammonia allows you to quickly and easily clean windows

Ingredients	Quantity
Ammonia	5ml
Water	5l

In this case, ammonia is added to the water and mixed thoroughly. Despite the fact that this solution is extremely simple, it copes well with stains, not only on glass, but also on other surfaces.

Ingredients	Quantity
Water	200 ml
Glycerol	200 ml
Ammonia	5 drops

This solution is prepared quite simply:

first of all, you need to dilute glycerin in water in a one to one ratio;
after this, add a few drops of ammonia to the composition and mix it thoroughly.

It should be noted that this solution not only copes well with dirt, but also protects the surface of the glass from icing in the winter. In addition, the thin film it forms on the surface prevents glass from becoming dirty.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with means for removing limescale from faucets in the kitchen and bathroom

Here, in fact, is all the information on how to dilute ammonia to prepare detergent. It should be noted that accuracy is not required in this case

It is only important to approximately follow the proportions

In the photo - a window cleaning sponge

Before washing windows with ammonia, you need to prepare the following equipment:

container into which the cleaning composition will be poured;
foam sponge;
newspapers;
several soft cloths;
latex gloves.

Window cleaning

The main stages of washing windows using ammonia

First of all, you need to wash the window frames

First of all, you need to clean and wash the window sill and profiles (window frames) with your own hands. You should not start cleaning glass without completing this procedure. The work is carried out in the following sequence:

First you need to remove all objects located on the windowsill. In addition, curtains or blinds should be removed;
then you need to remove dust from the frames and window sills. To do this, they can be vacuumed or wiped with a damp cloth;
after this, the surface must be cleaned with a solution of ammonia in water to get rid of stubborn stains and other contaminants;
At the end of the work, the solution should be washed off with a wet sponge and then wipe the surfaces with water.

Now you can proceed to the most important stage - washing the glass. Instructions for doing this work look like this:

First of all, you need to wash off the dirt with a sponge. To do this, dip a sponge in a solution based on ammonia and treat the glass with it. Be sure to wash them from top to bottom, and not vice versa, so that dirty streaks do not remain on the glass.

Dip a sponge or rag into the solution and wring it out lightly

There should be no dirty spots or other contaminants left on the surface of the glass. To thoroughly clean hard-to-reach places, for example, the top of windows from the outside, you can use a mop;

Now the surface of the glass should be polished with newspapers or a soft cloth. Thanks to the detergent, this will not be difficult. The result is high-quality washing without streaks, and this requires a minimum of time and your effort.

At this point the work is almost completed. The only thing is, before installing the blinds, as mentioned above, they also need to be washed. This is done as follows:

take a sock, preferably made of natural fabric, and put it on your hand;
then dip your hand in the detergent solution;
after this, carefully wipe each plate from the outside and inside;
Then each plate should be wiped dry with a dry soft cloth. After this procedure, the blinds will look like new.

Recipes for cleaning solutions with ammonia

Solutions with ammonia are effective means for cleaning windows.
Ammonia is an aqueous solution of ammonia, which gives the product a specific pungent odor. For household needs, the high dissolving ability of the drug is used. It quickly and efficiently removes dirt. To clean windows, this home remedy is used in various solutions.

You can dilute ammonia for washing windows by adding several components to it. When mixing, there is no need to measure the ingredients absolutely precisely; it is enough to follow the approximate proportions. When adding ammonia to the composition, you should hold your breath or use protection for the nose and mouth, such as a cotton-gauze bandage.

Composition with water

Ammonia is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:1000. Ammonia is a fairly powerful agent, which is why the degree of dilution is so high. If you need to get a cleaning solution for severe stains, dilute 5-6 drops of ammonia in a glass of water.

Composition with glycerin

Glycerin forms a thin protective film on the glass.
Water is mixed with glycerin in equal proportions. This mixture makes cleaning windows much easier and forms a thin protective film on them. Add ammonia to the resulting liquid at the rate of 10–12 drops per liter of solution. The composition is thoroughly mixed.

It is not recommended to add soda, chalk and other abrasive cleaning ingredients to cleaning mixtures, as they can scratch the glass. To give a bluish tint, you can add a pinch of blue to the prepared mixture.

How to dilute ammonia - composition recipes

For a composition with ammonia to be effective, certain proportions must be observed.

If the composition does not intend to use additional agents, then you need to dilute five drops of ammonia in five liters of water. The resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed.
The composition can be improved. Glycerin is most often used for this. The following proportions are observed: add the same amount of glycerin and five ml of ammonia to 200 ml of water. The advantage of the composition is not only the thorough cleaning of the windows, but also the further protection of the plastic from spraying or the appearance of ice.

Washing steps

It is first necessary to remove all excess from the windows (blinds and sashes) to facilitate access to the glass. It is recommended to remove the largest areas of dirt, as well as dust and cobwebs using a mop or a special brush.

We recommend: 5 products that will help remove cement from windows

Windows are washed according to the following algorithm:

Dip the sponge into the prepared solution, wring it out thoroughly and wipe first the frames, then the window sill and slopes.
To clean hard-to-reach places, such as window hinges or sashes, use cotton swabs. They can be replaced with toothpicks and cotton wool.
After this, take a new sponge (the old one is thoroughly washed in warm water). It is moistened in a solution of ammonia and the windows are wiped from top to bottom. This is necessary to ensure that there are no dirty areas left on the glass.
Wipe the glass units dry using newspapers or paper. If you don't have them on hand, you can use a clean cloth, but polishing should only be done with dry materials. In this case, there will be no divorces left.
At the last stage, we finish washing the remaining elements, including sashes or blinds.

How to clean without streaks and streaks?

Adhering to a clear sequence of actions, cleaning the window efficiently, and, importantly, without streaks, will not be difficult:

Preparatory stage. The window sill is cleared of all objects, blinds or roller blinds are removed from the windows. Using a vacuum cleaner or a slightly damp cloth, remove dust from the frame and window sill. A sponge soaked in a soap solution will help get rid of stubborn dirt.
Glass washing. First, wash off the dirt with clean water. After which, the glass is wiped with a soft sponge soaked in a solution of glycerin and ammonia. To prevent smudges from remaining on the glass, movements should be carried out from top to bottom.
The final stage is polishing. A microfiber cloth is ideal for such purposes. It does not leave lint on the surface of the frames or streaks on the glass.

After the cleaning is completed, the windows are left for three to four hours to air. This will help get rid of the unpleasant smell of ammonia.

Other life hacks

What else can be quickly and safely cleaned with ammonia:

Greasy clothes. Mix 25 g of salt and 5 ml of alcohol. Apply to fabric, wait 15 minutes and wash as usual.
Perfume stains. Mix water and ammonia 1:1, blot the stain and wash after 15 minutes.
An aqueous solution of ammonia 5:1 cleans mirrors, chandeliers, vases.
The same composition can be used to wash tiled surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. Ammonia provides a disinfecting effect.
Using a cotton pad soaked in ammonia, occasionally wipe the soleplate of the iron. The device will stay clean longer.

Our mothers and grandmothers actively used ammonia, and the houses were always clean and comfortable. Today, the variety of household products has pushed such life hacks into the background. I advise you not to forget the traditions of your ancestors: this greatly saves the family budget.

Why do windows sweat?

There are a number of reasons for the formation of condensation on plastic windows. Moreover, this problem does not always appear immediately after installing a new double-glazed window. It happens that the renovation was completed long ago, the window structure held the heat well for two or three years, and suddenly the glass began to become covered with moisture. What is the reason for such trouble?

Poor air circulation in an apartment is the most common cause of condensation on glass. If forced ventilation is not installed in the kitchen, and the area of the room is small and something is constantly being cooked and fried on the stove, fogging of the windows in the house cannot be avoided. The situation will be aggravated by laundry hanging out to dry and a lot of indoor plants, which increase the already high humidity in the room. Streams of warm air collide with cold glass and leave wet marks.
It's cold inside. Often, residents experience window fogging in the wet, cold autumn, when the heating in the apartment is not yet turned on, and there is slush and bad weather outside the window. Also, a similar problem can arise due to insufficient heating or improper installation of window sills. If the window sill prevents the passage of warm air from the radiator to the double-glazed window or the window is covered with thick curtains, then wet drops will certainly appear on the glass, and ice will appear on the profile.
Incorrect glass unit selected. Double-glazed windows with more than two chambers are suitable for glazing residential premises. Inexpensive two-chamber packages are not able to properly retain heat in the apartment.
Poor quality fittings. Plastic windows can sweat due to loose fitting of the sashes to the frame and lack of necessary insulation.
Defects made by workers during installation of the structure. If a plastic window is installed poorly, cracks and gaps may remain between the wall of the window opening and the frame, where cold air from the street will enter. This will lead to fogging of the glass, and the problem will appear in the first winter after installing the window.
Unadjusted fittings and worn rubber seals can also cause condensation to form on the windows. Frosty air from the street will penetrate into the cracks and holes of the seal, resulting in the formation of ice and condensation on the window.

To prevent the plastic window from sweating and the glass to remain clean and transparent, it is necessary to carry out timely maintenance of the PVC structure: lubricate and tighten the fittings, take care of the seal, and remove moisture accumulated between the chambers.

Recommendations for cleaning windows with ammonia

To keep your windows clean and streak-free, you need to follow some recommendations.

Selecting weather conditions

Typically, windows are washed in the fall - on the last fine days, and in the spring, when the first warmth replaces the cold. Rainy weather makes washing pointless. But bright sun is also not the best option - the washing solution will dry out too quickly, and due to the sun's rays you may not notice stains on the glass.

The optimal weather for washing windows is when it is dry, cloudy and windless outside. It is dangerous to do this in strong winds, especially on the upper floors.

Necessary equipment

Ammonia has a pungent odor, so you need to prepare products from it while wearing a bandage.
Before you wash windows with ammonia, you need to prepare a cleaning solution, as well as all the necessary tools. For cleaning you will need:

rubber gloves to protect hands from ammonia;
damp cloth for washing frames and window sills;
foam sponge or microfiber cloth for glass;
dry rags made from natural fabrics that absorb water well to remove excess liquid;
newspapers for polishing glass;
an old toothbrush for cleaning hard-to-reach places;
a stable stand - stool, chair, stepladder - for washing the upper part of the doors;
small container with detergent composition;
basin with clean water.

Everything needs to be prepared in advance so that it is at hand.

Cleaning procedure

High-quality cleaning takes time and conscientious attitude. How to clean windows with ammonia:

Clear the window sill of things.
Remove the blinds, part the curtains and tulle.
Remove dust from the frame and window sill with a damp cloth.
Thoroughly treat contaminated areas with ammonia. It is harmless to both wooden and plastic windows.
Clean hard-to-reach places and joints with a toothbrush.
Rinse off the ammonia with a clean damp cloth.
Wipe the frames and window sill dry.
Treat the windows with a sponge or microfiber cloth soaked in ammonia solution and wrung out. Movements should be directed from top to bottom.
If necessary, repeat cleaning by renewing the solution on the sponge or napkin.
Dry the glass with a soft cloth.
Wipe the window sill from water that has flowed onto it.
Polish the glass by rubbing with crumpled newspapers. Continue until the streaks disappear completely.

You can evaluate the result of the work by moving a few steps away from the window. If it is clear, the wash is complete. Don’t forget to ventilate the room after work to remove any unpleasant odors.

Using ammonia solutions is a reliable way to get clean, streak-free windows. But the process can be made more comfortable if you use convenient devices.

A few more tips from experts

Below are several ways from cleaning service specialists that will help you get your windows in order efficiently and quickly:
Windows should not be washed with products containing abrasive particles. This is due to the fact that they may cause scratches on the glass. The seal and frame may also suffer from this.
It is not recommended to clean the window with the addition of strong solvents. Acetone or other solvents can damage the plastic and penetrate into the window chambers through holes. And this can reduce the quality of double-glazed windows and their heat-saving properties.
The detergent remaining after cleaning the glass can be used to clean mirrors, glass furniture facades and other parts.
When using a solution with ammonia, you should adhere to precautions, namely, protect your hands with gloves and your respiratory tract with a mask.
All window cleaning work is best done with good ventilation.
Ammonia cannot be used for cleaning windows in its pure form.
After completing the cleaning using ammonia, the apartment must be well ventilated.
Hard-to-reach places, such as fittings, can be cleaned with an old toothbrush and cotton swabs.
It is better to wash frames and glass with different sponges.
The final wiping of the glass must be done with absolutely dry, lint-free materials, for example, microfiber cloths, newspapers, etc.

REFERENCE! If the condition of the windows is too neglected, you may need to repeat the cleaning process until you get the perfect result and restore shine. But it is better not to let the windows reach this state, but to clean them regularly.

Washing glass with the addition of ammonia is not a difficult task, since all the methods are quite easy. The result is excellent - a shiny, clean surface without streaks. An additional advantage is saving money, since there is no need to buy expensive products.

Using Window Cleaning Tools

Specially designed tools make window cleaning very easy. They allow you to spend less effort and make washing the outside safer.

Washing glass with a squeegee

A special brush will make cleaning windows easier.

A special double-sided mop-brush equipped with a polishing rubber scraper (squeegee) and a cleaning foam sponge is convenient. Some models use microfiber as a nozzle. The brush is mounted on a telescopic handle, which is especially convenient when you need to clean high windows, the outer side of the sashes or the glazed part of the loggia.

It is better to use not a combined tool, but two separate tools - a microfiber washing brush and a rubber squeegee to remove water.

How to clean a window with a squeegee:

Using a washing nozzle soaked in a solution of ammonia and wrung out, rinse the glass in a circular motion.
Without allowing the water to drain on its own, use a squeegee to drive it down from the top edge. Keep the scraper parallel to the window sill or at an angle of 30°.
Blot the water collected on the windowsill with a microfiber cloth.
Before each sweep, wipe the squeegee dry.

For final polishing, you need to take cloth napkins that do not leave lint.

Professional cleaners do not polish windows with newspapers, but instead use microfiber or linen cloths.

Application of magnetic brush

A magnetic brush will help you clean windows inside and out.

Another device that is especially convenient for cleaning windows from the outside is a magnetic brush. It consists of two separate surfaces equipped with powerful magnets. The halves are fastened with a safety rope.

Stages of use:

Spray the cleaning solution onto the glass on both sides.
Attach the safety rope to your wrist.
Press one half to the outer surface of the glass.
Press the other half inside. The attraction of magnets holds them together.
Clean the window from top to bottom, holding the brush at an angle of 30–40°.
After finishing washing, separate the halves by turning them 90°.

Brushes with magnets of different powers are produced - for single glass and for double-glazed windows of different thicknesses. Due to their significant cost, they are mainly used by professional cleaning services.

If you have a lot of windows in your apartment and your finances allow it, it’s worth purchasing a magnetic brush for home use.

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 wipes 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 the 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.

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.

Safety precautions when cleaning windows with ammonia products

Window cleaners containing ammonia should be used with gloves.
Cleaning windows requires caution, as does handling ammonia. In order to safely wash windows with ammonia, you must follow these rules:

Dilute ammonia in water in a well-ventilated room.
Avoid dangerous leaning towards the street, especially on upper floors.
When cleaning high windows, use a special brush with a long handle so as not to stand on a stool.
Make sure you have reliable support for your hands and feet when working on the outside of the sashes.
When washing windows with ammonia, wear rubber gloves.
Do not touch your face with gloves or rub your eyes. In case of accidental contact with ammonia solution, thoroughly treat the affected area with water.
After cleaning, ventilate the room until the smell disappears completely.

These simple rules will help protect you from possible injuries and other troubles that sometimes happen when cleaning.

What should I use to clean glass?

If a housewife plans to quickly cope with such a task as washing windows, she must prepare and create all the conditions under which streaks will not remain on the glass. To do this, you need to acquire not only a good detergent, but also the right material to get rid of dirt. Half the success of this event depends on the correct equipment.

In order to properly clean the windows in your house, you need to stock up on foam sponges, a solution of ammonia, an additional container of water, old newspapers, soft rags and prepare a vacuum cleaner. It is best to work with gloves. You may need a chair or stepladder to reach the upper areas of the window.

Pros and cons of the method

This streak-free window cleaning method has both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages include the following:

Acceptable price. A bottle of ammonia will cost much less than special solutions intended for these purposes.
The method is quite simple. Yes, you need to prepare some tools in advance, but every home has them on hand. In addition, there is no need for lengthy preparation - the windows can be washed immediately after preparing the solution.
The most important advantage for any housewife is efficiency. After all, with the help of ammonia you can quickly remove any stains, as well as dust or dirt, which will not harm the plastic profile or the glass itself.

The disadvantages of the method include a specific smell, which many will find unpleasant. You can get rid of it only after thoroughly ventilating the room for several hours.

Another disadvantage is the threat to the nasal mucosa or skin. To avoid such a danger, it is recommended to use rubber gloves and even a respirator while working.

Using a solution with ammonia, you can bring any glass objects to perfect shine. If there is a little solution left after washing the windows, you should not pour it out, because it can be used to clean many other items in the house.

Methods of using ammonia in the car interior

The action of ammonia is based on the nitrogen components that make up the product. Ammonia perfectly dissolves even stubborn dirt from textile upholstery and removes dirt on the windshield and side windows. The substance evaporates very quickly and leaves no streaks behind. Due to the specific smell, ammonia can remove even strong “odors” from cigarette smoke and spoiled food.

You can buy a bottle of liquid at any pharmacy; it costs no more than 50 rubles. There are different concentrations of the substance on sale, but it is better to take diluted solutions with a mass fraction of ammonia of 10%. Before use, the substance must be diluted in water or another solvent, and then proceed with cleaning.

For interior cleaning

Over time, any car textiles, be it seats or the ceiling, develop traces of dirt and greasy stains that are difficult to remove. Ammonia can easily remove such stains. You need to take 100 milliliters of warm water and dissolve 20-30 milliliters of chemical liquid in it. The solution is applied to a sponge and the cloth on which there is dirt is cleaned. For greater effectiveness, you can add a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent or grated laundry soap to the alcohol solution. Rub the product into the textiles, and then wipe off the remaining foam with a damp cloth. Along with the contamination, the unpleasant odor will disappear from the fabric.

If the stain is difficult to remove, then you need to make a lotion: apply an alcohol solution to a cotton pad and leave it on the stain for 20-30 minutes, then wash it off with water.

For cleaning glass

An alternative to windshield washer fluid is a mixture of ammonia and water. Alcohol quickly evaporates and leaves no traces behind; manufacturers add it to cleaning mixtures. You can make the solution at home yourself: dilute 30-50 ml of ammonia in 500 ml of water. Such a low concentration helps to effectively clean the glass from dirt and will not cause an unpleasant suffocating sensation for the driver. The solution can be poured into the windshield washer fluid reservoir or washed with it on the glass, and then wiped dry with a clean microfiber cloth. However, this cleaning method can only be used in the summer; in winter, the liquid freezes.

Anti-fog

Ammonia helps relieve surface tension and prevents the formation of condensation. To prepare an effective anti-fog agent, you need to mix:

100 ml water;
100 ml glycerin;
tbsp ammonia.

The resulting solution is used to treat glass both outside and inside. It is better to park the car in the garage overnight so that the windows dry out. The liquid not only helps prevent glass from fogging up, but also helps protect against mud stains, raindrops and ice.

For washing the body

Those car owners who prefer to wash their car themselves without a car wash will appreciate this very simple car wash. It consists of:

Despite its simple composition, the liquid easily removes fresh dirt and traces of road chemicals from the paintwork. You need to soak a clean towel in the solution and wipe the car body several times; if the car is very dirty, you can add a couple more drops of any dishwashing detergent to the solution. The foam is applied to the paint with a sponge and then washed off repeatedly with water. You can also add a couple of drops of ammonia to clean water to wash off the foam; it will give the body additional shine, and minor scratches will become invisible.

To remove unpleasant odors

Odors can be very persistent and can be difficult to remove. If milk was spilled in the car and it got absorbed into the textiles, or if you constantly smoked in the car, ammonia will help eliminate the foul “aroma”. It is enough to dilute 2 tablespoons of the chemical in a glass of water and apply it to a rag. Use a rag to wipe the seats, upholstery, panels, and windows. You can close the car doors to help the ammonia smell linger longer. If the unpleasant odor is persistent, then you need to leave an open bottle of alcohol solution in the car for a couple of hours.

Useful tips for work

No one argues that windows need to be washed only in good weather, that is, when there is no rain. However, as experienced housewives recommend, it is best to carry out this procedure on a cloudy day. The fact is that in sunny weather, the ammonia solution will dry out too quickly, which will not make it possible to polish the glass, and they will remain stained and stained.

If there are traces of insects on the window, you can get rid of dirt with freshly squeezed onion juice. Alternatively, you can simply apply half an onion to the contaminated area, and everything will quickly wash off. And you can make windows more shiny for a long time if you treat them with a starch solution. Some housewives recommend rubbing glass with linseed oil. This will give them shine and repels dirt.

You need to be very careful when working with ammonia. When preparing the solution, you must try not to inhale the vapors of ammonia.

After cleaning, the room where the solution was used must be thoroughly ventilated.

When cleaning windows, you should use rubber gloves to protect your hands. Under no circumstances should you touch your face or rub your eyes. If the solution gets on the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth, rinse everything thoroughly with clean water.

Onion

Experienced housewives know that onions are great for removing traces of flies . Use half an onion to rub the contaminated areas until they are completely clean. Next, all that remains is to rinse with water and wipe dry with newspaper, or use any of the methods described above and below to further clean the glass.

We use a special mop

If your house has very high windows, it is best to clean them with a special mop. Such options are sold in any hardware store and are not very expensive. The mop tip is double-sided, which is very convenient. On one side there is a sponge attached, and on the other there is a rubber scraper, which is used to polish the surface.

Mops are equipped with long handles, which allows them to reach the most difficult to reach places. This device can be used when washing windows with a solution of ammonia, and with the use of factory detergents. The most convenient way is to take a spray bottle to apply the solutions to the glass, and then wipe everything with a sponge and scraper. It must be remembered that the spray gun only works in a vertical position.

Ammonia is one of the most effective and inexpensive means for high-quality cleaning of windows without streaks. This solution does its job better than many expensive advertised products.

If the smell of ammonia seems unbearable, you can try replacing it with another inexpensive product that has proven to be effective. This can be ordinary vinegar or a solution of potassium permanganate. All these means give good results with a minimum of cost and effort.

Store funds

Nowadays, stores are full of all kinds of window cleaning products, and they are all expensive. Their price is understandable: production costs, wages to workers, promotion of goods, advertising and other expenses need to be recouped, and even a little money must be made so that the owner of the “brand” can buy himself a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. The buyer's pocket suffers from this.

Most often, solid particles (dust, grains of sand) and greasy particles (fingerprints, insect marks, greasy deposits from the stove) collect on the windows. Only a high-quality window cleaner can deal with all these contaminants.

The composition of purchased products usually includes: water (universal solvent), ethyl alcohol, surfactants (surfactants).

Alcohol dissolves everything that water could not dissolve. In addition, it increases the penetrating properties of the liquid, helps it absorb into the cloth and is easily removed without leaving streaks.
Surfactants provide the cleaning power of all store-bought products. They effectively remove both hard and fatty particles.
Some products may contain ammonia for better grease removal.

So, we all know in practice that store-bought products are quite effective. And they are sold in special plastic containers with a dispenser, which are very convenient to use. However, they are too expensive and often cause allergies.

What not to clean plastic windows

Plastic windows, unlike traditional wooden ones, are more demanding on materials and cleaning tools. If you want to extend the service life of PVC window structures, then you should not use the following:

Abrasive materials . Metal brushes, powders, powder-type products that contain abrasive particles. These materials leave scratches on the frame and fittings, and as a result, the structure will quickly lose its presentable appearance. Please note that soda is also an abrasive, and its use may leave white stains that are difficult to remove on the surface.
Strong solvents . These are acetone, solvent-646 and similar compounds that can melt and deform plastic. Even in the absence of visible PVC defects, solvents can enter the chambers through hidden technological holes and significantly disrupt the properties of the air chambers, worsening thermal conductivity.
Acid and alkaline compounds. Household chemicals used for cleaning metal and glass surfaces. Effective against rust and plaque, such materials dissolve polyvinyl chloride.
Melamine and similar sponges. Contrary to popular belief, melamine is an abrasive and, therefore, leaves micro-scratches on plastic surfaces.
Products not intended for plastic. There are many window cleaners on the market, but some of them can corrode plastic as well as solvents and acetone.

There are many window cleaners on the market, but some of them can corrode plastic as well as solvents and acetone. Now we know what not to do when washing plastic cones so as not to cause harm.

Common mistakes: what not to do

In an effort to make the glass cleaning solution more effective and efficient, some housewives make mistakes. What not to do:

Mix ammonia with chlorine-containing preparations.
Use soda and abrasive cleaning powder. This may cause scratches.
Using ammonia is too caustic.
Use detergents intended for washing dishes. Such preparations tend to form too much foam, which will then be difficult to remove.
Get started with cleaning all the windows at once. It is necessary to act gradually, washing one window after another. In this case, it is advisable to start from the inside of the window, and only then move on to the outside.
Undertake to wash an unprepared window that is covered with foreign objects and curtains.

Advice!
When in doubt about how to clean windows, you need to stick to proven recipes or use household chemicals that are designed specifically for these purposes.

Clean windows are part of home hygiene

Cleaning windows with a Karcher steam cleaner

These devices are rarely purchased by housewives, since the cost of a steam cleaner is quite high, starting from 6,000 rubles. Many people believe that this is an unnecessary expense for a device that will be used very rarely. In fact, the scope of use of a steam cleaner is not limited to just window cleaning. They can be used to clean various surfaces without direct mechanical action (mirrors, tiles, refrigerator, bathroom, toilet), as well as to remove stains and odors from furniture.

Special detergents

Any hardware store has a large selection of such detergents - Clin, Cif, Mr.Muscle, Sanita, Secunda, etc. You can also use any lesser-known and cheaper analogues that have the designation “for glass”. As a rule, all detergents are a liquid of variegated colors in a transparent plastic container with a spray bottle. They are perfect for cleaning both glass and the PVC profile that makes up the sash and frame. A distinctive feature of such household chemicals is the active substances that are less aggressive towards PVC and rubber seals.

It is better not to use detergent gels for cleaning the bathroom or toilet. Such cleaning products can give the window a whiter effect, but only temporarily. After a year, your plastic windows may have an uneven tone, and the rubber seals may crack due to the acids and solvents they contain.

Of course, to wash windows you cannot use various powder cleaners with an abrasive effect - such as Pemolux, Pemoxol or Comet powder. By cleaning the surface of glass or plastic in this way, you will simply scratch it.