When it comes to getting windows squeaky clean, everyone thinks they're an expert. It's gotten to the point that there are probably more window cleaning myths floating around on the internet, masquerading as helpful tips than there are actual helpful tips. In order to bring some clarity to the situation we've selected nine of the biggest myths related to cleaning windows for debunking.

Nine Common Window Cleaning Myths

Everyone has fallen for one or more of these myths at some point. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. And by learning the difference between fact and myth you can ensure you don't waste any more of your precious time pursuing miracle fixes that don't fix anything. So here they are. The 9 biggest myths about cleaning windows.

Myth 1: Hot water is best for cleaning windows

If hot windows aren't ideal for cleaning then maybe hot water is. Right? Uh, not exactly. Whether you're cleaning a window when it's in direct sunlight and obviously hot, or you are using hot water as your vehicle to achieve a perfect clean you're going to be disappointed. In both situations the chemicals in the cleaning solution will evaporate too quickly, leading to stubborn streaks and smears. Room temperature water is alway best.

Myth 2: Don't worry! The rain will clean your windows

On the face of it, this would seem to make a certain amount of sense. And no doubt a heavy rain in Fort Collins, CO can remove quite a bit of dirt and debris from a window that hasn't been cleaned in a while. But we don't live in 1100 AD when the air was clean. We live in 2024 when the air is laden with soot, chemicals and other pollutants. So while the rain itself may remove the bulk of the dirt, the pollutants the rain carried down from the atmosphere are going to cause streaks, spots, and smears.

Myth 3: Paper towels are best for window cleaning

Paper towels might seem like a convenient choice, but they often leave behind lint, streaks, and residue on window surfaces. Even rags can contribute to a hazy finish, especially if they contain fabric softener or leftover detergent. For a truly streak-free shine, microfiber cloths are the way to go. Their ultra-fine fibers trap dirt and absorb moisture without leaving behind particles or smudges. Plus, they’re reusable and more eco-friendly than single-use paper towels, making them the smarter choice for crystal-clear windows.

"Paper towels and rags are also a bad choice when cleaning windows since they leave lint and residue behind. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth or lint-free rag to use with your DIY window cleaner to erase streaks and achieve a clear, shiny finish." —Good Housekeeping

Myth 4: It's easy to achieve perfect windows

If you're searching the net for "window washers near me in Loveland, CO" chances are you're likely to encounter some folks who claim it's no big deal to achieve perfect windows, all you have to do is follow their advice (which usually leads to streaks and smears).

The fact is, achieving a streak, spot and smear-free window is not easy. It takes the right materials, the right equipment and proper training. There's a reason why so many home and business owners call in the pros: because they've tried to do it themselves without any luck.

Myth 5: The harder you scrub the cleaner your windows will be

There's a place for elbow grease, but it's debatable if the place includes your windows. There are plenty of "experts" out there who will swear that if you're having trouble achieving perfectly clean and clear windows, all you need to do is put a little more effort into it. Ahhh… if only it were that easy.

What often happens when people lean into a stubbornly dirty window is that they wind up grinding dirt into the surface of the window pane leaving a web of hairline scratches that will never come out. In some cases, folks lean into the window so hard that they shatter it and hurt themselves. If your window isn't coming clean it's not because you're not pushing hard enough, it's because you're not using the right materials and techniques.

Myth 6: It's always best to clean windows in direct sunlight

The myth here is that a hot window will cause any chemicals in a cleaning solution to evaporate quickly and not stay behind on the finished window. The reality is that hot windows in direct sunlight dry too fast for their own good and before you're even halfway finished with a window you'll just be pushing dry chemicals, dust and grime around, scratching your windows and leaving smears that show up when the angle of the sun is just right.

Myth 7: More soap means cleaner windows

This is kind of an instinctual myth that many people buy into without anyone telling them to. The train of thought is common enough: "If this amount is good, then twice this amount must be great!"

The truth is that while a boatload of soap may help cut through dirt and grime a little bit easier it's also going to leave behind a boatload of chemicals and muddy residue that's going to create world-class streaks and smears. Not only that, but all that soapy runoff from the window could potentially poison the ground under the windows, killing any flowers or shrubs you have there.

Myth 8: Most people can't afford to have their windows professionally cleaned

At Viewhouse we often hear homeowners saying things like "I wish I could afford to have my windows professionally cleaned." Well, the fact is, you probably can. Our service is delightfully affordable and our customer base is divided almost evenly between residential and commercial clients. We strive to make our process as efficient as possible which enables us to keep our costs down and pass the savings on to you. So, the next time you think you can't afford professional cleaning, think again, and call Viewhouse.

Myth 9: You don't need to clean your window screens too

We have window screens for a reason. So that we can open the window on nice days and enjoy the fresh air without letting a horde of bugs or half a pound of airborne pollen into the house. As you may surmise from that statement window screens get dirty. Which means that if you've just spent the day cleaning your windows but you didn't clean the screens too you'll be looking through the nasty, dirty screens most of the time and it won't matter how clean the windows behind them are. Always clean windows and screens at the same time.

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Conclusion

We hope you found the information in this post to be useful, and if you'd like to arrange expert window cleaning for your home or business you can search for "window cleaning services near me" or "window cleaners near me". Or even better you can simply pick up the phone and call Viewhouse Window Cleaning at 970-988-0949.