tell me, please, the very best way to clean gunky exterior picture windows...

[Grasswire2]

...because vinegar and water won't do it. Nor does a squeegee. Nor does the Windex special window pad.

A contributing problem, likely, is that I have bird feeders on suction cups there in the winter.

I can't seem to get the glass clean.

Thank you in advance.

[Cracklin Charlie]

1. We buy glass cleaner foam from a glass company.

It does a better job than windex.

Good luck.

[Auggie]

2. Maybe a petroleum-based solvent?

Bestine or Goof-Off?

[TygrBright]

3. If your windows are double-pane, you may have a bad seal.

That can let moisture in between the panes and produce smeary-looking windows that are uncleanable by ordinary means.

sadly,
Bright

[Grasswire2]

11. dang!

The center window, the largest, is double pane and I was told by a neighbor who looked at it that the seal at the top is bad in one spot. !! It is 6 1/2 feet wide.

[Bluethroughu]

18. A glass company can usually fix the seal and replace the gas between the panes,

For a reasonable price.

[MOMFUDSKI]

4. I would try Dawn and water and Finish (dishwasher stuff) and

rinse. Then mix vinegar, water, and alcohol for final wash. Then squeegee if you can reach or let the alcohol help air dry.

[bamagal62]

5. Is it sticky residue

From
The plastic suction cups? You could try using hairspray to break up the gunk. Then, try dawn and hot water afterwards. See if that works. The cheap hairspray like aquanet works best.

[Grasswire2]

12. maybe

Or it might be dirty feet from woodpeckers and flickers and all manner of smaller birds

[crud]

6. For water spots, I use CLR diluted with water in a spray bottle.

[Grasswire2]

7. thanks every one for ideas.

Never thought about washing with HOT water.

I wish I had a teenage neighbor who needs a little pocket money, but I don't.

[yonder]

8. If it is from mineralized water deposits, Muriatic acid can work.

Use caution with a very diluted solution, wear gloves, eye protection, etc.

I'd try the other suggestions first (CLR seems like a good idea) and use this as a potentially hazardous last resort.

[Phoenix61]

9. Barkeepers Friend.

https://barkeepersfriend.com/wait-what-you-can-clean-windows-with-bar-keepers-friend/
I use it on my windshield to remove road grime etc.

[ret5hd]

10. Steel wool pads (000 grade) and any cleaner...

followed by a garden hose rinse.

[Grasswire2]

13. SOS pad...would that be proper grade?

Or too scratchy?

[ret5hd]

15. Sure, but messy and hard to rinse.

000 grade steel wool without have any detergent would be my preference.

[mahina]

16. Too scratchy. 0000 (4 ought)

I’d try rubbing alcohol. Use gloves.

That seal may be the cause if noting helps.

To be clear I am not suggesting using rubbing alcohol with stainless steel. But foreign stainless steel is used on automobile finishes. I’m very sure that SOS pads would scratch up your glass.

Good luck!

[Meadowoak]

14. Clear ammonia. Rinse with a garden hose, paper towel dry.

[Bluethroughu]

17. I use the windex outdoor hose treatment.

First rinse with water, then use a car wash brush to loosen grime. Second, use mixture and car was brush again. Third, a little more cleaner...then rinse for clean clear beautiful views.


I live in the country surrounded by trees and farms. My house and windows get filthy, and that stuff makes everything look like new.