Have you ever cleaned your windows only to see them dry with water spots and streaks? Where did you go wrong? It may have had nothing to do with your technique and everything to do with the water you used. Tap water may be perfectly safe to drink and it?s possible to add to your solution for cleaning floors or counters but using it to clean your windows is a different story.
Windows show the impurities in the water used to clean them. What?s the point in taking the time and effort to wash windows only to have them still look dingy after you?re done? Learn why tap water isn?t the best option for cleaning glass and what you can use instead to clean windows like a pro.
Related Topic: The Hard Truth About Hard Water Stains
Why Tap Water Isn't Best for a Window Cleaner
Despite looking clear, tap water contains mineral sediment that can dull the shine of your windows. Depending on where you live, you may have higher or lower mineral content in your tap water. Water in the west is commonly higher in calcium, magnesium, sodium, and copper than in other parts of the U.S., while water from the south is moderate to low in the same minerals.
Another element that makes tap water less than ideal for cleaning windows is the level of acidity. When the pH is high, it doesn't bind with particles as it should which makes it difficult to lift dirt and grime off windows. Adding a water softener helps lower the pH and makes it easier to lift grease off windows, but it doesn't remove all the sediment that leaves water spots and streaks.
So, what should you use? Is distilled water good for cleaning windows? Because distilling involves evaporating water and capturing the condensation which completely separates the minerals from the water it's a great way to purify tap water at home.
How to Purify Tap Water for Window Cleaning
To keep your windows sparkling clean, you can purify your tap water at home by distilling, installing a reverse osmosis system, or investing in an ionizing machine or bio-ceramic filter.
Distilling Process: You can make your own distilled water at home using a large pot, a smaller pot, and some ice. Here are the steps required to distill water:
- First, fill the large pot with 8 cups of water and set the smaller pot inside.
- Place the lid upside down on the large pot. The condensation from the steam will trickle to the center of the lid, where it will drip down into the smaller pot.
- Place ice on top of the lid. The difference in temperature will speed up the condensation.
- Finally, turn on the stove and wait. Keep an eye on the water level and replace the water in the bottom pot as needed to prevent damage to the cookware.
Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water molecules through a semi-permeable mesh that mineral sediment is too large to fit through. This allows you to separate the water from the minerals and purify your tap water for sparkling windows. To do this at home, you will need to install a RO system and run your tap water through it.
Ionization: Another purification process that can remove sediment from your water is ionization. One of the simplest ways to do this at home is using an ionizing machine or passing the water through bio-ceramic filters. The process uses magnetism to draw out the minerals and raise the water's alkalinity, which enables the water to better lift dirt and grime from windows, leaving them spot and streak-free.
What Streak-Free Windows Every Time?
If you would rather put your time and effort into something more enjoyable than making your own purified water, contact the cleaning pros at Window Genie. We're experts at keeping windows sparkling clean, both inside and out. To learn more, give us a call or request a quote online today. If you have other parts of your home that need some TLC, or you're considering remodeling your home, contact Mr. Handyman for living room and kitchen remodeling and maintenance services. They are a trusted member of the Neighborly family of home service providers.
