• Enjoy your view to the fullest with streak-free windows.window image by aldaer from Fotolia.com
  
  Store-bought, ammonia-based window cleaners will often render a streak-free shine, but they aren't your only option. Instead of purchasing chemical cleaners, you can whip up your own cleaning solutions using items you probably already have in your home. Finding the right cleaner is important, and you also need to know a few more tricks to guarantee that your windows are left both clean and streak-free.
  
  

Window Frames

• Clean your window frames prior to cleaning the glass to avoid dirty streaks on your windows. If your window frame is dirty, spraying cleaner onto it may wet the dirt and cause it to run down the window pane. Remove this dirt before it causes a problem by wiping the frame with a sponge soaked in hot, soapy water. Wring the sponge out so that it is just damp and wipe the frame. Rinse the sponge as necessary and dry the frame with a clean, dry towel when you are finished. Once the window frames are clean, you can focus on the glass without fear of creating muddy streaks.
  
  

Glass Cleaner Alternatives

• Rubbing alcohol, white vinegar or lemon juice can serve as window cleaning solutions. These substances can be used full strength or diluted with water to make homemade glass cleaners. Experiment with different ingredients until you find the perfect solution for your home.
  
  

Vinegar Cleaner

• Make a homemade window cleaner by combining 1 quart water, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1 tbsp. cornstarch in a large spray bottle. Spray the cleaner onto the windows and wipe it off immediately.
  
  

Lemon Juice Cleaner

• Mix up a citrus-scented glass cleaner by mixing 1/2 cup lemon juice into two cups of water. For added cleaning power, you can 1/4 tsp. liquid vegetable-based soap to the mixture. Spray the cleaning solution onto your windows or apply it with a soft sponge. Wipe the cleaner away immediately to prevent streaks.
  
  

Materials

• Paper or cloth towels may leave behind small pieces of lint when used to clean windows. These small lint balls won't damage your windows, but they are unsightly and leave your windows looking dirty. Keep your windows crystal-clear and lint-free by using newspaper instead. Crumple a single sheet of newspaper into a ball and use it to wipe away your cleaning solution. Switch to a fresh sheet of newspaper when the first becomes damp and stops absorbing the cleaner. This is a good way to recycle your old newspapers and keep your windows streak-free.
  
  

Cleaning Time

• Avoid washing your windows on hot days or when the sun is shining directly on the glass. When the glass is hot or subjected to direct sunlight, any cleaning solution you apply will dry quickly, which could cause streaking. Clean your windows in the early morning or in the evening to achieve a streak-free finish.