How to Clean Hazed Glass

Don't let hazed windows block your view.

Glass easily accumulates dirt and grime, which creates visible blemishes. Things like hard water, soap scum, and cigarette smoke can leave glass with a hazed appearance. Thick layers of hazy buildup require cleaning methods that go beyond the typical glass cleaner and paper towel. You can break through that haze with stronger products and tougher tools.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth or sponge
• Ammonia
• Petroleum jelly
• Borax
• Powdered dish detergent
• Glycerin
• Rubbing alcohol
• Glass cleaner
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth
• Cotton balls (optional)

Instructions

Hard Water

1. Pour ammonia onto a damp cloth or sponge. Rub the glass with the ammonia to remove as much film as possible. Rinse and rewet the cloth or sponge frequently with ammonia.

2. Coat the glass with a layer of petroleum jelly. Leave the petroleum jelly on the glass 24 hours for light haze, or up to five days for severe haze.

3. Wash off the petroleum jelly with hot water and a minimal amount of dish soap. Let the glass air-dry.

Soap Scum

1. Mix a solution of 1/2 gallon hot water, 1/4 cup borax, and 1/4 cup powdered dish detergent.

2. Coat a small portion of the glass with glycerin, using a cloth or cotton ball. Gently buff the glycerin-coated area with a cloth or sponge soaked in the borax solution.

3. Continue working from section to section until you're finished, then wipe the entire glass with rubbing alcohol. Rinse the glass with fresh water.

Smoke

1. Combine 1 part rubbing alcohol with 5 parts glass cleaner in a spray bottle.

2. Spray the glass liberally with the mixture.

3. Buff the glass with a microfiber cloth until the glass cleaner dries. Continue spraying and buffing until the smoke film is gone.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How to Clean Windows and Glass
• Chubb Collectors; Tips for Cleaning Cloudy Glass; Reyne Haines; July 2002
• Merry Maids: Cleaning Tips