Can You Use Dish Soap for Window Cleaning? A Professional Perspective

When it comes to window cleaning, many beginners and even seasoned professionals reach for dish soap—brands like Dawn or Joy are often the go-to choice. After all, it helps squeegees glide across glass, making the job feel easier. But is this actually the best approach? The short answer: not really.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why dawn may harm your windows, the science behind glass damage, and why Glass Gleam 4 (GG-4) is the safer, more effective alternative. We’ll also cover the role of professional glide additives like Glass Gleam Glide and how to choose between GG3 and GG4 for your window cleaning needs.

Column 1

Titan Labs Glass Gleam 3 Window Cleaning Soap

$328.15

Glass Gleam-3 (GG3) – The Ultimate Window Cleaning Solution Glass Gleam-3 (GG3) is a cutting-edge, super-concentrated window cleaner designed specifically for professionals who demand exceptional...… read more

5 Gallon - $328.15 Quart - $20.75 Gallon - $68.30

Column 2

Titan Labs Glass Gleam 4 Window Cleaning Soap

$58.55

Titan Glass Gleam 4 aka GG4 Glass Gleam-4™ Window Cleaning Concentrate is ideal for cleaning windows with a squeegee. Glass Gleam-4™ contains polymeric water softeners...… read more

Gallon - $58.55 Quart - $17.85 5 Gallon - $288.75

Why Dish Soap Isn’t Ideal for Window Cleaning

Dish soaps are essentially degreasers made up of almost 100% surfactants, which are molecules designed to break down grease and lift dirt. Surfactants have two “heads”: one loves water and the other hates it. As Alan Noah of Titan Laboratories explains, “Surfactants are wonderful little two-headed creatures. One head loves water and the other hates it. So, when you get them wet, they go crazy.”

While surfactants are excellent for cleaning fabrics, they can cause problems on glass.

The Hard Water Problem

The main issue arises when it interacts with hard water, which contains calcium and other minerals. Mixing surfactants with calcium creates soapy scum, often disguised as foam thanks to additives like sodium lauryl sulfate. While the suds may look impressive, what actually forms is a sludge-like goop. This goop collects in the microscopic pores and pits on the glass surface, slowly damaging windows and even filling window tracks.

How Glass is Made Matters

Glass isn’t perfectly smooth on every surface. During manufacturing, molten glass cools down from 2800°F through a process called floating, where the glass “rides on a river of molten tin.” The bottom side is smooth, but the top side contains microscopic pits and pores. This is where dish soap’s residue accumulates, causing long-term haze, scum buildup, and slower cleaning results.

Why Professionals Prefer Glass Gleam 4 (GG-4)

Unlike dish soap, Glass Gleam 4 is specifically formulated to avoid these problems. GG-4:

• Removes goop from microscopic pores

• Stays wet longer, even on hot or windy days

• Works well with hard water

• Leaves glass sparkling and free of haze

As Titan Laboratories explains, “The glass now sparkles as it bounces the light freely off the many pits and pores, like a diamond. And since the dew doesn’t cause the window to weep, it stays clean for a very long time.”

Key Advantages of GG-4 Over Dish Soap

The Glide Factor: Why Dish Soap Tempted Professionals

Many window cleaners start with dish soap because it helps squeegees glide. Beginners are taught to “fan” with a squeegee, using soap to reduce drag. Alan Noah explains:

“This teaches you to grip hard and press hard because the surfactant gives you a ton of glide. However, that’s pretty much all it gives you!”

While this initial slip feels good, the result is buildup and long-term damage. Professionals who switch to GG-4 often struggle with the lack of slickness, leading some to add dish soap back in—unintentionally undoing GG-4’s benefits.

Introducing Glass Gleam Glide

To solve the glide problem without creating residue, Titan Laboratories developed Glass Gleam Glide, a professional glide additive:

• Eliminates squeegee drag

• Creates a smooth blade cushion

• Reduces wrist fatigue and chatter

• Reduces cleanup time

• Leaves no residue

• Biodegradable and kind to hands

• Won’t make tools slippery

Usage: Simply add 1/10 oz per gallon to GG3 or GG4, or adjust as needed. This allows professional window cleaners to maintain a smooth glide without the downsides of dish soap.

Glass Gleam 3 vs. Glass Gleam 4

For window cleaners wondering which GG product to use:

Glass Gleam 3 (GG3)

• Reduces drag on squeegees

• Pleasant fragrance

• Leaves no haze, even on polymer-treated surfaces

• High-visibility orange color prevents bleed back

• Biodegradable, with no phosphates, ammonia, or hazardous chemicals

Best For: Normal water conditions, residential and commercial windows, standard cleaning projects.

Glass Gleam 4 (GG4)

• Designed specifically for hard water conditions

• Stays wet longer on hot or windy days

• No foam buildup

• Biodegradable, with no phosphates, ammonia, or hazardous chemicals

• Leaves windows sparkling, prevents dew and haze

Best For: Areas with hard water, high mineral content, or professional projects where longevity and appearance are critical.

The Bottom Line on Using Dish Soap for Window Cleaning

While dish soap can give a temporary glide for beginners, its long-term effects on glass surfaces are problematic:

• Forms goop in microscopic pores

• Creates scum and residue

• May damage window tracks over time

• Encourages excessive pressure and squeegee wear

For professional results, GG-4 combined with Glass Gleam Glide is the superior choice. It cleans effectively, handles hard water, and provides controlled glide without creating foam or buildup.

Tips for Professional Window Cleaning

1. Avoid Dish Soap – Stick to professional cleaners like GG-3 or GG-4 to protect glass.

2. Use Glide Additives Wisely – Glass Gleam Glide allows you to reduce drag without creating residue.

3. Maintain Tools – Clean squeegees and brushes after each job to prevent buildup.

4. Monitor Hard Water Areas – Always use GG-4 where mineral deposits are likely to form.

5. Work Efficiently – Longer wet times from GG-4 allow you to clean larger areas without re-wetting.

Why Professionals Love Glass Gleam Products

The combination of GG-4 and Glass Gleam Glide provides professional window cleaners with:

• Sparkling results without residue

• Reduced wrist fatigue

• Efficient, streak-free cleaning even in tough conditions

• Long-lasting protection against hard water damage

Dish soap may be the shortcut, but for those serious about quality and longevity, Glass Gleam 4 is the professional choice. Visit www.jracenstein.com for professional window cleaning soaps.