Glass Gleam 3 vs. Glass Gleam 4: Which Window Cleaning Additive Should You Choose?

Window cleaning professionals know that results come down to more than just the squeegee and scrubber you use. The type of solution in your bucket can make all the difference between streak-free perfection and frustrating haze or drag. That’s where Glass Gleam 3 (GG3) and Glass Gleam 4 (GG4) come in.

These concentrated additives, manufactured by Titan Laboratories, are designed specifically for window cleaning with a squeegee. Both products are biodegradable, safe, and highly effective—but they shine in slightly different scenarios. In this post, we’ll break down the differences, highlight the benefits of each, and help you choose the best option for your work.

Why Additives Matter in Professional Window Cleaning

Many new cleaners start out with just water and a drop of dish soap in their bucket. While that can work in a pinch, it often leads to streaks, residue, or premature drying that makes the squeegee drag. Professional additives like GG3 and GG4 are formulated to solve these problems.

By adding just a small amount of solution to your water, you get:

• Reduced squeegee drag – Smooth glides without chatter.

• Longer working time – Solution stays wetter on the glass.

• Cleaner finish – No haze, streaks, or bleed-back.

• Safe performance – Biodegradable and phosphate-free.

Simply put, using a professional additive elevates your results and helps you work faster with less effort.

Glass Gleam 3: The Classic Choice for Everyday Cleaning

Glass Gleam 3 is a trusted favorite among window cleaners. It’s known for its ease of use and reliable results on most types of glass.

Key Benefits of GG3

• Reduces Drag on Squeegees
  Makes pulling a squeegee across the glass smooth and effortless, reducing strain during long jobs.

• Stays Wet Longer
  Perfect for warm days when water typically dries too fast.

• No Haze, Even on Polymer-Treated Surfaces
  Many modern windows have low-E or polymer coatings. GG3 leaves these crystal-clear with no film.

• Pleasant Fragrance
  Leaves behind a fresh, clean scent—ideal for residential jobs.

• High-Visibility Orange Color
  Makes it easy to see where the solution is applied, reducing missed spots.

• Biodegradable and Safe
  Free from phosphates, ammonia, or harsh chemicals.

Best Use Cases for GG3

• Standard residential window cleaning.

• Jobs in mild or moderate climates.

• Interior glass where fragrance and visibility are helpful.

• Properties without significant hard water issues.

Glass Gleam 4: The Hard Water Specialist

While GG3 handles most everyday window cleaning tasks, Glass Gleam 4 (GG4) is formulated for tougher conditions. If your cleaning area has hard water, GG4 is the product you’ll want in your kit.

Key Benefits of GG4

• Ideal for Hard Water Conditions
  Designed specifically to combat mineral deposits and water spots.

• Extended Wetting Time
  Like GG3, GG4 keeps the solution wetter longer, but it’s even more effective in hot, dry, or windy conditions where water evaporates quickly.

• No Foaming
  Foam can cause streaking or slow down cleaning. GG4 is non-foaming for smoother results.

• No Haze on Polymer-Treated Glass
  Leaves every surface perfectly clear.

• Biodegradable and Safe
  Like GG3, GG4 contains no phosphates, ammonia, or hazardous ingredients.

Best Use Cases for GG4

• Areas with high mineral content in water (hard water).

• Exterior glass exposed to sprinklers or water runoff.

• Hot or windy conditions where solutions dry too fast.

• Commercial glass cleaning where flawless clarity is essential.

GG3 vs. GG4: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, the two products seem nearly identical, but here are the main differences:

If you’re working in an area with soft or average water, GG3 is the economical choice. But if you consistently battle hard water stains or work in harsh outdoor conditions, GG4 is the clear winner.

How to Use Glass Gleam Additives

Both GG3 and GG4 are super-concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Fill your bucket with water (1–2 gallons is typical).

2. Add just a small amount of GG3 or GG4 – usually only a few drops per gallon. Follow Titan’s dilution instructions for best results.

3. Mix thoroughly so the additive is evenly distributed.

4. Use as you normally would with your scrubber and squeegee.

Pro Tip: Using too much additive won’t improve results—in fact, it can cause streaking. Stick to recommended dilution ratios.

Professional Tips for Better Window Cleaning Results

• Pair with Pure Water Systems – If you’re already running a DI or RO pure water system, GG4 can give you extra insurance against hard water stains.

• Use the Right Squeegee Rubber – Softer rubbers pair well with GG3 in cooler climates, while harder rubbers may perform better with GG4 in hotter conditions.

• Tackle Hard Water Early – If glass already has etched-in hard water stains, GG4 won’t remove them, but it will help prevent new deposits from forming. Use a hard water stain remover first, then maintain with GG4.

• Choose Based on Job Type – Keep both products on hand so you can adapt to conditions. For example, GG3 works beautifully for inside windows, while GG4 excels outdoors in direct sun.

Why Professionals Rely on Glass Gleam

The biggest reason window cleaning pros trust GG3 and GG4 is consistency. Every job, every surface, every condition—these additives are designed to perform. Unlike DIY solutions that vary from bucket to bucket, GG3 and GG4 deliver reliable glide, clarity, and safety.

For cleaners managing commercial contracts or high-end residential jobs, that reliability translates into happy customers, repeat business, and better efficiency on the job site.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

Both Glass Gleam 3 and Glass Gleam 4 are outstanding choices for professional window cleaners.

• Choose GG3 if you primarily clean residential properties, work in average water conditions, or want the visibility and fragrance benefits.

• Choose GG4 if you’re dealing with hard water, hot and windy climates, or commercial glass where flawless clarity is non-negotiable.

For many professionals, the smartest choice is to carry both products. That way, you can match your solution to the conditions of the job and always deliver streak-free, crystal-clear results.

At the end of the day, investing in the right additive is about more than clean windows—it’s about efficiency, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.