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Getting a streak-free shine after cleaning your windows requires both the right cleaning solutions—which can either include warm water and dish soap or warm water and rubbing alcohol—and the right tools—namely, a squeegee and a microfiber cloth. To make your streak-free glass cleaner, combine one gallon of warm water with a few drops of dish soap, and mix. Apply with a sprayer or sponge, and then dry with a squeegee, microfiber cloth, or old black-and-white newspaper pages.

Yes, you can replace just the glass pane in a window without affecting the surrounding frame. This is a complex process, so it is best to hire a window repair professional to handle the task. A technician will cut the seal, remove the old glass, install the new pane, and properly seal it. For double-pane windows, this includes creating a vacuum between the panes and filling it with insulative gas to restore energy efficiency. Professionals can also help you choose the right type of glass for your window. This repair process is almost always more affordable than replacing the entire window unit.

There are a few reasons your mirrors might have smears on them after cleaning, but the two most likely are remaining cleaning product and minerals from hard water. If you used a commercial glass cleaner, consider spraying down the mirror with a 1-to-1 ratio of white vinegar and water after cleaning and then wiping it dry with a cotton cloth. If you suspect hard water is the issue, use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to spot-clean the streaks, and then let the mirror air-dry.

Whether it's better to repair or replace a broken mirror depends on its size, value, and the extent of the damage. For small, inexpensive mirrors, replacement is often the better choice, as the average repair cost of around $200 can be close to the price of a new one. However, for large mirrors—like those over a bathroom vanity or large floor mirrors—repair is usually more cost-effective. A new large mirror can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while repairs typically range from $50 to $200. You should also consider the mirror's age and sentimental value. Antique mirrors and family heirlooms are often priceless and irreplaceable, making repair the most sensible or only option.