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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.

When glass shatters, larger shards quickly drop to the ground, but smaller particles can go on an airborne journey up to 15 feet from the point of impact. So check under furniture, along the edges of rugs, and in dark corners for glass fragments. When in doubt, vacuum the entire room a few times after thoroughly cleaning.

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.

The best tool for DIYers to use to cut glass is a glass cutter, which can either use a straight blade or a sharp cutting wheel to score glass. Once you score the lines you want to cut, elevate the scored line over a pivot point and apply light, even pressure to both sides. Make sure you wear protective gloves and glasses to stay safe during the process.