I feel you on just kind of ignoring it until it gets bad enough to actually do something. I tried the “magic” vinegar and newspaper trick—looked decent for about a week, then the haze came right back. At this point, I just call it “atmosphere.” I’m with you, though—if it’s not leaking cold air or making the room feel chilly, I usually just pretend it’s not there. Maybe someday I’ll get motivated to swap out the glass, but for now, it’s just part of the house’s charm... or at least that’s what I tell myself.
Yeah, I get that—sometimes you just have to pick your battles. I went through the same cycle with one of my old double-pane windows. Tried every trick in the book, but that haze is stubborn. Honestly, if it’s not making the room drafty or causing bigger issues, I don’t blame you for letting it slide. I tell myself the little imperfections add “character” too... though I know I’m just procrastinating until it really bugs me.
I hear you on the “character” thing—sometimes it’s just easier to live with a cloudy pane than to go down that rabbit hole. I’ve had clients swear up and down that vinegar, newspaper, or even those silica gel packs would clear the haze, but honestly, if the seal’s shot, nothing short of replacing the glass does much. I tried the drill-a-tiny-hole-and-blow-air-in trick on my own kitchen window once. All I got was a slightly less foggy view and a weird whistling noise every time the wind picked up. Not my proudest moment.
Truth is, most of the time that haze is between the panes, and unless you’re ready to swap the IGU (insulated glass unit), it’s gonna stick around. I get why people put it off—costs add up and it’s not like it’s pouring rain inside. Half the houses I work in have a “feature window” or two that’s seen better days. Folks usually wait until it gets drafty or starts leaking before they call me out.
I do think there’s something to be said for living with a little imperfection, though. My own living room window has a streak that catches the afternoon sun just right and reminds me I’ve got a hundred other things to fix first. Maybe not ideal, but hey, it’s home.
If it’s not bothering you too much, I’d say don’t sweat it. Just keep an eye out for any signs it’s getting worse—like condensation drips or mold. That’s when you know it’s time to actually do something, not just slap another “character” sticker on it.