The Best Way to Clean Windows: 7 Tips for a Streak-Free Shine

You may have heard conflicting information about whether to clean windows on a sunny or overcast day. In fact, it really doesn’t matter as long as the windows are clean, dry, and completely free of moisture. That said, cloudy weather is generally better for cleaning.

First, you don’t want to clean your windows on a very hot sunny day, as the temperature may cause them to warp. Also, a bright, sunny day can make it harder to see the dirt on your windows. If you don’t have a cloudy day in your forecast, you can easily create your own artificial shade by covering your windows with blankets or other fabric.

If you’re going to clean your windows, you may as well clean them really well. Opt for distilled water to ensure your cleaning solution is as pure as possible. This will help prevent spots and streaks caused by minerals in tap water. Warm water works best for cleaning windows, so put some in a bucket and let it sit for a few minutes before getting started.

You don’t want your window cleaner solution to be too cold because it can cause water spots on the surface of your windows. Pour the warm water over your windows, and use a squeegee to remove the excess water. This one simple step can help you avoid water spots.

If you start on the bottom, you’ll either have to climb a ladder or stand on a chair to clean the top of your windows. This can be dangerous, so why not avoid the risk altogether? Start at the top and work your way down.

Once you’ve cleaned the top of your windows, you can easily reach the rest. This also allows you to keep track of how dirty your windows are. If you don’t clean the top windows often, you may not notice when they get really dirty. Once your windows are clean, you can use window treatments to cover them when they’re not in use.

Horizontal strokes are easier to control than vertical ones, which can cause streaks. You may have been trained to use vertical strokes when window cleaning. But what works for other surfaces, like mirrors and other glass items, doesn’t work as well on windows.



There’s a reason why professionals use horizontal strokes to clean windows. It’s much easier to get even coverage with this technique. If you want to avoid streaks, hold the cleaning rag with a paper towel in between your fingers. This will help you avoid putting pressure on the glass.

A squeegee is the best tool to clean windows, period. Don’t rely too much on paper towels or rags to clean your windows. You’ll cause more streaks and smears. Use a squeegee instead. You can find squeegees at most hardware stores, or you can buy some online.



Squeegees come in different types and sizes, so read reviews before you buy. If you want a second pair of hands (or squeegee blade), get a double-sided squeegee. This tool can handle any surface, window or otherwise. A squeegee can be used to remove water, dirt, and grime from all window types, including acrylic, vinyl, and wood.

Use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture. Lint-free cloths are available at almost every grocery or hardware store. You can also buy them online. They’re great for window cleaning, but they can also be used for other household chores.

If you have stubborn streaks or spots on your windows, try cleaning them with vinegar. Mix one part of vinegar with two parts of water in a spray bottle. Spray your own window cleaning solution, and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it away.

This is a basic cleaning method that works on most surfaces. If you want to avoid streaks, however, clean windows in the shade. This allows the solution to sit on the glass longer, giving you more time to get rid of stains and streaks.

| Read more about Guide to Natural Cleaning Products

If you have a pressure washer, you can use this to wet down the window. Just be careful not to hold the nozzle too close to the glass, as this could damage it. Once the window is wet, apply a generous amount of soap to a scrub brush or sponge and start scrubbing.

Rinse the soap off with your hose or pressure washer and dry the area with a clean towel. If there are any stubborn spots, you can use a razor blade scraper to remove them. Be careful not to scratch the glass.