Having clean windows makes a world of difference both inside and outside your home. Sparkling windows allow natural light to flow in, provide unobstructed views, and give your house an immediately refreshed look. However, without the proper technique and products, removing dirt, grime, and streaks from your windows can be a real chore.
As someone who enjoys keeping my home’s windows pristine, I’ve tested all kinds of methods and supplies for getting windows squeaky clean. Here’s my guide for the best way to clean windows to get professional-grade results.
Supplies You’ll Need
- A window squeegee – This tool with a rubber blade is vital for leaving windows streak-free. Make sure to get one with a handle and sharper edges for maximum effectiveness.
- Microfiber cloths – I prefer the Amazon Basics microfiber cleaning cloths as they are lint-free, super absorbent, and do not leave marks.
- Glass cleaner – Use a quality glass cleaner like Windex Glass Cleaner for the best results. Avoid generic brands that can leave residue.
- Bucket – A bucket allows you to dip and rinse your cleaning tools. Use two buckets for even better results.
- Extension wand – For cleaning exterior upper-level windows, use a wand to attach your squeegee and microfiber pad.
Step-By-Step Guide
Prep
- Remove any screens from the windows you plan to clean. Set aside carefully to clean separately later.
- Open the windows fully and lock them in place so you can easily access the exterior sides.
Wash
- Make a cleaning solution by mixing a few squirts of glass cleaner with water in your bucket.
- Dip your microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out excess liquid.
- Wipe down the entire window surface using firm, overlapping circular motions. Do not press extremely hard as that can push grime further into the glass.
- Rinse your cloth frequently in the bucket to prevent transferring dirt from one part of the window to another.
- Dry the edges with a clean dry microfiber cloth. Water drips can leave unsightly marks.
Dry
- After washing, run a dry microfiber cloth over the window. This helps collect residual dirt and liquid.
- Fold your squeegee channel dry microfiber cloth and attach it the squeegee using the mechanisms on the handle.
- Starting at the top corner edge, firmly press the squeegee across the window, overlapping each pass slightly. Be sure to cover edges.
- Continue making passes down the window until fully dry, refolding your cloth as needed to use clean surfaces.
- Flip and repeat on the other side of the window.
Final Touches
- Use a secondary bucket of clean water to rinse your washing microfiber pad, squeegee, and cloths when finished with a window.
- On exterior windows, wipe down the window tracks and sill which often collect grime.
- Reattach freshly cleaned screens once windows are dry.
- For really dirty windows, repeat the washing and drying steps a second time forstreak-free perfection.
Helpful Cleaning Tips
- Clean windows on overcast days when the sun won’t cause fast drying and streaking.
- Start higher and work your way down when doing exterior windows for better results.
- Add a couple drops of dish soap to your washing bucket for extra cutting grease and sticky residue.
- Squeegee in straight lines horizontally first, then flip vertically to get the best coverage.
- A window cleaning vacuum attachment helps collect dirty washing solution.
Clean windows make such a noticeable difference in any home. With these professional window cleaning tips and proper tools, you’ll have crystal clear, streak-free windows in no time! Let the light shine in with a thorough window washing using this proven method.
