How to clean windows

Cleaning the windows can make such a difference to your home! This guide describes the best way to clean windows & the ideal window cleaning tools to use.

Updated 8 April 2020

By Cleanipedia Team

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Key Steps:

Window Cleaning Checklist

Before you begin window cleaning make sure you have the appropriate tools:

• Cleaning product of your choice ­– whether it be a natural or commercial cleaner
• A clean, soft cloth or scrunched up newspaper
• A squeegee

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and yet your living room is as dull as dishwater. Have you checked your windows? When a little bit of sunlight comes our way, you might realise just how long it’s been since you cleaned your windows. Even just a little bit of dirt and dust can have a huge effect on how much light shines through, making it seem like a dark and dismal winter day even in the middle of summer. Cleaning windows is a task many of us put off because it seems like hard work, but with the right window cleaning tools and products, you can get your windows crystal clear with little to no fuss.

This video demonstration will show you how to get your windows looking great:

When using a ladder to reach high up windows, always take appropriate safety precautions: wear sensible footwear, make sure the ladder is fully extended, and have an extra person on hand to steady the ladder at the bottom. If you are unsure about working at heights, or do not own a ladder, seek the assistance of a professional window cleaner.

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Products for Cleaning Windows

To reduce the risk of stubborn streaks, you’ll want to use the right cleaning products. There are plenty of products that do the job, both natural and commercial.

• Commercial window cleaning products are readily available from stores. They get the job done, and are easy to use – make sure to read the directions on the label and test any product on a small area first. It’s best to use a product that is made to clean windows and glass – other products may leave streaks or smudges behind.

• Hot, soapy water can work wonders, too. Simply add a small amount of dishwashing liquid to some hot water, and you’ve got yourself one powerful cleaning product. Make sure to read the directions on the label and test any product on a small area first.

Window Cleaning Tools

Don’t worry, you don’t need to go out and spend a fortune on all manner of special window cleaning tools. Of course, you can, if you really want to, but it’s not necessary. Here are three options for tools you can use to clean your windows:

• For buffing up the window and making it sparkle, a clean and soft cloth is a good option. Clean rags from old t-shirts can be an easy (and cost-effective) option – they will buff nicely whilst protecting your window from damage.

• If you have a lot of windows to clean, a squeegee might be a good addition to your cleaning tools. You can buy squeegees with a soft trim, too, which just provides a little added protection against scratches.

• Believe it or not, some homeowners swear by newspaper for buffing their windows, claiming it produces the best shine. If trying this, always test in a small corner to ensure the newspaper doesn’t scratch your windows. You just need to scrunch up a piece of newspaper into a ball, and then use this to shine your windows.

The Best Way to Clean Windows

Our windows can get dirty very easily, especially if kids are around; you’ll notice a new sticky handprint or lots of fingerprints almost every day. Fortunately, keeping your windows clean is really easy once you know how – and it takes no time at all. Here’s a quick guide to cleaning your windows.

• First, prepare the area around the window. Remove any items from the windowsill and tie back the curtain.

• Apply the cleaning product to the window following the instructions on the label. Whether you’re using a specialised window spray or just soap and water, remember not to apply too much product to the glass.

• Next, it’s time to remove the cleaning product from the window – you don’t want to leave streaks behind. Use a clean and soft cloth for this (or a ball of newspaper, if you’d prefer). Start at the top of the window and work down in circles or small strokes. Avoid using kitchen roll or toilet roll, as these can leave streaks and debris behind.

• Streak-free windows should now be yours!

How to Clean Windows Like a Pro

Looking for the best window washing solutions? Follow our DIY window cleaning tips.

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The Best Way to Clean Windows

Ideally, windows should be washed twice a year, but it’s a task most people don’t look forward to. Part of what makes DIY window cleaning such a chore is that homeowners insist on doing it with wadded-up paper towels or newspaper, spray cleaner, and a ton of elbow grease.

“All that rubbing isn’t a good idea,” says Brent Weingard, owner of Expert Window Cleaners in New York City. “You’re just moving dirt around from one spot to another and putting a static charge on the glass, which attracts dust and dirt. As soon as you finish, the window looks dirty again.”

As Weingard demonstrates, it’s easier and more effective to clean windows like the pros do: with a squeegee and a few other readily available tools. The techniques aren’t complicated, he says, and the results may surprise you.

«I don’t know of anything that can transform living spaces so well. You don’t know what you’re missing until you do the windows,» says Weingard. Here are two 3-step methods for how to get streak-free windows at home; one for picture windows and another for multipane windows. Got stubborn spots? Refer to the last section to help you with those.

For Picture Windows

Step 1: Wash with a strip applicator

Picture windows call for large tools. The long cloth head of a strip applicator soaks up a lot of soapy water and knocks dirt loose without scratching the glass. For a cleaning solution, Weingard uses just a squirt of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water—the less suds, the better.

Step 2: Wipe clean with a squeegee

Starting at the top left, pull the squeegee over the soapy pane in a reverse-S pattern (left-handers would start at the top right). At the end of each stroke, wipe the squeegee’s blade clean with a lint-free rag. Cloth diapers or old linen napkins are perfect for this task.

Step 3: Dry off remaining drips

Remove any water remaining on the edges of the glass with a damp, wrung-dry chamois, which soaks up wetness without leaving streaks. Dry the windowsill with a rag.

For Multipane Windows

Step 1: Customize the squeegee

To clean a divided-light window, you need a squeegee that fits the panes. Weingard uses a hacksaw to cut one to size. He trims the metal channel ¼ inch narrower than the window pane, then files the cut edges smooth. With a utility knife, he cuts the rubber blade to the pane’s full width and fits it into the channel so that it projects 1/8 inch at each end.

Step 2: Scrub the panes

A handheld sponge or hog-bristle brush works best on multipane windows. Weingard prefers natural sponges. «They’re firmer and more absorbent than synthetics,» he says. Using the same solution of a squirt of liquid soap in water, he rubs each pane from left to right, top to bottom, working the sponge edges or brush bristles into the corners to loosen dirt.

Step 3: Wipe clean with a squeegee

Pull the squeegee down each pane in a single stroke from top to bottom. After each stroke, clean the blade with a rag so it doesn’t leave streaks. (If the squeegee squeaks a lot, add a bit more soap to the water.) As above, remove any streaks on the glass with a chamois and dry the muntins and sill with a rag.

Getting rid of stubborn spots

Over time, hard-water runoff from masonry or rain falling through metal window screens leaves stubborn mineral stains on glass that normal washing can’t erase. So after a regular cleaning, Weingard wets the glass and gently «supercleans» it either with fine 000 steel wool (if the panes are small) or with Barkeeper’s Friend, which contains oxalic acid. (Other brands of powder may scratch the glass or fail to remove stains.) He mixes the powder into a paste on a wet towel, rubs away the stains, then rinses and squeegees the glass twice to remove the residue. Even with that treatment, the staining generally comes back in about six months.

To get rid of stains for good, Weingard recommends the application of 3 Star Barrier Glass Surface Protectant, a clear polymer coating. «After the stains are gone, you just put the coating on with a strip applicator and squeegee it off,» he says. Protection against staining is permanent, as long as the polymer is reapplied after each regular cleaning.

Cleaning Windows –A step-by-step guide to Clean Your Windows

Cleaning windows can be a simple way to brighten up your home. Read this step-by-step guide for the best way to clean the windows in your home.

Updated 15 January 2020

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Cleaning the windows might seem like a daunting task but with the right method, you can accomplish this feat effortlessly. This article will explain the best way to clean the windows in your home quickly– so that you have time for other things.

While it’s tempting to skip purchasing a specialized window cleaner, it’s better to opt for a targeted product rather than a homemade solution. These commercial products work quickly and effectively, saving you time – and you can also enjoy a more pleasant fragrance.

Step 1:

Gather the right tools for window cleaning. Preparation is key for window cleaning; and collecting the right tools before you get to work is essential – you don’t want to run around while cleaning, just because you’ve left your bucket in the kitchen.

For shiny, sparkling windows, you will need a glass cleaner, although a good job can be done with white vinegar and some good quality dishwashing liquid, like Vim Liquid Lemon. Always read and follow any instructions on the product label. You will also need a bucket, a soft scrub brush, and a water hose.

If you happen to have a spray bottle, keep that handy too – some people prefer this method to using a bucket. And don’t forget the squeegee – an often-underestimated tool when it comes to cleaning windows. Newspaper is also a handy tool as it is actually great for buffing windows to a high shine and a top quality finish.

Step 2:

Get the windows ready. One of the most important window cleaning tips is that, moving straight to washing the windows is not very effective. Just as you will need all your tools before you get started, similarly you should also make sure to prepare your work environment.

Start by pulling back all curtains, open the windows, and carefully inspect them. Can you spot any dust or cobwebs? Get rid of those first, and remove any loose dirt such as dried leaves – you don’t want it sabotaging your cleaning efforts later.

You might even find the odd dead bug on the outside of your windows – better to remove those obstacles right then, before you start the washing.

Step 3:

Prepare a cleaning solution. For a homemade window cleaning solution, mix three cups of water with half a cup of white vinegar and a spoonful of dish detergent.

If you don’t want to buy a specialized window cleaner, then this is all you need to wash your windows effectively, and the good news is that, you probably have everything you need right there in your cupboard.

How to clean windows. Now you can begin the actual cleaning process.

• If you’re using a glass cleaning product, follow the instructions. If not, take the soft brush or a mop, dip it into a bucket filled with the homemade cleaning solution, and then swab the windows until all the dirt is removed. Don’t rub or press too hard – avoid scratching the glass by soaking stains, rather than scrubbing them off.
• Once you have removed all the dirt, the squeegee comes into play to get rid of all the water. Start at the top left corner and work your way down, making sure to move into the edges. You will probably still have to wipe the corners with a soft microfiber cloth.
• Then take the newspaper and crumple it into a loose ball. Gently buff the windows by rubbing the ball on it in a circular motion.
• Use a towel to wipe up any water spilt on the windowsill or the floor; this part is especially important when you’re cleaning the inside of your windows so the excess water doesn’t end up on your floor.

Voila! Clean, shiny windows in 4 steps!

Key Steps:

Step 1:

Choosing the right tools and equipment for window cleaning is essential for best results.

Step 2:

Avoid using kitchen towels or toilet paper to clean windows as these can disintegrate and leave debris behind.

Step 3:

A squeegee is a good investment for window cleaning. This tool removes excess water from your windows to ensure they’re streak-free!

Step 4:

It’s a good idea to use a ladder to reach high up the windows. Remember; always take the appropriate safety measures when working at a height: wear shoes with a good grip, and make sure the ladder is fully extended and positioned on steady ground. If you don’t own a ladder, or are unsure about working at heights, then seek the help of a professional window cleaner.

How to clean windows

This is how to get your windows gleaming

Cleaning the windows can be a task people easily miss off their to-do list, as it is a somewhat arduous chore. But, if you aim to clean them a couple of times a year, you’ll be rewarded by more light being allowed into your home.

Forget the old advice about scrunched-up newspaper. In the past, papers were printed with petroleum-based oil ink, which is what gave windows their shine. Then, in the 1980s, this was switched to soy ink for environmental and cost reasons — and it doesn’t have the same effect on glass.

Whilst it may be a hated household chore, it doesn’t have to take up hours of your time. Here’s how to get your windows looking shiny and clean again in no time.

Choose your time

Like with a car, avoid cleaning your windows on very sunny days — the heat will make the glass dry too quickly and cause smears undoing all your hard work.

To do a proper job, take down curtains and blinds and clear windows and sills of any bits and bobs. Use a dustpan and brush or your vacuum’s upholstery tool to remove any loose debris before washing to avoid a muddy mess.

Tackle mildew on frames

You’ll want to put on an old pair of washing-up gloves before you tackle any window frames. Then, clean off mildew with an old lint-free cloth.

Dip the cloth in a branded mould remover to give your window frames a thorough clean or a weak solution of household bleach. The GHI recommends the HG Mould Spray.

Give glass a going over

Use a branded window cleaner or create your own with a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to nine parts water into an old spray bottle. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe them down and then a chamois leather to buff them to a brilliant shine.

Vinegar is an age-old wonder and has the added benefit of being non-toxic and antibacterial, so a very handy product to have in your cupboard — and not just for your chips! You could also try adding dishwasher rinse aid to water when you wash your windows, for ensuring a streak-free finish.

Alternatively, the GHI also highly rates the e-cloth Window Pack, which is a microfibre cloth. Simply add water, no chemicals required.

If you have large areas of glass to clean, such as a conservatory or patio doors, it’s worth considering a window vacuum, to save you the energy. Once you’ve cleaned your windows, they vacuum up the remaining water in one sweep, making them far less messy than a squeegee which will result in water dripping onto your floors!

Show sills some love

Dust the internal sills regularly, taking time to get into any nooks or crannies that may need extra attention.

Check external sills regularly for rot, and replace any crumbling putty with the correct type for either timber or metal. Repaint as necessary.

Don’t neglect window screens

If you have metal window screens, write a number on each window in erasable pencil. Write a corresponding number on the screen before removing it from the window so you know which screen goes back where.

Remove the screens and dust the mesh and frame with the soft brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. Scrub both sides of the screen with a stiff brush dipped in detergent solution (if you are doing this in the bath, line it with towels to prevent scratching the finish). Rinse using a shower attachment or the fine spray nozzle of a hosepipe. Leave to dry thoroughly in a sunny spot before refitting to the window.