The Best Way to Clean Windows, According to Our Cleaning Lab

That squeegee just might make a bigger mess.

Over time, pollution and grime accumulate slowly but surely on your windows, obstructing your view and blocking precious sunlight. The only thing worse? Thick streaks left behind by improper cleaning.

To keep your vista clear (and your light-loving houseplants happy), follow this expert advice from Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. With the right spray, cloth, and technique, your windows will have never looked better.

1. Choose a dry, cloudy day.

«Do this job in the blazing sun and the cleaner will dry onto the hot windows before you get to wipe it off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks,» Forte says. If the weather won’t cooperate, start on the shady side of the house.

2. Remove dirt and dust first.

Before you get started, sweep dirt from the window frame with a brush or vacuum it up with your machine’s dusting attachment. This will prevent dirt from turning into a muddy mess when mixed with a cleaner. If your window screen looks especially grimy, pop it out and wash with hot, sudsy water and a soft brush, then rinse and let dry before putting it back.

For quickly dusting shades and blinds, Forte recommends going over both sides with a microfiber duster or opening the slats and going over each one with a damp cloth and followed by a dry one.

LAB TIP: You can also refresh your curtains at the same time by putting them in the dryer for 15 minutes on an «air-only» cycle and rehanging quickly to prevent wrinkles.

3. Pick the right cleaner — and spritz generously.

Don’t hold back on the spray, especially if your windows look extra dirty. «You need plenty of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely wiped away — skimp and you’ll be seeing streaks,» Forte says.

She recommends Invisible Glass Cleaner With EZ Grip. The fine mist from the bottle stays where you spray until you wipe it, meaning less drips and mess. Check out these other top-tested cleaners depending on the job too:

The Five Best PC Cleaners for 2020

As we keep using our Windows PC, it gets slower with time. It’s not the hardware, but mostly because we install and uninstall so many things – the junk files on the computer keep growing. While Windows 10 offers the in-built option to clean up the computer, today we are looking at a list of professional PC Cleaner software.

Best PC Cleaners – 2020

If you are wondering why a professional software is needed, then the answer is simple. This software takes one step ahead of where Windows cleaning stops. Windows cannot clean up junk registry entries; it cannot remove traces of files left by the software, and so on. Professional software that we are listing below offers a lot more than cleaning services.

Here is a list of the five best PC Cleaner speed-up & optimization software for Windows computers:

1. Advanced SystemCare Pro
2. Ashampoo WinOptimizer
3. CCleaner
4. System Mechanic Professional
5. AVG PC TuneUp.

The best part of the software is that you don’t need computer skills to use them. Just select the option which works for your computer and the software takes care of the rest.

1] Advanced SystemCare Pro

The company over the years have maintained an extensive database of information which helps to pinpoint issues on a Windows PC. The software offers advanced features, and performance that doesn’t take a toll on the computer. One of the unique features is FaceID and biometric data support which not only secures the PC but can take pictures of anybody who tries to intrude. FaceID history encrypts and stores the photos of intruders on your PC so that you can check who secretly tried to access your PC.

Features:

• Speed Up Your PC
• Powerful Cleaner which cleans the installed driver packages, remnants, and unused programs from your PC thereby giving you more disk space.
• Resource Manager monitors your Disk space, RAM and CPU.
• Safe Browsing comes with a Spyware Protection Database and System Reinforce which provides better protection against malicious programs and other online threats.

2] Ashampoo WinOptimizer

It is a powerful software which scans, cleans and optimizes your Windows PC effectively thereby improving the functionality and stability.

It offers a 1-click optimization technique which takes care of several issues at once. The list includes clean your system in-depth, eliminates web browsing traces, deletes unnecessary files to reclaim disk space, removes invalid Registry entries for improved performance and to avoid system errors.

The file scanner can also figure out if the files available on your computer was downloaded or is part of the system. It helps when you keep wondering looking at the task manager if the file is a virus.

Features:

• Maintain System
• Improve performance
• Customize Windows
• Analyze System
• File Tools
• Backup

3] CCleaner

It’s a popular PC cleaner software which I am sure most of have used at least once. The software was very famous for fixing registry settings and deleting junk files. Fast forward today, the software has evolved to incorporate Privacy settings along with system optimization, and cleaning tool.

The full-featured registry cleaner makes sure to create a backup before removing any junk entries so if you wanted to restore, its just one-click away.

Features:

• Delete junk and broken files
• Removes invalid and unnecessary registry entries
• Remove programs from startup
• PC optimization

Download it from here.

4] System Mechanic Professional

It’s another related software which goes a decade back. Apart from improving the performance of your computer, the software now offers Anti-virus/Anti-spyware blocks and Protects Privacy.

What makes the software stand out is the Live Boost feature. It uses AccelWrite feature which offers real-time file optimization. It can prevent file fragments from getting generated to make sure the system performs well. Similarly, RAMJet feature can optimize RAM.

Next, you have Core Optimization and Power Sense. It makes sure the CPU resources are used in a balanced way. It makes sure that processes don’t bottleneck CPU. Any process which is not used, and clogs the CPU running in the background is detected and marked.

Features:

• Desktop File Incinerator is a file destroyer which makes sure it cannot be recovered using any file recovery software.
• It cleans and repairs registry problems.
• Eliminate unnecessary programs from startup.
• Defragment system drive.
• It removes junk files, private browsing data, and more.
• Retrieves many lost and accidentally deleted files including photos, videos, and documents.
• Identifies unwanted startup programs that slow you down by launching and running without your knowledge.

5] AVG PC TuneUp

Apart from the regular cleanup of junk files, it offers a unique feature called Sleep Mode. It makes sure to boost your PC speed and performance when you are not using the system.

The software updater makes sure that all your software programs are updated regularly. It makes sure that none of the software has any security issue that can affect you.

Features:

• Scheduled & automatic routine maintenance.
• Speeds up access to your hard drive by defragmenting it.
• De-clutters and cleans your registry.
• Identifies programs which delay the startup and recommends to remove them.
• Offers economy mode for laptops. It balances between power and work.
• Stops unused programs from draining power.
• Wipes junk data to free up disk space.
• Remove duplicate files.

That concludes our list of Best PC Cleaners In 2019. All these listed software offer a trial period. You can install them and use it with all the features to experience what they offer. We recommend you try them and then evaluate which works for you

Actions to Further Improve PC Performance & Security

PC cleaners are good for removing unnecessary junk from your system, but quite often, poor PC performance is a result of more malicious malware and tracking programs.

As such, you can’t rely on cleaners alone to ensure the security of your system and obtain the best performance out of it. Tools such as anti-malware and VPNs for Windows also have an important part to play in keeping your PC and your information protected.

Good anti-malware software will keep you safe from dangerous viruses that can seriously damage your PC performance and security, while a VPN will protect your online activities from being tracked by third-parties. In my personal experience, I use ExpressVPN for my browsing activities to safeguard myself online

6 Best PC Cleaner Software For Windows 10 (2021) – Clean My PC

These can help you kick out the junk.

When you are searching for the best PC cleaning tool, you’ll commonly hear these utility tools can supposedly make your PC super fast by tweaking some stuff. But one thing that’s clear is that your computer can only be made faster up to its designed capacity, still, computer cleaning software does come in handy in some cases.

Here some of the best computer cleaners that you can try if you seriously feel the need to use them on your machine.

6 Best PC Cleaner Tools for Windows 10 (2021)

PC Cleaner Software	Price	Supported Platforms
Storage Sense	Free	Windows 10
Disk Cleanup	Free	Windows 10/8/7
CCleaner	Free, $19.95	Windows 10/8/7
Avast Cleanup	$59.99/year (Premium)	Windows 10/8/7
Advanced SystemCare	Free, $19.99 (Pro)	Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP
Ashampoo WinOptimizer	Free, $29.99 (Pro)	Windows 10/8/7

1. Storage Sense – the built-in free computer cleaner

Windows 10 users don’t need to go anywhere when looking for a PC cleanup tool. The Storage Sense feature comes with a tool called Free Up Space which can remove unwanted files from your system.

Free Up Space also does most of the job as a regular Windows cleaner would do. It’s just that you don’t need to install any third-party app, and it’s completely safe from malware.

How to use Free Up Space on Windows 10?

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Click on “Configure Storage Sense or run it now” option.
3. Scroll down and click on Clean Now.

On the same page, you can also configure how you want to delete temporary files related to apps or if you want to auto-delete files in your Downloads folder after a specified number of days.

Furthermore, you can enable the Storage Sense tool if you want Windows 10 to clean your hard drive from time to time manually.

What are the Pros and Cons of Storage Sense?

• You don’t need to install this computer cleaning software.
• Works without any issues. Updates automatically with Windows 10 updates.
• Clears junk files from your computer.
• Can automatically optimize your storage, clean recycle bin, and Downloads folder.
• It’s buried deep inside the Settings app, not much visible to the user.
• This free cleanup software isn’t supported on older versions of Windows.

2. Disk Cleanup – free PC cleaner for older Windows versions

If you want to do nothing and still want one of the best free computer cleaner for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, then Disk Cleanup could be your choice.

However, the Disk Cleanup tool is also available on Windows 10, so it could be an option if you don’t prefer Storage Sense. You can use this built-in disk cleaner utility to delete old Windows installation files after a version upgrade.

To use Disk Cleanup, just open the Start Menu and search for its name. It’s somewhat slower than the Free Up Space on Windows 10, but you can still get rid of a lot of junk that’s living on your PC.

What are the pros and cons of Disk Cleanup?

• Because of its successor, Storage Sense, its UI now looks old.
• Does the job of removing junk files, temporary internet files, thumbnails, etc.
• It can remove older Windows installation data to free up large amounts of space.
• Can clear data from your Downloads folder and Recycle Bin.

3. CCleaner

CCleaner is probably the most famous Windows cleaner tool among all the ones out there. Not just Windows 10 (and older versions), this utility software is also available for macOS as well. Its paid version Ccleaner Professional Plus is available for $29.95. What makes it one of the best free PC cleaner apps is the numerous feature it offers in addition to data removal functionality. For example, you can use it to wipe your hard drive.

While this PC optimizer tool is quite popular, there is a growing skepticism over its use owing to some features such as Active Monitoring that could make users doubt the privacy aspect. However, Piriform has taken steps to tackle those issues. Still, while using it, you should be aware of what options are enabled in the settings.

What are the pros and cons of CCleaner Free Version?

• Easy to use app that analyzes junk data on machines and deletes them quickly.
• Users can configure which kind of data the PC clean up software should delete during the process.
• Intelligent cookie scan to leave login information intact while clearing browsing data.
• The CCleaner free version includes features that do the job most of the time.
• The user can exclude specific folders from the cleanup process.
• CCleaner includes many other extra features like Disk Wiper.
• Receive regular software updates, but the free version doesn’t update automatically.
• Intelligent cookie scan feature could raise privacy concerns among some users.

4. Avast Cleanup

This PC clean up tool comes from the renowned antivirus-maker Avast Technologies. Avast Cleanup can be a good choice for the users who want a reliable and easy to use PC cleanup software.

However, this tool from Avast comes with a price tag. But you can take a trial run and see if it suits your needs.

The Pros and Cons of Avast Cleanup

• The UI is good looking and easy to navigate.
• Can clear out junk files related to various supported apps.
• Sleep Mode prevents less required apps from consuming system resources.
• Can detect and suggest removal of bloatware and other less-used apps on your computer.
• Can clear temporary browsing data for over 25 supported browsers.
• Comes with built-in disk wiper and registry cleaner tools.
• No free version exists.

5. Advanced SystemCare Free

Advanced SystemCare is yet another free PC cleaner and PC optimizer you can take advantage of on your Windows machine. It’s developed by IObit, which makes other useful Windows utility software including Uninstaller, Start Menu for Windows 8, etc.

What are the pros and cons of Advanced SystemCare?

• Advanced SystemCare is an easy-to-use free computer clean up software with essential features visible on its user interface.
• Can do startup optimization, delete junk files, fix redundant shortcuts, clear browsing data, etc.
• This free PC optimizer can check outdated system drivers, and optimize RAM usage.
• Functionality can be extended by adding add-ons like IObit Uninstaller, Driver Booster, Smart Defrag, and so on.
• Displays desktop widget with real-time data on RAM and CPU usage.
• Can shut down your PC at a specified time.
• Tries to install extra software during the setup process.

6. Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free

In addition to optimization features, Ashampoo WinOptimizer is one of the best PC cleaner software to delete the junk from your computer. In addition to pc cleaning, it can do other jobs like displaying detailed system information.

What are the pros and cons of WindOptimizer Free?

• Nice and tight UI that displays all the options clearly and easy to use.
• Can delete unnecessary files, invalid shortcuts, browsing traces, etc.
• Can be used to disable Windows telemetry, change file associations among various customization options.
• Provides a tool to benchmark your hard drive performance.
• You can use the pc cleaner without creating an account.

What does a computer cleaner do?

You might want to know precisely what data of yours is getting destroyed during the process. When we talk about the typical free pc cleanup utilities for Windows 10, they promise to remove various things, including junk files, browser history, browser cookies, leftovers from uninstalled apps, etc.

Furthermore, some of these tools also have a paid version, giving you access to more features such as one-click maintenance and so on.

Are these PC clean up tools useful?

I won’t say you should totally depend on computer cleaning software to keep your machine optimized as there are some good practices that every user should follow to keep their PC safe and sound. However, they can be helpful in some scenarios if you choose the right tool.

Various Windows cleaner tools are often questioned because there are a lot of evil fishes in the sea. Some cleanup tools only make your computer slower than before. They try to install unwanted software by tricking you, or some of them kill off essential system processes. All in the name of making your PC faster.

Some PC optimization tools even try to hype up small, even non-existent issues. They intend to make the user, who isn’t much tech-savvy, panic and end up paying for the software.

But my personal experience with a couple of free computer clean up tools hasn’t been that bad. I remember getting a significant improvement in my old PC’s boot time after I cleared the junk data using CCleaner.

Still, I won’t recommend using any random cleaning tool to fix your PC. In fact, as it’s said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

PC Cleaner Tools At A Glance

So, guys, these are some of the best PC cleaner apps for Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, etc. We’ll continue to update this list, so don’t forget to check it out in the coming future.