Cleaning windows is definitely not one of the most popular household chores. Still, at some point, they need to be cleaned. With these home remedies and tips, you’ll get a clear view again.
Cleaning windows usually isn’t a quick task. Often, it feels like you spend ages on just one window. And just when you’re in the middle of it, the sun shines through and ruins everything—revealing streaks and smudges on the glass. How frustrating! After all the effort of tackling this chore among many others, you find yourself having to do it all over again.
Not anymore! We’ll show you home remedies and tips to help you clean your windows quickly and efficiently.
Window Cleaning: What Really Matters
1. Choose the Right Weather
My grandmother always told me that windows can only be cleaned without streaks if the weather is right. She was absolutely right—this is one of the most important things to consider if you want streak-free windows.
If the sun is only lightly shining or is already lower in the sky, you can start cleaning. Streaks caused by wiping will be easier to spot. However, if you wait for a cloudy day, you may struggle to see them clearly.
On a bright, sunny day, the cleaning solution dries too quickly, leaving streaks behind. So, always check the weather before starting.
Cold days also make it difficult to get spotless windows. The cleaning water can freeze on the glass, causing streaks.
2. Use the Right Cleaning Cloth
Avoid using scouring sponges when cleaning windows. They might remove dirt, but they also scratch the glass and plastic frames. Instead, use a soft cloth or a sponge without a scrubbing layer.
Additionally, don’t wash your cloth with fabric softener beforehand, as it leaves soap residues that can cause streaks on your windows.
3. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
If you only need to remove small stains or fingerprints, glass cleaner is a good option. Otherwise, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on specialized window cleaning products, especially those with nanoparticles.
A simple mix of dish soap, a bit of methylated spirits, lemon juice, or vinegar in about five liters of water is enough. These ingredients help dissolve lime particles in the water, preventing unsightly lime stains on the glass.
4. Don’t Use Too Much Cleaning Solution
When it comes to window cleaning, less is more. Just a few drops of cleaning solution are enough to remove stubborn dirt. Using too much means more surfactants (cleaning agents) end up in the water, leading to streaks and making the window dirty again faster.
5. Remove Dirt from the Window Pane First
Before you start cleaning, remove loose dirt from the window pane. A microfiber cloth, an old pair of tights, or a hand brush works well for this. These materials pick up dirt particles efficiently.
Next, use a window washer to soap up the glass from both the inside and outside. Don’t forget to wear gloves!
Change dirty cleaning water regularly to prevent streaks and smudges. Then, use a squeegee to remove the water or wipe the glass dry.
6. Use a Squeegee for Best Results
After washing the windows, rinse them with clean, warm water. Any remaining water can be wiped away with an absorbent, lint-free cloth or newspaper. My mother has sworn by newspaper for years—no streaks, no smudges!
Have you always wiped your windows from top to bottom? Time to change that! Professional window cleaners use a squeegee in snake-like motions from left to right. Try it out!
7. Dealing with Streaks on the Window Pane
Sometimes, streaks appear due to dripping water. Annoying, but no reason to panic! A crumpled-up newspaper sheet can fix the problem.
No old newspapers on hand? No problem—just use a dry microfiber cloth or a clean dish towel. After a quick wipe-down, your windows will be streak-free.
8. Don’t Forget the Window Frames and Interior Space
Even if cleaning the glass takes a long time, don’t forget about the window frames and the interior space. Dust, cobwebs, and leaves often accumulate in the window frame, while fingerprints and dirt mark the edges.
Clean the interior frame just as you do the windows—with a little dish soap, methylated spirits, and water. Finally, wipe down the window frames from inside to outside with a damp cloth.
For a finishing touch, polish the window with an absorbent chamois leather cloth for a streak-free shine.
How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?
Like dusting, window cleaning is a household chore that should be done regularly. But how often is necessary?
Some people clean their windows as needed, while others do it every few months. As a general rule, clean your windows based on how dirty they get and where they are located. Every two to three months is a good guideline.
Ground-floor and basement windows tend to get dirty faster than those on higher floors. The seasons also play a role—during summer, dust and pollen make windows dirty, while in autumn and winter, bad weather is the main culprit.
The more frequently you clean your windows, the faster the process becomes, and the less dirt accumulates. Plus, a clear view is much easier on the eyes!
Bonus Tip:
If you want to clean your windows quickly and with minimal effort, consider using a cordless window vacuum for efficient cleaning.
