How to Clean Windows Without Any Streaks

Until they're free of dust and smudges, you probably won't realize just how dirty your windows are. Don’t worry: We’ll walk you through the best way to clean windows for a stress-free, streak-free experience.

Easy Steps to Clean Your Windows

Cleaning From the Inside

What You’ll Need:

• Microfiber towels
• Vinegar
• Vacuum cleaner with attachment
• Multi-surface cleaner

Steps:

1. Remove all curtains, screens, or other window coverings before cleaning. For best results when cleaning, choose curtains or fabrics that are lint-resistant.

Pro tip: You can wash window screens using a soft-bristled brush and a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water. 

2. For the blinds, dampen a microfiber towel with a 50/50 vinegar-water mixture. Working your way downwards, pinch a blind slat between your fingers and run the cloth down the entire length. Rinse your microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution as often as necessary.

3. If you spot a few lingering dust bunnies or cobwebs, trap them with a vacuum cleaner attachment. Spritz window sills with surface cleaner and wipe clean.

4. Notice areas with particularly intense water spots or streaks? Spray them with surface cleaner, let it sit for about 30 seconds, then wipe clean. 

5. To clean windows without streaks, you need to use the right amount of cleaning product., One spray of multi-surface spray should suffice for every 2x2 foot area. If you notice moisture or streaking, you've used too much product. Be sure to also avoid over-spraying non-glass surfaces, as this could damage the material.

Pro tip: For tinted glass, you only need to wash the windows with water. To tackle any stubborn stains, you can use an ammonia-free glass cleaner and a microfiber towel to dry.

6. Using a clean microfiber towel, apply medium pressure in fast, overlapping “Z” patterns. You’ll know you’re doing it right when the cleaner begins to evaporate after each wipe. 

7. To ensure a streak-free finish, buff your window with the same Z-shaped technique. Dry using a clean microfiber towel to avoid streaks.

Pro tip: Hot, sunny days will dry the cleaning spray before you can wipe it off. This leads to streaks and frustration. No one has time for that. Wait for a cloudy, cool day.

Cleaning From the Outside

What You’ll Need:

Steps:

• Hose
• Microfiber cloths
• Vinegar
• Vacuum with attachment
• Multi-surface cleaner

1. For ground floor windows, spray windows, casements, and corners manually or with a hose to remove dirt and debris.

2. Go over the windows and exterior window frames with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove lingering dirt.

3. Saturate a microfiber towel with a mixture of 50/50 vinegar-water. Pinch a window blind slat between your fingers and run the cloth down the entire length, working your way down. Rinse your cloth or towel in the solution as often as needed.

Pro tip: To tackle residue and buildup, you can add a few drops of dish soap to water. Once rinsed off, be sure to dry the windows with a microfiber towel to avoid streaks.

4. Use a vacuum cleaner and attachment to get rid of any remaining dust or cobwebs, and then spray surface cleaner on the window sills. Wipe clean. 

6. Spray any remaining water stains or streaks with surface cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for up to 30 seconds, and then wipe clean. 

7. Apply medium pressure in fast, overlapping “Z” patterns using a clean towel or cloth, with the cleaner evaporating after each wipe. Follow this by buffing the window using the same Z-shaped technique. Dry using a clean microfiber towel to avoid streaks.

Pro Tip: If you have a two-story home, consider hiring a professional window cleaner who has the right tools, including a pressure cleaner, as well as training on how to do it correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to clean large windows?

It can be frustrating to wash large windows. But the secret to streak-free surfaces: Break out a squeegee before using your microfiber towel. Spray the window in 2x2’ areas, place the tool at a 30º angle, and glide it in horizontal sweeps. Follow by using a clean microfiber towel, apply medium pressure in fast, overlapping “Z” patterns.

What ingredients should I avoid when cleaning windows?

Avoid cleaners that contain harsh solvents such as grease remover, ammonia, dyes, or chlorine bleach since these ingredients can damage class, and in some cases, discolor glass.

Why should I use microfiber cloth to wash windows?

Paper towels are expensive, wasteful, and tear under pressure. Cotton towels  push dirt around (instead of picking it up), and no one wants to deal with fuzzy, smudged glass. The right microfiber towels can completely transform your cleaning experience. 100x finer than human hair, microfiber towel fibers provide an incredible amount of surface area. They also absorb 7X their weight in water and are designed to be used over 500 times.