How to Clean Windows, According to a Professional Cleaner

If you’ve noticed streaks and dirt building up on your windows, it’s time to learn how to clean them properly.

Washing windows can seem daunting, but the payoff is worth it. Regular window cleanings can make your windows look amazing and help extend the life and quality of your window glass.

Our guide on washing windows (with input from a pro) will ensure you make them shine from the inside out.

How to Prep Windows for Cleaning

Cleaning windows is easy, but there’s some preparation you should do before getting started. 

1. Clear the space. Remove any furniture or decor from in front of the windows so they’re easier to reach.
2. Get rid of lingering dust. Use a vacuum, brush, microfiber cloth, or duster to remove dust and dirt from the windows, window frames, and window sills. 
3. Pre-wash with dish soap. Pre-wash the windows from top to bottom with a cleaning solution made of warm water and liquid dish soap.
4. Dry. Wipe down the window frame with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.

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How to Clean Inside of Windows

Once the windows are prepped for cleaning, it’s time to wash the inside of the windows.

1. Create a cleaning solution. Mix one part white vinegar and four parts distilled water in a spray bottle. Add a small amount of liquid dish soap for extra dirty windows.
2. Spray the solution all over the window. Spray the inside of the window with the cleaning solution—you can also use a traditional glass cleaner.
3. Squeegee. Squeegee the window to remove excess liquid, working from top to bottom. 
4. Wipe down the windows. Use a paper towel or microfiber cloth to wipe the solution from the windows, moving from top to bottom. 
5. Dry with a cloth. Use a chamois or cloth to dry around the inside of the window and frame.
6. Buff with newspaper. Crumple up a piece of newspaper and buff out any smudges or streaks. 

How to Wash Outside of Windows

Since the outside of the windows tends to be dirtier than the inside, it’s best to clean the outside of the windows after tackling the interior. 

1. Apply a window-cleaning solution. Utilize the same cleaning solution on the exterior side of the window, or use a store-bought glass cleaner of your choice. Saturate the outside of the window with the cleaning solution.
2. Scrub the window. Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any dirt and debris, moving from top to bottom. 
3. Rinse with water. Rinse the outside of the window with clean water. 
4. Squeegee. Use a squeegee to remove excess liquid. 
5. Dry. Use a chamois or cloth to dry the area around the window and frame. 
6. Buff with a newspaper. If there are any streaks, crumple up a piece of newspaper and buff them out.

How to Clean Window Screens

To give your windows a deep clean, you also want to take care of the window screens. 

1. Remove screens from windows. Even though you can clean window screens without removing them, it’s best to remove them so you can thoroughly clean them.
2. Vacuum or wipe off the screens. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment, paper towel, or microfiber cloth to remove any dust and debris.
3. Wash the screens. Using a sponge or soft bristle brush and a cleaning solution made of 1/4 cup liquid dish soap or vinegar and 1/2 gallon of warm water, gently wash one side of the screen, then the other. 
4. Rinse the screens. Rinse the cleaning solution off of the screens. If the window screens are still dirty with stubborn dust or dirt, repeat the process as needed.
5. Dry and reinstall the screens. Let the screens air dry or use a paper towel or microfiber cloth to dry them off. Once the screens are completely dry, you can reinstall them.

How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?

Windows should be cleaned at least twice a year. But they should be cleaned more frequently if you live in high-traffic areas, according to Jeramy Sibley, president of glass repair and replacement company Glass Doctor.

How to Ensure Windows Are Streak-Free

There are a few things you can do to clean windows without streaking.

• Avoid cleaning windows when they’re in direct sunlight, as the cleaning solution can dry faster and leave streaks or smudges.
• Next, pre-wash the windows with warm water and a mild detergent.
• After washing windows with a cleaning solution, use a squeegee to get rid of it, working from top to bottom, Sibley says.
• Finally, buff out the glass with newspaper to get rid of any leftover marks or streaks.

Additional Tips for Cleaning Windows Like a Pro

• To prevent streaking, use distilled water when making cleaning solutions to wash your windows. 
• Buff windows with newspaper after cleaning as a final touch to get rid of any streaks or smudges.
• Don’t over-wipe when cleaning glass as it can cause static electricity and attract dust, according to Sibley.