I have this thing for clean windows. I love them, which means I have an equal but opposite disdain for dirty windows. And when I say clean, I mean the kind of clean that makes windows sparkle like diamonds in the morning sun. Some days I wish that by some miracle, a professional window-washing service would come to my home every week to clean windows—every single one both inside and out.
But I have a two-story house with a lot of windows—to say nothing of the time and money that would require to move everything away from every window to get ready every week!—so right there you know why I can’t and I don’t.
Instead, I depend on these great DIY window cleaning tips I’ve learned over the years—many of them from you, my awesome readers for how to wash windows from the outside, and from the inside, too.
1. Pick the Perfect Day for Streak-Free Windows
Ever scrubbed your outdoor windows on a bright, sunny day only to end up with a streaky mess? Here’s why: the sun’s heat evaporates your cleaning solution too quickly, leaving behind all those unsightly streaks. For windows that look professionally cleaned, hold off until a dry, overcast day. Not only will the cooler weather give you more time to work, but it also helps the cleaning solution do its job, leaving your windows crystal clear without the rush.
2. Why Microfiber Cloths Work Wonders
I used to rely on newspaper or paper towels for window cleaning—my mother-in-law Gwen swore by the New York Times for its streak-free finish. But paper options break down and leave lint behind. Besides, newspapers are not as available for recycling as they once were. If you’re interested in efficiency and clean, streak-free windows, forget the paper.
The Rag Company Edgeless 365 Microfiber Towels, 10-Pack
Instead, use microfiber cloths (like these from Amazon) to clean windows. Microfiber grabs dirt and dust. Microfiber cleaning cloths are soft and non-abrasive. They won’t scratch glass or painted surfaces and you will enjoy the lint- and streak-free results you get with microfiber. And the best part? These cloths can be washed, rinsed, and reused hundreds of times.
PRO TIP
For maximum shine, soak a clean microfiber cloth in water, wring it out well, and use it slightly damp on your windows. This trick makes quick work of smudges, and you’ll be amazed at how efficiently it dries, leaving your windows beautifully clear.
- MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Microfiber Towels: Cleaning Tips, Uses, and Care
3. Easy Prep for Clean Window Frames and Tracks
Window tracks and frames are magnets for dust, grime, and all sorts of buildup. If you skip this step, you’ll end up smearing mud onto your sparkling clean glass—a cleaning setback nobody wants.
OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set
Grab an old toothbrush or one of those narrow detail brushes (like these from Amazon), dampen it, and dip it in vinegar followed by a bit of baking soda. This bubbly combo creates a natural scrub that’s great for loosening up dirt in tight spots. Gently scrub along the tracks and frame, paying attention to corners where grime loves to hide. Once the area is clean, wipe away any leftover residue with a damp cloth, and voilà—no muddy mishaps to worry about when you get to the glass.
4. DIY Window Cleaning Solution Recipe
You won’t find a better window, glass, and mirror cleaner than this recipe for how to make it yourself. Bonus: It’s super cheap! Unlike some DIY cleaners that leave streaks or don’t tackle stubborn smudges, this blend does the job without any extra effort (or chemicals) and costs just pennies.
Commercial glass cleaners rely on strong, often pricey chemicals to get that streak-free shine, but you can skip the store-bought options altogether. Everyday ingredients—like rubbing alcohol and vinegar—combine to create a powerful cleaner that’s gentle on your glass but tough on dirt and residue. Plus, it dries quickly, leaving no film or lint behind.
Here’s my go-to recipe →
5. Outdoor Window Cleaning Made Easy (No Ladder Needed!)
Cleaning those hard-to-reach outdoor windows doesn’t have to mean lugging out the ladder! With the right ingredients and a few basic tools, you can get big windows to sparkle—all from ground level. This easy rinse-and-dry approach is perfect for large outdoor windows and works best on cloudy days, keeping streaks at bay.
The key ingredient for this outdoor window cleaner recipe? Rinse aid! Yes, like what you put in your dishwasher. It helps the solution slide right off the glass, speeding up drying time and reducing streaking.
You will need a hose with a good spray nozzle, some kind of scrubber (I like this one from Amazon), and long-handled pole for windows that are out of reach. First, make up a batch of this window cleaner, which is ideal for outdoor windows that are difficult to reach because you rinse and let the windows drip-dry.
With this approach, you’ll get a gleaming finish without ever leaving the ground.
Here are step-by-step instructions →
6. The Power of a Quality Squeegee
desired tools Squeegee for Glass Window
Ever wonder why pros rely on a squeegee? It’s quick, easy, and delivers a streak-free shine every time. A good squeegee transforms window cleaning from a chore into a fast, efficient job with stunning results. Here’s how to make the most of this powerful tool.
First, hit that dirty window with a sponge and your favorite cleaning solution (most pros I’ve consulted use just a squirt of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water, but I prefer the All-Purpose Homemade Window Cleaner recipe above that contains cornstarch) and scrub in a circular motion, making sure you get into the corners.
Starting at the top left corner (or top right for lefties), pull the squeegee in a smooth backward “S” pattern across the glass, slightly overlapping each pass. This motion sweeps away suds without streaks, leaving your windows clear and gleaming. Be sure to wipe the squeegee blade with a damp microfiber cloth or lint-free rag at the end of each stroke to prevent any soapy buildup from sneaking back onto the glass.
After you’ve worked your way down, finish up by wiping away any excess water from the window edges with your damp cloth. This final touch keeps things looking crisp, with no drips or smudges in sight.
- MORE: How to Easily Remove Scratches from Glass with 4 Simple Methods
7. Keeping Window Screens Dust-Free
Once each year it’s good to remove all window screens and wash them with a hose and spray nozzle, allowing them to dry in the sun. And that’s a lot of work! But don’t worry; I’ve got a quick and easy hack to keep your screens dust-free between those big cleans.
Scotch-Brite Lint Roller Value Pack
Instead of wrestling with water and a spray nozzle, grab a sticky lint roller. Yes, that simple tool you use on your clothes can work wonders on your screens. Gently roll the lint roller over the surface of the screen, and watch as all that fuzz and dirt sticks to it.
8. Fixing Streaks with This Simple Trick
There’s nothing more disheartening than finishing up your window cleaning, kicking back to admire your sparkling results, and—yikes!—spotting an annoying streak. We’ve all been there! That’s why every window-cleaning toolbox deserves a clean chalkboard eraser (you have one of those, right? 😁).
EXTRIC Chalkboard Eraser
Simply take your eraser and gently run it over the affected area. It’s like giving your window a quick polish that lifts away those marks without scratching the glass. Voila! Just like that, your windows are back to their crystal-clear glory.
Question: What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to cleaning windows? The streaks, the hard-to-reach spots, or maybe those dusty frames? Let’s hear it!
