How to clean windows
By Tom Drake | 3rd July 2024 | 5 min read
Dirty windows can have an impact on the overall look and feel of your home, as well as your view out of it, so regular cleaning is important. In this guide, we take you through how you can achieve clean, streak-free windows.
How to clean windows:
1. Remove loose dirt
The first step to cleaning windows is removing loose dirt and debris, such as cobwebs and moss. If you skip this step, you’ll drag this dirt across the windows once you start cleaning. Pay close attention to the corners of the windows where dirt will often accumulate.
If your window frames and sills are particularly dirty, you might want to clean these before you clean the glass.
2. Wipe down the window
Next up, it’s time to wipe down your windows. You can clean your windows with washing-up liquid or a window-cleaning solution. If you choose to use a window-cleaning solution, follow the instructions on the packaging and wear appropriate protective clothing if required. If you’re going to use washing-up liquid, add a few drops to warm water. Whichever cleaning solution you choose, pour it into a bucket.
Dip a sponge or cleaning cloth into your bucket and squeeze out the excess water. Remember that if you use too much cleaning solution, your windows will take longer to dry.
You can now wipe your cleaning solution across your windows. Start in the top corner and wipe across horizontally. When you reach the other side of the window, move the sponge or cloth down and wipe back in the other direction. Continue working in this S pattern until you reach the bottom of the window. Working in this way will ensure you don’t miss any sections of the window.
3. Squeegee the window
Once you’ve cleaned the whole window with your cloth or sponge, you can wipe off the water using a squeegee.
Starting in the top corner, run the squeegee across the window with a smooth motion. Try to keep the squeegee blade on the glass across the length of the window, as taking it off will leave a water line.
When you reach the edge of the window, wipe the squeegee blade with a clean microfibre cloth. You can then move the squeegee across the window in the opposite direction, overlapping the previous stroke slightly.
Keep working down the window this way, wiping the blade as you go until you reach the bottom.
4. Dry with a microfibre cloth
You can now dry the window with a microfibre cloth to remove any water or streaks that remain on the window.
If you’ve finished cleaning your window and there are some stubborn stains left behind, you don’t need to clean the whole window again. Instead, use a window cleaning spray and a cloth to spot-clean these areas.
Window vacuums
If you want to make window cleaning even easier, try using a window vacuum. Featuring a rechargeable battery and a water tank, window vacuums are designed to pick up water and debris as they move across glass and mirrors, leaving behind a clean, streak-free finish.
How to clean windows with a window vacuum:
1. Remove loose debris
Before you start cleaning, remove any loose debris, such as cobwebs, from the window using a dry cloth.
2. Wipe with cleaning solution
Spray a mixture of water and detergent onto the window. Then, use a microfibre cloth to scrub the window and remove any dirt from the glass. Start from the top corner and work down to ensure you don’t miss any sections of the window.
3. Vacuum excess moisture
Once you’ve cleaned the glass with your cloth and cleaning solution, use your window vacuum to collect the excess moisture that remains on the window.
Start at the top of the window and glide the window vac downwards in smooth, straight lines. Move slowly enough for the vacuum to suck up all the moisture and dirt, leaving the window dry and clean. Overlap your strokes slightly to avoid streaks.
When should you clean your windows?
Avoid cleaning your windows on warm days or when they’re exposed to direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can dry cleaning solutions too quickly, which will leave your windows with streaks and watermarks.
How often should you clean your windows?
To prevent large build-ups of grime and dirt, you should clean your windows twice a year. Factors such as the type of windows in your home and the levels of pollution and pollen in your local area can also affect how often you need to clean your windows.
