It can be annoying to notice smudges and grime on your window, but it's even more annoying when you end up with streaky windows after trying to clean them. We've compiled this pro-approved window-cleaning guide with step-by-step instructions for getting your windows truly sparkling and streak-free. All you need is a little bit of time and some cleaning supplies you probably already have on hand.
Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab, shared some of her most effective tips for cleaning windows, both inside and out. Keep reading to find out what you'll need and how to proceed.
How to clean windows
Follow Forté's expert tips below, including effective window-cleaning products (even a homemade window-cleaning solution!) and methods to enjoy sparkling windows once and for all.
- Start by removing dust from the window frame, tracks and sill with a vacuum, duster or cloth. Do the same with blinds or shades. If you have curtains, this is a good time to remove and wash them, following the care instructions.
- To clean window screens, remove them and vacuum or brush them to remove dust. If they need a deeper clean, wash them with a warm, sudsy mix, then rinse and allow them to dry completely.
- Spray the windows with a generous amount of glass cleaner.
- Using a lint-free paper towel or microfiber cloth, wipe the windows from top to bottom. If you see any streaks, give the glass another wipe until it's clear.
- While the screens are drying, wipe the outside of your windows and frames with a soft brush or disposable cloth to remove loose dirt and dust.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the outside window glass. You’ll probably have to put in a little more elbow grease (or just a few extra rounds of spraying and wiping) to get rid of all the grime on the outside. Depending on the window design, you may be able to clean both sides from inside the house, or, if you have removable storm windows, remove them completely for cleaning.
- Pop your screen back in, hang your curtains and step back to marvel at the shine!
What is the best window cleaner?
Don't hold back on the spray, especially if the windows look extra dirty. "You need plenty of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely wiped away — skimp and you'll be seeing streaks," Forté says.
Homemade Glass Cleaner
If you would rather go the DIY route, try whipping up this homemade vinegar cleaner:
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 70% concentration
- 2 drops grease-cutting dish liquid
- 1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil (optional if you enjoy scented)
Combine the ingredients and pour them into a spray bottle. If you have kids or pets, write the ingredients on the outside of the bottle for safety.
If you live in an area with hard water, consider using distilled water to make a DIY glass cleaner. By the way, the vinegar in this DIY cleaner will also help with those stubborn stains. The U.S. Geological Survey says it’s the acidity of vinegar that allows the minerals left behind from hard water to be washed away.
Common window cleaning mistakes
Mistake #1: Cleaning windows on a sunny day.
When it comes to cleaning your windows, an overcast day is your best bet, according to Forté. "Do this job in the blazing sun, and the cleaner will dry onto the hot windows before you get to wipe it off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks," she says. Consider beginning on the shady side of your home if the weather fails to cooperate.
Mistake #2: Failing to remove dirt and dust before spraying cleaner on top.
Use a handheld vacuum, a good brush or your machine's dust attachment to remove dirt from the window frame. That way, it won't turn the dirt into a goopy mess once you spray your cleaner. If your window screen still appears quite grimy, pop it out and use a soft brush and hot, sudsy water to wash it well. Once you're done, rinse it, let it dry, then place it back in the window.
Whenever you need to dust blinds or shades quickly, Forté suggests using a microfiber duster on both sides. You can also open the slats and pass a damp cloth over each one. Finish the job with a dry cloth.
LAB TIP: Refresh curtains at the same time by putting them in the dryer for 15 minutes on an "air-only" cycle, then rehanging them quickly to keep wrinkles at bay.
Mistake #3: Using an old cotton rag to dry windows.
Some people like drying panes with newspaper, but you're better off using reusable microfiber cloths. "They are super absorbent, washable and leave the glass shiny and streak-free," Forté says.
If you prefer paper towels, choose a brand that's up to the task. Weak paper towels can shred and leave lint behind. In our test of the best paper towels you can buy, Bounty Regular held up the best when wet.
Mistake #4: Wiping with a squeegee.
"Professional window cleaners swear by them, but you have to know how to use them correctly," Forté says. "You squeegee down, and where does the water go? On the floor."
Because of the potential mess and drip factor, she avoids using squeegees, especially for small panes, but they can be more helpful on bigger, picture windows.
Mistake #5: Cleaning all of your windows in one day.
You only need to clean your windows once or twice a year, Forté says, but it's even easier if you divide the job room by room. When you're cleaning, wipe one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. If any streaks do form, you'll easily know whether they're on the outside or the inside.
From 2021 to 2023, Jodhaira (she/her) was a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tested and wrote about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
