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Of all the household chores you have to tackle, figuring out how to clean your windows It may not be at the top of your list. But believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. That’s why we consulted Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning and Home Care Lab, to learn her top tips for keeping the windows in her home, both inside and out, spotless.
If you neglect your windows for too long, dust and dirt will be left behind that can prevent much-needed sunlight from entering your home. It’s not good for houseplants, and the lack of natural light can even affect your mood during the day. Additionally, you may also have thick streaks, as a result of improperly cleaning your windows.
Follow Forté’s expert tips below, including effective window cleaning products (there’s even a homemade window cleaning solution!) and methods to enjoy sparkling windows once and for all.
Mistake #1: Cleaning windows on a sunny day.
When it comes to cleaning windows, a cloudy day is the best option, according to Forté. “Do this job under the scorching sun and the cleaner will dry on hot windows before you can wipe it off, leaving streaks that are hard to remove,” he says. Consider starting on the shady side of your house if the weather is bad.
Mistake #2: Not removing dirt and dust before spraying cleaner on top.
Use a handheld vacuum cleaner, a good brush, or the dust attachment on your machine to remove dirt from the window frame. That way, it won’t turn the dirt into a sticky mess once you spray the cleaner. If your window screen still seems quite dirty, take it out and use a soft brush and hot soapy water to wash it thoroughly. Once you’re done, rinse it off and let it dry before putting it back on the window.
Whenever you need to dust blinds or curtains quickly, Forté suggests using a microfiber duster on both sides. You can also open the slats and wipe a damp cloth over each one. Finish the job with a dry cloth.
LAB TIP: Refresh curtains at the same time by placing them in the dryer for 15 minutes on an “air only” cycle and quickly rehanging them to keep wrinkles at bay.
Mistake #3: Skimping on window cleaner.
Don’t hold back on the spray, especially if the windows look very dirty. “You need a lot of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely cleaned; if you skimp, you’ll see streaks,” Forté says.
She recommends Invisible Glass Cleaner with EZ Grip. The bottle’s fine mist stays where you spray until you clean it, meaning less drips and mess. See more of our best-tested cleaners, depending on the job:
Invisible glass cleaner
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Invisible glass cleaner
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$9.76
Spic & Span Cinch Glass Cleaner
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Spic & Span Cinch Glass Cleaner
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Hope’s Perfect Glass Cleaner
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Hope’s Perfect Glass Cleaner
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Original Windex Glass Wipes
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Original Windex Glass Wipes
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Windex Ammonia-Free Glass Wipes
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Windex Ammonia-Free Glass Wipes
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Windex Outdoor Cleaning Tool
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If you prefer to go the DIY route, try making this homemade vinegar cleaner:
homemade glass cleaner
Combine the ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. If you have children or pets, write the ingredients on the outside of the jar for safety.
If you live in an area with hard water, consider using distilled water to make homemade glass cleaner. By the way, the vinegar in this homemade cleaner will also help with those stubborn stains. The U.S. Geological Survey says it’s the acidity of vinegar that allows minerals left over from hard water to be removed.
Mistake #4: Using an old cotton rag to dry windows.
Buy now
Casabella Microfiber Glass Cloths
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$7.99
Some people like to dry the glass with newspaper, but it is better to use reusable microfiber cloths. “They are super absorbent, washable, and leave the glass shiny and streak-free,” says Forté.
Try Casabella Microfiber Glass Cloths, which have a special honeycomb texture to remove water spots, smudges, and grime from mirrors and glass without scratching them.
If you prefer to use 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 best when wet.
There’s also another Good Housekeeping Institute favorite: the E-Cloth Window Cleaning Kit, which won the 2023 Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award. All you have to do is dampen the waffle cloth to remove any buildup and then use the cloth Polishing pad included to remove scratches.
Mistake #5: Cleaning with a squeegee.
“Professional window cleaners trust them, but you have to know how to use them correctly,” says Forté. “You clean it with a squeegee and where does the water go? To the ground.”
Because of the potential mess and drips, avoid using squeegees, especially for small panes, but they may be more useful on larger picture windows.
Mistake #6: Clean all your windows in one day.
You only need to clean the windows once or twice a year, says Forté, but it’s even easier if you divide the work room by room. When cleaning, clean one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. If streaks form, you will easily know if they are on the outside or inside.
How to clean Windows, step by step
Now that you know the common mistakes to avoid, keep reading our step-by-step guide on how to clean your home’s windows, both inside and out, without streaks.
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Start by dusting the window frame, rails, and sill with a vacuum cleaner, duster, or cloth. Do the same with blinds or curtains. If you have curtains, this is a good time to remove and wash them, following the care instructions.
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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, soapy mixture, then rinse them and let them dry completely.
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Spray the windows with a generous amount of glass cleaner.
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Using a lint-free paper towel or microfiber cloth, wipe the windows from top to bottom. If you see any streaks, wipe them again until the glass is clear.
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While the screens dry, clean the exterior of the windows and frames with a soft brush or disposable cloth to remove loose dirt and dust.
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Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the outside window glass. You’ll probably have to put in a little more effort (or just a few extra rounds of spraying and wiping) to remove all the dirt from the exterior. Depending on the design of your windows, you may be able to clean both sides from inside the house or, if you have removable shutters, remove them completely for cleaning.
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Replace the screen, hang the curtains, and step back to marvel at the brilliance!
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