There’s nothing quite like a sparkling clean window to brighten up your home. But achieving that streak-free finish can feel like chasing unicorns—especially in the UK, where rain, pollen, and urban pollution team up to make your windows grimy fast.
So, what’s the best way to clean windows? Whether you're tackling indoor glass, high exterior panes, or just tired of smears and missed spots, this guide breaks it down into easy steps (with a few pro tips along the way).
What You’ll Need
Skip the fancy gadgets and start with these essentials:
- A bucket with warm water
- A few drops of washing-up liquid or white vinegar
- A microfibre cloth or squeegee
- Dry lint-free cloths (like old t-shirts or paper towels)
- Glass cleaner spray (for quick touch-ups) (Optional)
For outside windows:
- Extension pole
- Hose (if available)
- Soft-bristle brush
Step-by-step: cleaning windows like a professional
1. Pick the right day
Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly and leaves streaks. Cloudy but dry days are ideal.
2. Dust first
Before you even wet the glass, wipe away dust, cobwebs, and debris from the window frame and sill using a dry cloth or vacuum. This stops dirt from turning into messy sludge when you add water.
3. Prepare your cleaning solution
Mix a bucket of warm water with either a few drops of washing-up liquid (for general cleaning) or equal parts water and white vinegar (great for greasy or smudged glass)
4. Wash the windows
Dip your cloth or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the glass. For outdoor windows, use a soft brush or sponge on a pole.
TOP TIP: Start at the top and work your way down to avoid drips and streaks.
5. Squeegee or dry
Use a clean squeegee to wipe away the water, dragging it in an S-pattern. Wipe the blade with a dry cloth after each pass.
No squeegee? Use a microfibre cloth to dry in circular motions, then follow up with a vertical or horizontal pass for a streak-free finish.
6. Buff for extra shine
Use a dry, lint-free cloth or a crumpled-up newspaper to buff the glass and absorb any remaining residue to leave a brilliant shine.
How often you should clean your windows depends on how dirty they get! This can be determined by several factors including where you live, and who you share your home with. In general, clean windows every 2–3 months on the inside and every 3-4 months on the outside. If you live in an area with very hard water, avoid mineral streaks by using distilled water, and always make sure that you avoid using harsh cleaners and abrasive sponges as they can scratch the glass.
Clean windows not only boost curb appeal—they let in more natural light and improve your overall mood (yes, really!). Stick to this routine and you’ll never fear a sunny day showing up all those smudges again.
If you don’t manage to get that professional finish, or you’re not confident working at height, contact a reliable window cleaner so that your windows gleam. For more advice, follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or X.