As winter draws in, it’s important to let the sunshine in and create light-filled spaces to uplift your day.
Research suggests that sunny rays positively improve your health and happiness. With that in mind, you should spend time outside and in the south-facing rooms in your home. But knowing how to clean your windows properly to allow that glorious sunlight to stream in is crucial.
It’s more than aesthetics; researchers say that sunlight can seriously boost your wellbeing, so don’t let grimy glass dull your shine when you’re soaking up those precious rays. There’s no excuse for letting streaks and smudges ruin your view, so here’s our guide to getting your windows sparkly clean and glistening like the pros
Your window cleaning toolkit
Keeping it simple with your cleaning toolkit is key. “Grab a soft towel or microfiber cloth, a vinegar-based glass cleaner, and a small squeegee, and you are ready to go,” advises Kathy Cohoon, operations honcho at Two Maids.
1. A DIY white vinegar window cleaning solution
If you’re a fan of the do-it-yourself approach, we’ve got just the ticket for you. Mix two parts water with one part white vinegar in a spray bottle and voila – you’ve got your own homemade window cleaner.
Alternatively, you can mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap if that’s more your style. Consider investing in a reusable glass spray bottle to whip up your concoction.
2. A store-bought cleaner
If you’d rather take the shop-bought route, there are plenty of commercial window cleaning solutions or sprays, such as Windex, available on the market. Cohoon suggests using a vinegar-based cleanser to prevent any damage or stains to curtains or drapes.
Similarly, if you’re opting for a shop-bought product, try to steer clear of glass cleaners that contain ammonia or alcohol, as these may leave streaks or light films that attract more dust over time. Eco-friendly and plant-based glass cleaners, like Method, tackle smudges and leave the surface streak-free.
3. Squeegee and a microfibre cloth
Whether you’re opting for a homemade or shop-bought cleaning solution, the best way to clean your windows is with a fresh microfiber cloth. This is crucial for achieving streak-free windows.
Squeegees can also be effective if you’re applying a lot of water to the windows – just steer clear of paper towels as they can leave lint all over the glass windows. For exterior windows, have a broom handy in case there are any cobwebs or sticks on the window frame that need to be removed.
Another handy tip: It’s always a good idea to lay a bath or beach towel beneath the window before you begin. This will catch any excess water, drips, or spills and prevent you from creating another mess while you’re trying to clean.
How to Clean Windows
Step 1: Dry dust
Once you’ve gathered your cleaning products, you need to prepare the window frame before you start the actual cleaning. “If you notice excess pet hair, dust, or build up, dry dust windows gently with a feather duster to remove build up without scratching the glass,” Cohoon says.
It’s beneficial to have a surface free of debris and particles before you apply a wet product, much like you would prep the floor surface before you mop. Also, don’t forget to dust the windowsill, especially if you spot some tiny cobwebs in the corners of the window frame.
Step 2: Apply a glass cleaner to the window
While it might be tempting to douse your windows in cleaning solution, less is more. Start at the top of the grubby window, give it a couple of sprays, then grab your microfiber cloth and wipe in Z-shaped motions as you work your way down to the sill.
Alternatively, ditch the spray bottle and opt for a bucket of warm water with a few drops of Fairy Liquid (or a white vinegar solution). Use long, even swirls to clean up the soapy water from top to bottom.
“If you have larger windows, a squeegee could be your best friend,” suggests Cohoon. “Spray the cleaner across the window surface and squeegee it dry, remembering to wipe down the squeegee between each swipe.”
Ensure you’ve got plenty of absorbent microfiber cloths to hand to avoid water marks. Depending on how often your windows get some TLC, you might need to go over the pane a few times before it’s looking its best. Take your time and keep the swipes of the squeegee blade going until all the smears and grime are gone.
Step 3: Clean exterior windows
With the onslaught of snow, rain, and wind-blown dirt, it’s no surprise that your home’s exterior windows accumulate more grime than those on the inside. For optimal cleaning, some preparation is necessary.
Begin by using a hose to blast away stubborn stains and debris on your windows. As for the cleaning solution, stick to white vinegar or soap as you would indoors, and dry each pane with a squeegee, starting from the top and angling the blade towards the bottom.
For second-story windows, a ladder may be required; however, if you’re not comfortable working at height with a spray bottle in hand, it might be time to call in the professionals.
What should you avoid when cleaning windows?
Cohoon warns against one of the cardinal sins of window washing – using an all-purpose cleaner. “It can leave streaks or damage the window sill over time,” she cautions.
Additionally, she advises against starting the cleaning process without first removing dust or buildup, which can lead to scratches on the glass surface.
Can you steam clean your windows?
According to Sébastien Dupéré, president and cofounder of Dupray, it’s a resounding yes. This could be particularly handy if you’re not keen on using any products on your windows other than water.
“Steam cleaning is a fantastic method for achieving streak-free results when sprucing up your windows,” he explains. “Simply release the steam and use sweeping movements across the window for a truly deep cleanse, then finish with a microfiber cloth to mop up any leftover moisture.”
What’s the top trick for cleaning windows without leaving streaks behind?
“To dodge those pesky streaks, wipe in horizontal and vertical motions, not circles,” suggests Cohoon. “If any streaks are still hanging around, use a cloth dampened with water to banish them.”
How often should you be giving your windows a good scrub?
While it can vary depending on several factors – like if you’re a smoker or have pets or kids – you should aim to clean your windows every two weeks. “If you live in an older home prone to dust, have construction going on, or live with multiple kids, pets, or a smoker, make sure to clean more regularly to keep build up, streaks, and dust at bay,” advises Cohoon.
