Try a commercial glass cleaner and squeegee
This is a budget-friendly option that’ll clean even the dirtiest of windows. You can pick up an everyday window cleaner from your local supermarket or department store. After that, it’s as simple as:
- Give your window a generous spray of window cleaner.
- Working from the top of the window to the bottom, drag your squeegee in a downward motion to remove the dust and grime.
- Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to mop up any leftover water at the bottom of your window frame. You can use the same cloth to remove any visible streaks.
An important thing to note is that water may damage some vulnerable materials such as timber & medium density fibre (MDF) if not dried promptly after cleaning your windows. To prevent damage to your window frames, we’d recommend mopping up any leftover water.
Want to prolong the clarity of your windows between cleans? Opt for a glass cleaner concentrate. This nifty product not only breaks down stubborn dust, dirt, and pollens but also leaves a protective film that’ll keep your window looking cleaner for longer.
Go high-tech with a window vacuum (both internal / external)
Window vacs are one of the latest innovations in home cleaning tech. Handheld and cordless, window vacs are designed to remove dust and dirt without scrubbing. They also have the added benefit of sucking up the dirty water before it runs down your windows, eliminating potential streaks or water pooling on the floor.
- Spray your windows with your chosen window cleaner, concentrate, or distilled water. Allow the solution to settle on the glass for about 30 seconds.
- Most window vacs come with a selection of attachments aimed at tackling caked-on grime. Use a microfibre squeegee or similar tool to buff away obvious marks.
- Turn the window vac on. Use its attached squeegee to work from top to bottom, sucking up any excess water as you go for a streak-free shine.
Once done, don’t forget to empty your window vac’s tank.
Stick to the traditional cloth and water
If you’re a regular window washer, then old-fashioned water and cloth can suffice for everyday touch-ups.
All you’ll need is a microfibre, lint-free cloth, and a spray bottle. If possible, opt for distilled water – the impurities found in tap water can cause mineral build-up on your windows.
- Generously spray your cloth – rather than the window – with the water. This will stop water from dripping down the window and pooling on your frame.
- Using circular movements, wipe your windows from top to bottom.
- Dry the window with another microfibre cloth or towel, buffing out any visible steaks as you go.
Opt for the convenience of glass cleaning wipes
This is great for days when you don’t feel like dusting off the cleaning equipment. One-use window wipes require no products, spray bottles, or squeegees – just wipe and dispose of them!
- Begin by removing one of the wipes from the packet. Be sure to reseal the top of the packet to prevent the remaining wipes from drying out.
- Wipe the window from top to bottom, removing dust and streaks as you go.
- Follow with a microfibre cloth to dry the window and buff out any remaining streaks.
As soon as your wipe gets dirty or dry, swap it for a fresh one.
Common window cleaning mistakes to avoid
- Cleaning windows on a sunny day – Clean your windows on dry, grey days rather than the heat of midday summer. If it’s too warm, the water will evaporate too quickly and cause streaks.
- Overusing detergents or household cleaners – Being too liberal with your sprays will cause an oily film to form, attracting dust and causing streaks and stripes.
- Don’t forget the frame – It’s easy to concentrate on creating crystal clear glass but don’t forget to give the window frame some love as well. Most frames can be cleaned with a microfibre cloth and water. However, depending on the material, they may need some additional maintenance. We’d recommend referring to the specific manufacturer’s instructions.
- Not replacing the squeegee often enough – Both traditional and window vac squeegees wear with age and use. An uneven surface to your squeegee can quickly cause unsightly lines across your windows, so be sure to replace them regularly.
- Using paper towel: Traditional paper towels will leave lines of lint and streaks on your freshly cleaned glass. When it comes to cleaning windows, always opt for a soft microfibre cloth or squeegee.
After more tips for maintaining your new home?
Our Home Care team has all the information you need to keep your home looking its best year-round.
