It's Time Already: How to Wash Windows Fast and Without Streaks

Washing windows isn't hard when you know how to do it properly. We share useful tips and explain how to avoid streaks.

What you'll need?

• A sponge or brush with a long handle;
• Soap solution or cleaning product;
• Two buckets of water;

• A spray bottle;
• A piece of clean fabric (or microfiber);
• A towel or cloth to cover the floor.

When to Start?

Check the weather forecast and choose a warm, overcast day without precipitation. Begin your work early in the morning or closer to evening when the sun isn't shining directly into the windows. With bright sunlight, you might miss some spots, and water will dry too quickly, leaving streaks on the glass.

Also, pay attention to wind conditions. If there's strong wind outside, it can affect your cleaning process. If you're planning to wash windows in the kitchen, avoid cooking at that time — the glass may fog up and become difficult to clean.

Start Working

Prepare everything you need. Cover the floor with fabric to avoid spills. Then fill the buckets with water. Add some cleaning product to one of them or make a soap solution if you don't have anything else — it works just as well.

You can mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with four cups of water. Or use white vinegar if you have nothing else. Then pour the solution into a spray bottle.

Important note: If your windows are new and have tape residue, start by removing those marks. Rubbing alcohol or baking soda mixed with water can help remove them. Apply to a cloth and wipe the spots. Only then proceed with regular cleaning.

Wipe the Frames

Move from top to bottom. Don't use abrasive cleaning agents (they can damage the sealing rubber) — plain water is enough. For heavy dirt, clean locally with a soap solution.

Can you wash the frames after the glass? No, otherwise you’ll have to start all over again :)

Then – the Glass

Start with inner glass and then move to outer. For small windows, you can use a regular sponge: dip it into the solution, squeeze out excess, and wipe the surface from top to bottom (circular motions often leave streaks). Don’t forget about the corners!

For large windows, a brush with a long handle is useful — it makes cleaning both inside and outside easier. After finishing with soap solution, rinse surfaces with plain water.

What if some spots don’t come off? Spray a little vinegar from the spray bottle and leave it for five minutes. Then wipe with a sponge or cloth.

Pro Tip

Wipe glass from the inside, bottom to top, and from the outside, top to bottom. If you notice streaks, you’ll know which side needs another pass.

Dry the glass completely

Use a rubber squeegee on a window cleaning brush — place it in the top-left corner and slide down, pushing water off. Continue each time placing the squeegee so that its left edge slightly overlaps the already cleaned area. Then dry the glass with a cloth or microfiber (they absorb moisture very well).

Wash mosquito nets separately

Remove them before starting to clean the glass. Take the nets to the bathroom and rinse under the shower. A stiff-bristled brush and regular soap can help remove dust and dirt.

To dry the nets, gently wipe the surface with a cloth (you can use the same microfiber).

Other Options Available

• Magnetic window brush. If you don’t have access to the outside of your windows, such brushes are a great alternative. Note that it’s important to know the thickness of the glass (6–8 mm is optimal).
• Window squeegee. Helps remove spots and clean glass without streaks. You can add cleaning product to a special reservoir. They also have a separate tank for collecting dirty water.
• Window vacuum cleaner. Just set it on the surface and activate it remotely — the vacuum will do the job for you. Especially handy for large windows — it cleans both inside and outside.

What Else to Remember?

• Wash the curtains. Probably, they’ve also gathered dust over winter. To maintain a healthy indoor climate, introduce the rule: clean windows = clean curtains.
• Organize the windowsill. After washing the windows, don’t rush to put everything back where it was. There may have been too much clutter there.
• Clean plants that were on the windowsill. Dust and dirt also accumulate on leaves and stems. It’s time to rinse them with water (but first, check whether your specific plants can be washed this way).