No more streaks: how to clean the windows easily 

Sweep away the smudges of little fingers, eager snouts and that fly that wouldn't give up

Old lady wearing a beige jumper cleaning a window.

Maybe your kids have excitedly stuck their hands all over your windows to show you a cool bird they just saw outside. Or maybe your housemate was so excited to see you come home that they smushed their face against the glass to say ‘Yay, you’re back!’.  

Those smeary, smudgy windows are marked with love. And that’s OK — because knowing how to clean windows without streaks is easy! Here are our window-cleaning tips and bits of advice on how to wash windows that make smeary windows no big deal! You may even try out the face-smushing thing yourself… 


1. Get ready for cleaning windows 

Cleaning the windows is one of those jobs that we can all forget sometimes. But even a bit of dirt can affect how light and airy your home feels, so it’s important to try and to give them a thorough clean inside and out several times a year, especially if you live on a busy roadside.

First thing’s first, gather your helpers. When it comes to cleaning windows, the more hands the merrier. Next, gather your tools. We recommend the following:

What you’ll need

  • Dry brush
  • Bucket of hot soapy water or window cleaning spray
  • Large sponge
  • Squeegee
  • Chamois or microfibre cloth
  • Plenty paper towels

The best way to clean windows without streaks is to choose a cloudy day, as direct sunlight dries your windows too quickly, leaving smears behind. Prepare each window before you start by tying back curtains or taking down blinds and removing any items from the windowsill. Then take a dry brush and sweep around the corners of the window frame and window furniture, removing all dust, deserted mugs of tea, and fossilised flies. 

Tip

Whether you’re wiping away greasy marks, rubbing or polishing, absorbent Plenty paper towels are ideal for the job – they’re even strong enough for wringing and scrubbing.

2. Prepare the windows for cleaning

Using a damp cloth, remove any remaining water/cleaning spray your windows. Work in small circles or strokes from the top of the window downwards, until all glass is clean. Also wipe the frame and underneath the windowsill to catch any water/cleaning spray that may have dripped while you have been cleaning windows, before drying thoroughly with a paper towel.  

Use a bit of paper towel to wipe away any obvious greasy marks or fingerprints, before throwing it in the bin. Paper towel is best at this stage because it’ll avoid any grease going on cloths or sponges (which can end up being spread to other areas of the window).  

 3. How to wash windows

Next, clean your windowsill, before using a sponge and warm soapy water or window-cleaning spray to clear away any dirt from your windows. Remove the excess water with a squeegee, starting at the top of the window and working your way down in an ‘S’ shape for best results. Be sure to wipe the blade of the squeegee regularly with a paper towel to avoid wiping grimy dirt back onto your windows! 

4. Remove any excess water when cleaning windows

Using a damp cloth, remove any remaining water/cleaning spray your windows. Work in small circles or strokes from the top of the window downwards, until all of the glass is clean. Also wipe the frame and underneath the windowsill to catch any water/cleaning spray that may have dripped while you have been cleaning windows, before drying thoroughly with a paper towel.  

Tip

If you’re looking for natural window cleaning tips, solutions such as vinegar and lemon juice can also really help to remove grease and streaks from windows. Add a little to some water, and dip your cloth into the solution, before wiping the window.

 5. Buff windows for a high shine finish

The best way to clean windows without streaks is all in the buffing. Grab an extra pair of hands (your housemate, a partner, or the kids, if they’re old enough) and a couple of microfibre cloths and see who can get the shiniest finish.   

Everyone in your house will appreciate the love, sweat, and tears you’ve put into making their windows, well, see-through! And let’s not forget, they’ll love being able to spy on all the neighbours without having to squint through murky fingerprints and grime, all thanks to you. 


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