Clean, sparkling windows can instantly enhance the overall appearance and brightness of your home or office. Whether you’re a homeowner, a professional cleaner, or just someone who wants to keep their windows looking pristine, we’ve compiled an extensive list of 101 ways to clean your windows. From traditional methods to innovative techniques, these tips will help you achieve spotless windows every time.
- Use a microfiber cloth: Microfiber cloths are highly effective in capturing dust and dirt particles without leaving streaks behind.
- Create your own window cleaner: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an inexpensive and environmentally friendly window cleaning solution.
- Newspaper trick: Spray your windows with a vinegar-water solution and wipe them with crumpled newspaper for a streak-free finish.
- Invest in a window squeegee: Squeegees are professional-grade tools that efficiently remove water and cleaning solution from your windows, leaving them crystal clear.
- Dryer sheets for spotless windows: Rub a dryer sheet over your windows to eliminate static and prevent dust and debris from sticking to the glass.
- Use a window vacuum cleaner: These devices are designed specifically for window cleaning, sucking up water and leaving your windows dry and streak-free.
- Clean with dish soap: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a sponge to clean your windows thoroughly.
- White vinegar and cornstarch: Combine 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 liter of water for an effective homemade window cleaning solution.
- Steam cleaning: Use a steam cleaner to loosen dirt and grime from your windows, making it easier to wipe them clean.
- Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice with water for a natural, fresh-smelling window cleaner.
- Rubbing alcohol: Create a solution of rubbing alcohol and water to remove stubborn stains or sticky residue from your windows.
- Ammonia solution: Mix 1 cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of water for a powerful window cleaning solution. Be cautious when using ammonia, as it can be harmful if not used properly.
- Extendable window cleaning pole: Attach a microfiber cloth or sponge to an extendable pole to clean high windows without the need for a ladder.
- Use a steam mop: Some steam mops come with a window cleaning attachment, allowing you to effortlessly clean your windows with steam.
- Coffee filters: Coffee filters are lint-free and work well for cleaning windows without leaving any residue.
- Borax solution: Dissolve 3 tablespoons of borax in 1 gallon of water and use it to clean your windows for a streak-free shine.
- Tea bags: Brew a pot of black tea, let it cool, and then use the tea to clean your windows. The tannic acid in the tea helps remove dirt and gives your windows a beautiful shine.
- Epsom salt solution: Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt with 1 gallon of water to clean windows and remove mineral deposits effectively.
- Use a soft-bristle brush: For windows with stubborn dirt or grime, gently scrub them with a soft-bristle brush before wiping them clean.
- Commercial window cleaning sprays: Many brands offer specialized window cleaning sprays that are formulated to remove tough stains and leave your windows streak-free.
- Magnetic window cleaner: These devices have magnets on both sides, allowing you to clean the inside and outside of your windows simultaneously.
- Vinegar and baking soda paste: Create a paste by mixing vinegar and baking soda and use it to scrub away tough stains on your windows.
- Use a toothbrush: For small or hard-to-reach areas, use an old toothbrush to clean corners, edges, and window tracks.
- Opt for a window cleaning kit: Window cleaning kits typically include all the necessary tools, such as squeegees, scrubbers, and cleaning solutions, for a comprehensive window cleaning experience.
- Change your cleaning solution regularly: To avoid streaks, change your cleaning solution frequently, especially when it becomes dirty or soapy.
- Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight: Cleaning windows in direct sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry quickly, leading to streaks.
- Start from the top: When cleaning multiple windows, start at the top and work your way down to prevent dirty water from dripping onto previously cleaned areas.
- Use distilled water: Tap water often contains minerals that can leave streaks or spots on your windows. Using distilled water minimizes this risk.
- Silicone blade cleaning tool: These handheld tools have a silicone blade that quickly removes water and cleaning solution, leaving your windows streak-free.
- Clean your window screens: Remove and clean your window screens separately to ensure a thorough window cleaning routine.
- Homemade glass cleaner with vodka: Mix equal parts of vodka and water with a few drops of essential oil for a homemade glass cleaner that effectively removes dirt and grime.
- Use a ladder stabilizer: When cleaning high windows, make sure to use a ladder stabilizer to prevent accidents and ensure your safety.
- Dust before cleaning: Remove dust and loose debris from your windowsills and frames before cleaning the glass to prevent smudging.
- Window blinds cleaning tool: Utilize a specialized tool designed to clean window blinds efficiently, ensuring they are free from dust and dirt.
- Wear protective gloves: Some cleaning solutions can be harsh on the skin. Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves while cleaning.
- Follow a grid pattern: Divide your windows into smaller sections and clean them one by one, following a grid pattern, to ensure thorough and systematic cleaning.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth: Avoid using abrasive materials or paper towels that can scratch or leave lint on your windows.
- Clean your windows on a cloudy day: Cleaning windows on a cloudy day reduces the risk of streaks caused by the cleaning solution drying too quickly.
- Remove stubborn stickers with vinegar: Soak a cloth or paper towel in vinegar and place it over the sticker. After a few minutes, the vinegar will dissolve the adhesive, making it easy to peel off.
- Use a lemon rind: Rub a lemon rind directly on your windows to remove water stains or mineral deposits.
- Clean your windows twice a year: Regularly cleaning your windows, at least twice a year, helps maintain their clarity and prolongs their lifespan.
- Remove grease with dish soap: For windows that are greasy or have sticky residue, mix dish soap with warm water and gently scrub the affected areas.
- Baby wipes for quick touch-ups: Keep a pack of baby wipes handy for quick touch-ups between thorough cleanings.
- Avoid paper towels: Paper towels often leave lint or fibers behind. Instead, opt for microfiber cloths or lint-free wipes for streak-free results.
- Dust window blinds regularly: Regularly dusting your window blinds helps prevent dust particles from accumulating on your windows.
- Use a telescopic pole: Telescopic poles allow you to reach high windows without the need for a ladder, making the cleaning process safer and more convenient.
- Clean windows in a circular motion: When scrubbing your windows, use circular motions to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Some commercial window cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible.
- Remove paint splatters with a razor blade: Gently scrape off paint splatters or other stubborn stains from your windows using a razor blade held at a slight angle.
- Polish with a chamois cloth: After cleaning your windows, polish them with a chamois cloth for a sparkling finish.
- Remove hard water stains with vinegar: Soak a cloth in vinegar and press it against hard water stains for several minutes. The acidity of the vinegar will help dissolve the mineral deposits.
- Prevent streaks with horizontal strokes: When using a squeegee, start at the top of the window and use horizontal strokes to prevent streaks from forming.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth: After using a squeegee or cleaning solution, dry your windows with a lint-free cloth to eliminate any remaining streaks or water spots.
- Clean window tracks with a toothbrush: Window tracks can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away debris and keep your tracks clean.
- Avoid using too much cleaning solution: Using excessive cleaning solution can result in streaks or a soapy residue on your windows. Use a moderate amount for best results.
- Clean windows with vinegar and essential oils: Mix vinegar with a few drops of your favorite essential oil to create a natural, aromatic window cleaning solution.
- Use a window scraper for stubborn stains: Window scrapers are handy tools for removing dried-on bugs, paint, or other tough stains from your windows.
- Remove pet hair with a rubber glove: Dampen a rubber glove with water, then glide it over your windows to pick up pet hair and lint.
- DIY cornstarch window cleaner: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol for a homemade window cleaner that leaves a streak-free shine.
- Remove candle wax with ice: Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and hold it against candle wax on your windows. Once the wax hardens, gently scrape it off with a plastic card or spatula.
- Clean small window panes with a toothbrush and toothpaste: Apply toothpaste to a toothbrush and gently scrub small window panes to remove dirt and stains.
- Prevent foggy windows: To prevent condensation and foggy windows, open them slightly during showers or cooking to allow airflow.
- Homemade window de-icer: Mix three parts vinegar with one part water and spray it on your windows to remove ice or frost during the winter months.
- Remove residue with vinegar and water: Spray a mixture of vinegar and water onto sticky residue or adhesive left by stickers, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub gently with a cloth or sponge.
- Wipe in a zigzag motion: When using a microfiber cloth or sponge, wipe your windows in a zigzag motion to ensure thorough coverage.
- Clean window frames regularly: Window frames can accumulate dust, dirt, and grime. Clean them regularly with a damp cloth to maintain their appearance.
- Remove cobwebs before cleaning: Use a long-handled duster or broom to remove any cobwebs from around your windows before cleaning them.
- Homemade window defogger: Mix 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol, and 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on foggy windows and wipe them clean.
- Clean exterior windows with a hose: If you have access to an outdoor water source, use a hose with a nozzle attachment to rinse off dirt and debris from your exterior windows.
- Protect your furniture and floors: Place towels or drop cloths on the floor and over furniture near the windows to protect them from drips or spills during the cleaning process.
- Clean with hydrogen peroxide: Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and use it to remove mold or mildew from window frames or sills.
- Clean window blinds with vinegar and water: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your blinds. Wipe them clean with a cloth or sponge.
- Remove grease spots with baking soda: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to grease spots on your windows. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.
- Clean windows with club soda: Spray club soda onto your windows and wipe them clean for a streak-free shine.
- Use a foam paintbrush for small details: Foam paintbrushes are excellent for cleaning small, intricate areas around window frames or grilles.
- Remove paint overspray with vinegar: Soak a cloth in vinegar and gently scrub away paint overspray from your windows.
- Clean blinds with an old sock: Slip an old sock onto your hand and use it to wipe down each slat of your window blinds.
- Clear your view with rain repellent: Apply a rain repellent product designed for car windshields to your windows. This helps water bead up and roll off, improving visibility during rainy weather.
- Remove grease with baby shampoo: Mix a few drops of baby shampoo with warm water and use it to cut through grease on your windows.
- Clean window screens with a brush attachment: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from your window screens.
- Clean between double-pane windows: If you have double-pane windows, check if they can be opened for cleaning. Some windows have removable sashes or panels that allow access to the interior side.
- Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners on tinted windows: Ammonia can damage window tint. Opt for ammonia-free or specifically formulated tint-safe cleaners instead.
- Clean windows with denatured alcohol: Mix denatured alcohol with water in a spray bottle and use it to clean your windows for a streak-free shine.
- Remove fingerprints with cornstarch: Create a paste by mixing cornstarch with water, then apply it to fingerprints on your windows. Let it dry and then wipe it away with a cloth or sponge.
- Use a window cleaning robot: Window cleaning robots are automated devices that move across your windows, cleaning them while you relax.
- Dust ceiling-to-floor before cleaning: Start by dusting higher areas, such as curtain rods or window frames, and work your way down to ensure you capture any falling debris.
- Clean with a water-fed pole system: Water-fed poles have a brush attachment and a water supply, allowing you to clean windows from the ground without the need for ladders or scaffolding.
- Prevent streaks with vinegar rinse: After cleaning your windows with a solution, rinse them with a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any residue and prevent streaks.
- Clean window tracks with a toothpick: Use a toothpick or a cotton swab to remove dirt and debris from the narrow crevices of your window tracks.
- Use a high-pressure washer for exterior windows: High-pressure washers are effective at removing dirt, grime, and cobwebs from the outside of your windows.
- Remove hard water stains with lemon juice: Apply lemon juice to a cloth and rub it on hard water stains until they dissolve. Rinse with water and wipe dry.
- Clean window blinds with a sock and tongs: Slip a sock over each side of a pair of tongs and secure them with rubber bands. Use this homemade tool to clean each slat of your window blinds.
- Remove bird droppings with vinegar: Soak a cloth in vinegar and place it over bird droppings. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the droppings, then wipe them away.
- Clean skylights with a long-handled mop: Attach a microfiber cloth or sponge to a long-handled mop and use it to clean hard-to-reach skylights.
- Use a window cleaning robot with artificial intelligence: Some advanced window cleaning robots use AI technology to navigate and clean your windows efficiently.
- Clean windows with denture cleaning tablets: Dissolve denture cleaning tablets in warm water and use the solution to clean your windows and remove stains.
- Steam clean curtains or drapes: Steam cleaners can refresh and clean curtains or drapes without removing them from the windows.
- Clean windows with a pressure sprayer: Attach a pressure sprayer to your garden hose and use it to clean exterior windows, removing dirt and grime effectively.
- Create your own homemade window wipes: Cut lint-free cloth or paper towels into smaller squares, then soak them in a mixture of water, vinegar, and essential oils. Store them in an airtight container for convenient use.
- Hire professional window cleaners: If cleaning your windows seems overwhelming or time-consuming, consider hiring professional window cleaners who have the expertise and equipment to ensure a spotless result.
- Maintain regular window cleaning habits: Consistency is key to keeping your windows clean. Set a schedule for regular window cleaning to maintain their sparkle and extend their lifespan.
Remember, safety should always be a priority when cleaning windows. Take appropriate precautions, such as using stable ladders, following manufacturer’s instructions, and wearing protective gear when necessary. With these 101 ways to clean your windows, you’ll be equipped with a wide range of techniques to achieve gleaming, crystal-clear windows in any situation.