Cleaning windows is one of the worst chores ever. But it doesn't have to be this way! Cleaning your windows can actually be pretty easy. All you have to do is figure out a few "cheats" to make the job go much more smoothly.
It doesn't matter if you're cleaning the outside of the window, the inside glass or the frame around it, we've got tips for you. So settle in, check out this list of ways to make cleaning your windows easier and then get to cleaning.
Advertisement
1. Dish soap
Instead of springing for some expensive cleaning product made specifically for windows, reach for something you already have: liquid dish soap. Just like it does with your dishes, this soap will cut through the dirt and grease on your windows, while also making them slippery so your squeegee will glide right down to remove any excess grime.
Instead of springing for some expensive cleaning product made specifically for windows, reach for something you already have: liquid dish soap. Just like it does with your dishes, this soap will cut through the dirt and grease on your windows, while also making them slippery so your squeegee will glide right down to remove any excess grime.
Cooktop Cove
2. Use a strip applicator
When washing the outside of your picture windows, you want a tool that's large enough to cover as much glass as possible. A strip applicator has a long cloth head that will clean large sections of glass, soak up soapy water and won't scratch your glass.
When washing the outside of your picture windows, you want a tool that's large enough to cover as much glass as possible. A strip applicator has a long cloth head that will clean large sections of glass, soak up soapy water and won't scratch your glass.
Shutterstock
3. Vinegar
It should come as no surprise that vinegar is a great way to clean your windows. Mix 1 part hot water with 1 part vinegar and you can either spray it directly onto the window or soak a sponge in the mixture and scrub the windows with that. Either way, you'll end up with clean, streak-free windows.
It should come as no surprise that vinegar is a great way to clean your windows. Mix 1 part hot water with 1 part vinegar and you can either spray it directly onto the window or soak a sponge in the mixture and scrub the windows with that. Either way, you'll end up with clean, streak-free windows.
Shutterstock
4. Watch the weather
Washing your windows on a sunny day is perfect because you'll be able to clearly see any streaks, right? Wrong! The sun will actually cause your cleaner to dry onto the windows before you have the chance to wipe it off, which will create streaks. Instead, wait for a cloudy day when you'll have plenty of shade to clean in.
Washing your windows on a sunny day is perfect because you'll be able to clearly see any streaks, right? Wrong! The sun will actually cause your cleaner to dry onto the windows before you have the chance to wipe it off, which will create streaks. Instead, wait for a cloudy day when you'll have plenty of shade to clean in.
Shutterstock
5. Vacuum inside windows
Before you start cleaning your actual window panes, run your vacuum hose (or a small, handheld vacuum) along the windowsills and around the frame of your windows. If you don't do this, you run the risk of your window cleaners dripping down onto the windowsill, mixing with the dust there and making a mud-like substance that will be way more difficult to clean.
Before you start cleaning your actual window panes, run your vacuum hose (or a small, handheld vacuum) along the windowsills and around the frame of your windows. If you don't do this, you run the risk of your window cleaners dripping down onto the windowsill, mixing with the dust there and making a mud-like substance that will be way more difficult to clean.
6. Sponge brush
Even after you've vacuumed out the windowsills and around the frames, you might still have some dirt lingering around. To get rid of this, soak a sponge brush in Pine-Sol and run it along the window tracks. It will clean out any leftover dust and make your house smell better.
Even after you've vacuumed out the windowsills and around the frames, you might still have some dirt lingering around. To get rid of this, soak a sponge brush in Pine-Sol and run it along the window tracks. It will clean out any leftover dust and make your house smell better.
Advertisement
7. Towel choice
One thing people tend to forget is that they need to be careful about the towels or rags they use on their windows. If you use soft paper towels, you'll end up with lint on the windows. Your best options are hard paper towels, cotton rags or microfiber cloths. These won't leave streaks or lint behind.
One thing people tend to forget is that they need to be careful about the towels or rags they use on their windows. If you use soft paper towels, you'll end up with lint on the windows. Your best options are hard paper towels, cotton rags or microfiber cloths. These won't leave streaks or lint behind.