At first, knowing how to clean windows may seem like an easy task. However, the truth is that all kinds of stains end up on the glass, whether it’s watermarks, fingerprints, or general dirt, which can be very difficult to remove. Even if you manage to remove these marks, the grease will stain your windows, which won’t wipe off. By the end, the whole chore can seem counterproductive and you might make things look worse than they started, kind of like when you were trying to clean a glass or clean windows stove.
But don’t worry – with the right products and methods, your windows can look new again. The good news is that windows are actually one of the easier things to clean, and you can get crisp results in minutes. Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to do and answer any questions you may have along the way to clean windows.
How to clean windows? (Windows, Desktops, Laptops or PCs)
What do you need: clean windows:
- Microfiber cloth
- sponge (optional)
- dish soap or white distilled vinegar or glass cleaner bucket
- T-bar and scraper (optional)
Step: 1. If you’re cleaning your windows from the inside, the first thing you’ll do is remove all dust and cobwebs . Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the window glass and around the frame and sills. Don’t forget to open the windows and check for any hidden crevices. For extreme situations, you can also use one of the best vacuums with a soft brush attachment.
Step: 2. Close the window when finished. You can now choose from several methods depending on the level of dirt:
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- For daily cleaning: spread a damp microfiber cloth over the glass and apply warm soapy water if necessary. Rinse off the foam with a damp cloth.
- For more stubborn marks: stick with soapy water but use the rough side of the sponge to apply. Don’t be too aggressive when scrubbing; you don’t want to scratch the glass, but be persistent and keep applying soap until the marks disappear. Rinse with a damp microfiber cloth.
- White distilled vinegar is another option if you want to use home remedies. You can dilute it with a cup of vinegar to a cup of water in a spray bottle. Then apply to the pane and wipe with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, you can also let it sit for a minute or two before wiping off. Rinse with a damp cloth afterwards.
- You can also use a proprietary glass cleaner like Windex Original Blue Glass and Window Cleaner ($7.78, Amazon ). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Step: 3. If you want to speed up the drying process and save yourself some microfiber cloth, you can also use a spatula to wipe away excess water . Just be sure to put a towel on the floor or windowsill to collect any runoff, and slide it over twice Dry the spatula by hand in between.
Step: 4. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth . Be sure to work in different directions to avoid streaks, and constantly adjust the cloth to dry sections so you don’t re-water. You can also use paper towels to do this.
Step: 5. If streaks are still noticeable, rinse and repeat from step 3 – this may be residual soap. Your windows should now look pristine from the inside, and it’s time to fix the exterior.
Step: 6. You’re probably dealing with a larger surface area here, so you’ll need a bucket and some larger lint-free cloth . It’s best to do this on a cloudy day, otherwise the sun will dry your results before you have time to remove the streaks .
Step: 7. The size of the pane means it’s impractical to use a spray bottle, so standard glass cleaners are out of the window (pun intended). You’ll want to fill a bucket with warm soapy water or distill some white vinegar with water in it.
Step: 8. You can apply your solution with a cloth like above, but an easier way is to use a T-bar and scraper, such as the MR.SIGA Professional Window Cleaning Kit ($16.99, Amazon ). With these, you can easily apply the cleaner to the pane, then quickly rinse and wipe off.
Step: 9. When wiping with a scraper, try to work in an S-pattern from top to bottom, being sure to go over where you started and finish at the edge. This way, you won’t leave any annoying watermarks.
Step: 10. Dry if necessary. Your windows should now look pristine. Remember to clean them regularly to make this job less hassle.
What is the best way to clean windows?
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There is no right answer to this. Dishwashing liquid and water are usually sufficient to remove most stains, but distilled white vinegar is another popular and sustainable method. Vinegar is also great for cutting limescale, so it’s ideal for watermarks. That’s why we recommend it in our guide on how to clean windows shower doors.
For more cleaning tips, tricks and how-tos, check out our guides on how to clean windows or washing machine, how to get rid of mold and how to wash your pillow.