The Best Way to Clean Windows Without Streaks

By Attique Ur Rehman December 11, 2025

Few things make a home look fresher than crystal-clear, streak-free windows. They let in more natural light, make rooms feel bigger and brighter, and instantly improve the overall appearance of your property—inside and out.

The problem? Many people wipe and re-wipe their windows only to end up with smears, streaks and cloudy glass.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to clean windows without streaks, using simple tools and practical methods you can do yourself, plus tips straight from professional cleaners.

💡 If you’re refreshing the whole property, you might also like our guide on how to deep clean your home room by room.

Why Do Windows Get Streaky?

Streaks usually happen because of:

Dirty tools (old cloths, greasy rags, dirty water)
Too much cleaning product left on the glass
Hard water or mineral deposits
Cleaning in direct sunlight, which dries the solution too quickly
Using the wrong cloth, such as paper towels that shred or leave lint

The good news? Once you avoid these common mistakes, getting streak-free windows becomes much easier.

What You Need for Streak-Free Windows

You don’t need a cupboard full of expensive products. A basic, good-quality kit is enough:

Essential tools

Microfibre cloths (at least two: one for washing, one for drying/buffing)
Squeegee with a sharp rubber blade
Bucket or spray bottle
Soft sponge or applicator
Lint-free drying cloth or glass polishing cloth

Cleaning solution options

You can use:

Homemade glass cleaner
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water (preferably distilled if you have hard water)
Mild soapy water
- A few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water
Commercial glass cleaner
- Choose an ammonia-free, streak-free window cleaner

🔗 Want to stick with low-tox options? Check out our article on eco-friendly cleaning products for your home.

The Best Way to Clean Windows Without Streaks (Step-by-Step)

Follow this process and you’ll have clear, streak-free windows with far less effort.

1. Choose the right time of day

Avoid cleaning windows under direct sunlight. The heat causes the solution to dry too fast, leaving marks. Early morning, late afternoon, or an overcast day is ideal.

2. Dust and wipe the frames first

Before touching the glass:

Use a dry cloth or soft brush to remove dust, cobwebs, and debris from frames, tracks, and sills.
Wipe the window frames with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.

This stops dirt from being dragged across the glass while you clean.

3. Pre-clean really dirty windows

If your windows are very dirty (pollen, bird droppings, construction dust):

Rinse the glass with clean water first (from a spray bottle or hose on gentle setting).
Lightly wipe with a damp sponge to remove the worst of the grime.

This protects the glass from being scratched by gritty dirt.

4. Apply your cleaning solution

You can use either a spray bottle or a bucket:

Spray method:
- Spray your vinegar-and-water or glass cleaner onto the glass.
- Don’t over-saturate; a light, even mist is enough.
Bucket method (for larger windows):
- Dip your sponge or applicator into the soapy water.
- Squeeze out excess so it’s wet but not dripping heavily.
- Wipe the glass in overlapping strokes to cover the entire surface.

5. Use a squeegee for a streak-free finish

This is the real pro secret for streak-free glass.

Start at the top corner of the window.
Pull the squeegee down in a straight line or across in a sideways “S” pattern.
Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after each stroke.
Overlap each pass slightly so you don’t leave lines between strokes.

The key is to keep the squeegee blade clean and in contact with the glass at all times.

6. Dry and buff the edges

Even with a squeegee, small drips can form along the edges:

Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe around the borders and corners of the window.
Buff any small remaining streaks with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth in gentle circular motions.

Inside vs Outside Windows: What’s Different?

Cleaning inside windows

Indoor glass usually has:

Fingerprints
Dust
Cooking residue (for kitchen windows)

For interior windows:

Use less water to avoid drips on floors and walls.
Lay a towel on the windowsill and floor to catch any drips.
Opt for a spray bottle rather than a big bucket if space is tight.

Cleaning outside windows

Outdoor glass gets:

Dirt, pollution, and pollen
Bird droppings
Spider webs and insect marks

For exterior windows:

Rinse with water first to remove loose dirt.
Use a squeegee with an extension pole for upper floors (if safe to access).
For high or hard-to-reach windows, it’s often safer to book a professional window cleaning service rather than use ladders.

Common Mistakes That Cause Streaks

Avoid these habits if you want perfect glass:

Using paper towels:
They can leave lint and fibres on the glass.
Too much product:
More cleaner doesn’t mean cleaner windows. Excess solution leaves residue.
Dirty cloths:
If your cloths are greasy or dusty, you’ll just move dirt around.
Skipping the squeegee:
Wiping only with cloths often leads to smears, especially on large windows.
Not changing the water:
If the bucket looks dirty, change it. Cleaning with dirty water guarantees streaks.

Streak-Free Tips from Professional Cleaners

Here are some simple tricks used in the field:

Use separate cloths:
One for washing, one for drying, and one reserved just for glass or mirrors.
Work from top to bottom:
Any drips will fall onto areas you haven’t cleaned yet.
Label your glass cloths:
Keep them separate from other cleaning cloths so they don’t pick up grease or chemicals.
Regular cleaning is easier:
Windows cleaned more often are quicker to maintain and less likely to stain permanently from hard water or mineral build-up.

🔗 Doing a full vacate or end of lease clean? Don’t miss our End of Lease / Bond Cleaning checklist and guide.

Natural vs Commercial Window Cleaners

Both can give you a streak-free result when used correctly.

Natural cleaners (like vinegar)

Pros:

Affordable
Widely available
Good for light to moderate dirt and fingerprints

Cons:

Strong smell (usually fades as it dries)
May not be enough for heavy grease or mineral deposits

Commercial glass cleaners

Pros:

Designed specifically for glass
Often quicker on greasy marks and fingerprints

Cons:

Some contain strong chemicals or fragrances
Using too much can leave a film on the glass

The best option is often a combination: soapy water for heavy dirt, then vinegar solution or glass cleaner for the final streak-free finish.

How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?

It depends on where you live, but as a general guide:

Inside windows: every 2–3 months
Outside windows: every 3–6 months (more often if you’re near a busy road, construction site, or ocean)

For businesses and storefronts, windows usually need more frequent attention to maintain a professional appearance. In that case, consider scheduling regular commercial window cleaning as part of your office or commercial cleaning plan.

When to Call a Professional Window Cleaner

DIY window cleaning is fine for many homes, but there are times when it’s safer and smarter to call in the pros:

Multi-storey homes or apartments with high, hard-to-reach windows
Very large glass panels or high-value glass features
After construction or renovation (plaster, paint, and concrete splatters)
When you don’t have the right tools or time

A professional team brings:

Commercial-grade tools and solutions
Safety equipment for high windows
Experience with different glass types and tinting
A faster, more consistent streak-free result

🔗 Want help with the whole property, not just the glass? Explore our full house cleaning services.

Final Thoughts

Getting streak-free windows doesn’t have to be a battle.

With:

The right tools (microfibre cloths and a good squeegee),
A simple cleaning solution, and
A step-by-step method,

you can enjoy clear, bright windows that make your home look cleaner, lighter, and more inviting.

Start with one room, build your confidence, and before long you’ll have a routine that keeps your windows shining all year round.