Cleaning your windows might seem unnecessary until you do it. Depending on how dirty your windows are, you might be surprised at how much additional sunlight floods your living area and how clean it makes the rest of your space seem. Plus, dirt, dust, and other debris on your windows can actually reduce your home’s energy efficiency, making DIY window cleaning crucial. In this guide on how to clean windows, we’ll discuss the fastest, easiest way to breathe new life into your space.
Prepping to Clean Your Windows
The one thing you’ll want to consider before you get to work cleaning your windows is the type of cleaner you want to use. You can purchase a commercial cleaner from your local home improvement store, but we prefer all-natural cleaners for things like windows that just accumulate dust and dirt in most cases.
Keep in mind that products with ammonia can destroy window tints and other protective coatings on your glass, so stick with the simple DIY mixture discussed in this guide if you have coatings on your windows.
Protect Your Floors
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Your first order of business should be to protect your floors from spills, overspray, and any debris you take off of your windows. You can simply lay down a bath towel in front of your window before you begin.
Remove Hardened Material
Before you start using any cleaners, it’s a good idea to remove hard materials from the surface of the glass. It’s not uncommon to find dried paint on interior glass surfaces, especially if you recently repainted or renovated your interior. You might also find excess caulk or mineral deposits from condensation.
To remove these, use your razor blade and gently scrape everything off the surface of the glass, holding the blade at less than a 45-degree angle to the surface. Be very careful not to cut into the sealant around the window glass.
Wipe the Windows Down
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Next, you’ll want to remove the majority of the dirt, dust, and other debris. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the glass down.
Mix Your Cleaner
Now, you can mix your DIY window cleaner. Add 2 cups of warm water to your spray bottle, followed by 1/4 cup of white vinegar. You can mix more of the solution in that ratio if you need it. For excessively dirty windows, you can also add a few drops of dish soap to the sprayer.
Spray Your Windows
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Close your spray bottle, shake up your solution, and then spray the inside surface of your windows liberally. Have your microfiber rag handy to clean up any liquid that drips down onto your windowsill or other components.
Dry Your Windows
Finally, dry your windows with a sheet of black and white newspaper (color ink could come off). The newspaper will soak up any water and vinegar, but also any oils left on the surface. Oil is what leaves streaks on clean windows, so using newspaper is a great way to get a streak-free shine. If your windows are really dirty, you might have to repeat the process.
Address Other Components
Cleaning the inside surface of your windows is usually the most impactful in terms of bringing more natural light into your living area and making them look super clean. However, you should also take some time to clean the outside of your windows to remove pollen, dirt, and other debris.
Your final step should be cleaning the tracks of the windows and interior components to help them continue to function and look nice for years to come.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Window cleaning is a really simple and straightforward home improvement project that anyone can do with a minimal investment in supplies. We recommend tackling this project yourself as a part of your spring cleaning and preparation in the fall before winter.
With that being said, you can certainly save some time by hiring a window cleaning company near you. While it only takes about five minutes to clean the inside of one window, doing the inside glass, outside glass, and interior components can be quite time-consuming, especially if you’re doing all the windows in your home at once.
If you’re looking to save money—window cleaning costs around $260 total for all of your windows—then feel free to DIY the work. If you’re looking to save time, hire a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best thing to clean windows with is a mixture of white vinegar, warm water, and dish soap. This will remove dirt, pollen, and grime without destroying any tints or protective films on your glass. You can also use a commercial window cleaner, but make sure to choose one that doesn’t have ammonia in it, as this can damage window coverings and frame materials over time.
You should avoid abrasive materials when cleaning windows, including scrubbing pads that can scratch the glass and harsh chemical cleaners that have alcohol or ammonia in them, as these can damage window treatments and frame materials. It’s best to use a clean microfiber cloth to clean glass and old black and white newspapers to dry it without leaving streaks.
The most likely cause of smearing or streaking after cleaning your windows is residue left on the glass from the cleaner you’re using. Consider diluting the solution and cleaning them again, or use old newspaper to dry the windows after cleaning, as this will soak up any residual material. Additionally, aim to clean your windows on a cool, cloudy day, as cleaners will dry more quickly on the glass if it’s hot and sunny, promoting streaking.
Dan is a writer and property manager and can be found sharing his home improvement tips on sites like EcoWatch and Today’s Homeowner. He loves sharing his years of hands-on experience and love of DIY to help homeowners bring their visions to life.
Dan is a writer and property manager and can be found sharing his home improvement tips on sites like EcoWatch and Today’s Homeowner. He loves sharing his years of hands-on experience and love of DIY to help homeowners bring their visions to life.
The homeowners guide to Window Cleaning
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
