How to clean your windows like a pro: step-by-step
Proper preparation is 90% of success. Our step-by-step tips will guide you—just grab what you need and start cleaning!
Gathering your cleaning kit
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:
- Gloves. Your hands deserve love too—keep them soft and happy! Even if you’re using non-toxic window cleaners, ingredients like vinegar or alcohol can dry out your delicate skin.
- Sponge and Dry Cloth. Hold your horses! These aren’t for the glass—just yet! The sponge is for washing window frames and sills, while the cloth will dry them off to keep dust from ruining your perfectly clean windows. If it’s been a while since your last deep clean, grab a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to remove dirt from hard-to-reach spots.
- Two Cloths Made of Natural Materials. Now it’s time for the glass! You’ll need one cloth for cleaning and another for streak-free polishing. Cleaning Supplies: plastic frame cleaner, window cleaner, all-purpose cleaner for the mosquito screen.
Preparation step
Thoroughly wash the frames and sills, making sure to remove dust hiding in the corners. Once everything is sparkling clean, wipe away any excess moisture to prevent streaks. If you have a mosquito screen, apply the all-purpose cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it under the shower. While the screen dries, move on to the next step.
Washing the glass
Spray the glass cleaner evenly over the surface and let it dissolve dirt for about 30 seconds. Then, wipe the glass using circular motions with your first cloth.
And now, the grand finale! Grab that dry cloth and give your windows the VIP shine they deserve!
Tip: Wash windows on a cloudy day! If the sun is too bright, the cleaner may dry too quickly, increasing the chance of streaks.
DIY window cleaner: best natural ingredients for streak-free glass
You can make your windows perfect without unnecessary expenses by using common household items.
Whether you’re dealing with grime on the frame or streaks on the glass, there’s a simple solution using what you already have at home:
- For deep cleaning (like on the frame), mix baking soda with water to make a paste, clean the dirt, and then rinse it with a mixture of water and vinegar in equal parts.
- Basic cleaning. White vinegar + water (1:1) or lemon juice + water (1 tbsp per cup of water) can be used not only for the frames but also for the glass.
- Streak removal. Wipe the windows with a mixture of alcohol and water in equal parts, then polish the surface with old newspaper. For an anti-static effect and a pleasant aroma, add lemon essential oil (5 drops per 500 ml of water) — this will give your windows a nice scent and anti-static effect.
To prevent windows from fogging up, rub the glass with a cut potato, then polish with a dry cloth.
Tried-and-tested eco-friendly window cleaners
When it comes to eco-friendly window cleaners, these are our top picks. They all deliver similar results with only slight differences in performance. Most importantly, they’re all ammonia-free.
Here is a list of the best window cleaners without ammonia for your needs:
Cleans windows well, but might leave streaks—though they easily wipe away with a dry cloth. It has vinegar in the formula, so there’s a slight smell, but it’s not overwhelming.
- safe for kids and pets;
- biodegradable, non-aerosol, ozone-safe, never tested on animals;
- vinegar-based formula with plant-derived cleaning agents, free from chlorine and phosphates.
Price: $11 for 31 oz
This spray has a light citrus scent, lasts a long time, and doesn’t need rinsing—just spray, wipe, and you’re done. Plus, no harsh chemicals, all plant-based.
- no need to rinse;
- EWG Verified, PETA-certified vegan and cruelty-free;
- free from harsh chemicals.
Price: $7 for 27 oz
If you’re sensitive to strong smells, this one’s a great pick. No artificial fragrances, fully plant-based, and biodegradable.
- no artificial fragrances;
- biodegradable;
- plant-based formula, free from harmful additives.
Cleans well with no streaks. There’s a light vinegar scent, but it fades quickly.
- hypoallergenic;
- Readily biodegradable;
- never tested on animals.
Price: $10 for 22 Oz
Pleasant fresh scent, just as effective as its competitors. The bottle is made from recycled plastic.
- hypoallergenic, fragranced with organic essential oils;
- USDA Organic, no animal testing, 100% recyclable bottles;
- natural cleaning agents.
Price: $8 for 26 fl oz
If you have kids or pets at home → Biokleen or ECOS—extra safe.
If you dislike strong scents → AllAway—completely fragrance-free.
If you want a light, fresh scent → Attitude—citrus freshness.
If organic ingredients matter to you → GreenShield.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option → Attitude—affordable and lasts long.
How to keep your windows clean longer
Do you want your windows to stay sparkling clean, no matter the rain or dust?
- The squeegee is the perfect tool for windows so clean they squeak (literally). Made of rubber, it fits tightly against the glass and particularly removes everything.
- For crystal-clear shine and an anti-static effect, you can apply a polish, making your windows not only dazzling with cleanliness but also less prone to dust buildup.
- And to ensure that even the forces of nature can’t disrupt your perfect cleanliness, wipe the outside of your windows with an anti-rain treatment. It will create a protective film that will keep dirt and streaks away for a long time.
Enjoy using safe store-bought window cleaners, have fun making your own DIY versions!
FAQ
How often should windows be cleaned?
Ideally every 2-3 months, but in cities with dusty air, more often.
Why do streaks appear?
Too much cleaning product, a bad cloth, or the wrong time of day (heat).
Can windows be cleaned in freezing weather?
Author
Alexandra Mukhina
Content writer on https://rythmoftheworld.com Experienced linguist and translator with a knack for crafting and refining diverse content. My goal is to produce engaging, informative texts that captivate readers. Passionate about reading, music, traveling, and exploring new avenues of personal growth.
