How to get squeaky clean windows inside and out without using aggressive chemicals

Clean windows can truly make a home beautiful and stand out. Over time, grime and dirt can slowly accumulate on your windows, and before you know it, you can barely see the sunlight and your incredible view. What’s worse than dirty windows?

Improperly cleaned, streaky windows. This article will cover the proper technique to get your windows squeaky clean inside and out. 

What is the best way to clean windows without streaking?

For dirty outdoor windows, you want to choose a time earlier in the morning or late in the daytime to avoid the hot sun. The sun’s heat can damage the cleaning process, plus you’ll be able to see the streaks a lot better when they aren’t in direct sunlight. 

So what’s the first step? The first step to cleaning outdoor windows is wiping off the dirt. If you spray solution directly onto your windows, you will just end up with smudged dirt, which is not what you want. 

Remove dirt from the window frame

You can sweep the dirt from the window frame with a brush or vacuum. To wipe off the dirt from the windows, soak a sponge in a bucket filled with a gallon of warm water and 1 cup of white vinegar. Use your sponge to wipe across the window from one side to the other in a S-motion and work quickly to prevent the water solution from drying. 

Next, grab a slightly dampened squeegee and wipe the water away, following the path you originally made with the sponge. For any leftover water and lines, use a clean cloth to dab the excess liquid. 

Use the cleaner of your choice

All that’s left to do is spray the glass with a cleaner of your choice and wipe it down. Don’t skimp on the amount of product you spray. You want to have enough to wipe away any remaining dirt. Some people recommend using newspapers to remove the extra liquid to get the streak-free look, but a solid microfiber cloth will do the trick and leave your glass shiny and streak-free. 

For inside windows, the process is similar and just as important. However, unlike outside windows, indoor windows will most likely not be nearly as dirty as your exterior windows, so you skip the first step of wiping away the extra dirt! 

Spotless windows 

First, you’ll need to spray your window down with a spray of your choosing, preferably something more natural since you will be breathing it in for the next few days.  Then, use a clean rag to wipe the window cleaning solution away and use a microfiber cloth to clean any excess liquid. There you have it, spotless windows!

How can I get a smear-free window?

If you follow the procedure outlined above, your window should be left streak-free. However, things happen, so you can take a couple of additional steps to leave your windows looking spotless. 

One secret tip we found is using a fabric softener mixed with warm water. If you dip a cotton cloth in the solution, wring it out, and use it on mirrors, windows, or other mirrored objects, your home will look and smell amazing!

What do professional window cleaners use to clean windows?

Most of the tools and products professional window cleaners use can actually be found in hardware stores or home appliance stores.  Contrary to popular belief, professional window washers don’t use harsh chemical cleaning detergents for windows since strong chemicals don’t correlate to magic results. The standard tools professional window cleaners use are squeegees, buckets, and scrubbers. 

Clean like a professional

First, clean the area around the windows with a vacuum cleaner that you can reach before washing the windows with a solution. Using a solution of choice, soak the strip washer with the solution and apply it to the whole window.  Once the window is fully covered, use an attached squeegee to remove the suds and any dirt in even strokes. Leave the windows to air dry, and you’re done!

How do you clean high interior windows without a ladder?

To clean high interior windows without a ladder, you can use an extendable pole. First, check to see if the windows are removable so you can clean them on the ground. If not, using an extendable pole to solution and wipe down your windows might be tricky, but it is doable.

How to clean your window inserts?

To clean your Flexible Climate Seal™ Interior Magnetic Insulating Window System inserts, we recommend washing them with lukewarm water mixed with mild soap or dishwashing liquid. Along with this, it is highly recommended to use an anti-static cleaner or polish solution.

For the best cleaner available, we recommend using the Brillianize Cleaner® as it prevents an electrostatic charge and leaves surfaces with a brilliant shine. 

To wipe the inserts, work in a vertical and horizontal direction with a soft cloth and avoid circular motions. Also, avoid using paper towels and ammonia-based cleaning fluids while cleaning your window inserts. 

Other than that, wipe and polish until completely dry, and you are good to go!

How to clean outside windows that are hard to reach?

Cleaning windows you can’t reach can be very complicated. When planning how to execute the job, you should consider your safety, the windows’ height, and any special equipment you may need. 

Consult us today and we can find the right solution for you!