On the rare occasions when the weather is truly perfect, you probably enjoy opening your windows to let in some fresh air. On every other day, when they’re closed, you have no choice but to stare at them and be reminded how dirty they are. Windows get dirty, thanks to the buildup of dust, pollen and everything else that ends up on them and using the humble paper towel sometimes isn’t good enough. With this in mind, I spoke to multiple cleaning experts to learn how to properly clean windows.
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The best products for cleaning windows
All of the products are either direct recommendations from our experts, editors or are from brands we’ve covered before at NBC Select.
Swiffer Duster Heavy Duty Extendable Handle Starter Kit
Similar to cleaning walls, it’s extremely important to start by dusting windows to clean them before adding any cleaning solution or wiping with a cloth. If you don’t dust first, you’ll probably just end up with dust and dirt smeared on the window and windowsill, which will make it more time-consuming to clean. This duster from Swiffer extends to three feet and has an angled end to make it easier to clean crevices and elevated windows. Plus, it includes three replacement dusters.
HDX Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
I’ve used these cleaning cloths to take care of many types of spills, including ones at my desk at work, and they’re incredibly absorbent and withstand a lot of liquid before throwing them in the wash. “Use a microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris that could smear when wet,” says Robin Murphy, president of cleaning company Maid Brigade. This will help clean up any dust or grime the duster may have missed. Spray the cleaning solution onto the cloth before wiping down the windows on the outside.
Windex Fast Shine Foam Aerosol
When I was writing our guide on the best bathroom and shower cleaners, I tried out this new glass and window cleaner from Windex, after the brand sent me a sample to test. What I love most about it is that, compared to the traditional Windex, it dispenses very evenly, quickly and in a foam that’s easier to distribute on my mirrors and windows. It also doesn’t evaporate as quickly as other sprays, which often leads to visible streaks. It also has a twist-to-lock cap and doesn’t take up a lot of space in my bathroom cabinet.
Iberia All Natural Distilled White Vinegar (1 Gallon)
Aside from pre-made cleaning products, Murphy recommends trying out your homemade cleaning solution with distilled vinegar. “Vinegar is a natural cleaner that will cut through grime and help with streak-free shine,” she says. You can add distilled vinegar and water to a spray bottle and use it instead of a traditional glass cleaner. Also, to dispel a common myth: Vinegar doesn’t leave behind a foul smell — it quickly evaporates while also getting rid of odors caused by dirt and grime.
All-Purpose Stainless Steel Squeegee
In addition to a cleaning cloth, both Murphy and Kadi Dulude, owner of cleaning company Wizard of Homes, recommend using a squeegee as a penultimate step in cleaning windows, especially if you have large windows (try getting one with an extended handle) that you can’t reach every part of, according to Dulude. A squeegee also helps to prevent streaks on windows and mirrors, since it has a precise blade that removes residual water from glass, which stops it from drying on the surface. This stainless steel option is perfect for windows, your home and car, and mirror and glass shower doors. It also comes with an adhesive holder to attach to the wall.
How to clean windows, according to experts
Before actually cleaning your windows, follow this pro hack: Only clean windows in the shade, early evening when the sun has started to set or when it’s overcast outside. Sunlight causes cleaning solutions and water to evaporate too quickly, causing streaks, according to Murphy.
- Start by dusting the window panes, windowsill and frame with the Swiffer Duster, or something similar.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and wipe window panes, windowsill and frame.
- Spray Windex or make a homemade window cleaner by mixing 1 part distilled vinegar or isopropyl alcohol with 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the window panes, windowsill and frame and wipe with the microfiber cloth.
- “After spraying your cleaning solution, use a squeegee to wipe the glass in a reverse “S” motion (starting from the top),” says Murphy. “This will help remove excess water and avoid streaks. Wipe the blade with a microfiber cloth after each pass.”
- Wipe the window panes, windowsill and frame with a microfiber cloth to remove residual water or cleaning solution.
Meet our experts
NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Robin Murphy is the president of Maid Brigade and author of Who Likes It Dirty.com.
- Kadi Dulude is the owner of Wizard of Homes.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I write about cleaning appliances and guides on how to clean areas of the home as well as laundry and apparel. I spoke to two cleaning experts for their recommendations for this story and included products I use myself.
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