Dirty, grimy windows look horrible from both sides, whether you are inside or out. For many, cleaning the windows is the final task when cleaning the house and often the most frustrating. It’s hard work scrubbing the window frames and polishing out the greasy smudges that just don’t seem to come off, no matter how much you try. But it doesn’t have to be so difficult. Achieving a streak free, professional finish is more about the tools you use than the effort you put in. Here’s our five simple steps to help you get your windows looking crystal clear in no time.
Step 1: Use the right cleaning solution
There are many off the shelf window cleaners available but our first tip is to take advantage of two super cheap products already available in your kitchen. Washing up liquid is great for cleaning windows, simply mix a desert spoon of the liquid into a bucket of warm water and mix thoroughly.
Don’t use any more than this as too many suds are the biggest causes of streaky windows.
Alternatively, one of the best, and natural, window cleaners, and one that creates no suds at all, is humble white vinegar. Just make a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar and if you don’t like the smell, add the juice of 1 lemon which will leave a lovely citrus note.
*Top tip – Using distilled water really helps achieve a perfect finish as it doesn’t contain any particles that are present in tap water.
Step 2: Apply to the windows
Using a good quality sponge, really soak your windows in the cleaning solution. Give them a good scrub paying close attention to any particularly dirty areas or greasy smudges. Dirty finger marks from the kids or areas where the dog has left a nose print need close attention!
Step 3: Buy a good quality squeegee
Paper towels are the worst thing you can use to clean windows. They are a streaky nightmare waiting to happen. Lint cloths are also no good and simply just move dirt and dust around. What you need to invest in is a good quality squeegee. They can be bought in many sizes from your local DIY store, or online, so get the perfect squeegee for your window size. First move the squeegee from left to right across the windows, then from up to down. Wipe the blade of the squeegee clean every now and again to avoid moving dirt from window to window.
Step 4: Dry thoroughly
Use a rag to dry off the window frames and a chamois to remove water from the windows. A chamois is a lint free cloth that’s incredibly absorbent and really soaks up moisture. Wipe over each window pane and ring out the water as you go. Leave to dry for an hour and then you’re ready to give them a good polish.
Step 5: Polish for a crystal clear finish
The best tool for this job is another that is readily available in your home and free, it’s an old newspaper. Crumple up a few sheets of newspaper and give your windows a really good polish. To avoid getting ink on your hands wear a pair of rubber gloves.
With the best will in the world, you may still find a couple of streaks when you’re all finished. If you do, don’t worry, just give them a good buff over with a rag or dry chamois.
You should now have crystal clear, professional looking windows. Now all you need to do is keep them looking that way! Give them a quick once over with a spritz of cleaning solution and a polish with newspaper and you’ll never need to spend hours over them again.
Written by Mike Pye
