Cleaning windows often feels like a chore destined to end in frustration: after all the effort, you still see streaks, smudges or spots. The truth is that achieving truly sparkling, streak-free windows doesn’t depend only on the cleaning solution — it’s heavily about when and how you clean. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Don’t Clean on a Sunny Day

It may seem logical: sunny weather makes dirt and smudges easier to spot. But sunshine also dries your cleaning solution too quickly — often before you’ve had a chance to wipe it off properly — and that causes streaks and residue. Forbes+2Tom's Guide+2

Experts recommend waiting for a cloudy day, or timing the job for early morning or late afternoon, when the glass stays cool longer and the solution has time to loosen dirt before evaporating. Real Homes+1

If you must clean during sunny hours, work on small sections at a time, so the cleaner doesn’t dry too fast. puresealservices.co.uk+1

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2. Use Microfiber Cloths — Not Paper Towels

A common mistake is using paper towels or old rags. These tend to leave lint or fibers on the glass, and they’re not very absorbent. Bond Cleaning In Melbourne+1

Instead, use microfiber cloths — they’re soft, highly absorbent, and much less likely to leave streaks or lint. They also trap dust and moisture more effectively. Real Homes+1

Microfiber cloths are reusable and machine-washable, making them a sustainable, economical, and eco-friendly option. Better Homes & Gardens+1

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3. Mix Your Own Effective — and Gentle — Cleaning Solution

You don’t need expensive chemical cleaners. A simple homemade solution works very well: mix one part white vinegar with two parts distilled (or soft) water in a spray bottle. For stubborn grime, you may add a few drops of mild dish soap. Good Housekeeping+1

White vinegar helps dissolve grease and dirt, while distilled water (instead of hard tap water) prevents mineral residue that can leave spots. HowStuffWorks+1

This natural solution is cost-effective, non-toxic, and safe for pets, children, and the environment. HowStuffWorks+1

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4. Always Clean from Top to Bottom

When you spray your solution, start at the top of the window and wipe downward. This way, any drips or dirty water run down over areas you haven’t cleaned yet — so you won’t re-contaminate already cleaned glass. Washed Up Pressure Washing+1

If you clean in arbitrary directions, you risk smearing dirt and leaving uneven marks. Real Homes+1

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5. Pre-Clean Dust & Dirt Before Spraying Solution

Before applying any cleaner, gently remove dust, pollen, or loose dirt from window frames, sills, and glass with a soft brush or vacuum with brush attachment. This prevents dust from mixing into the cleaning solution and turning into a muddy mess. Good Housekeeping+1

Pre-cleaning ensures your cleaning solution can focus on dissolving grime — not grinding sand into the glass.

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6. Use a Squeegee for a Perfect, Streak-Free Finish

A high-quality squeegee is one of the most effective tools for windows — but only if used correctly. Start from the top, pull down in a single smooth motion, overlap slightly with each stroke, and wipe the blade clean after each pass. Washed Up Pressure Washing+2simplyspotless.com.au+2

Squeegees remove both the cleaning solution and loosened dirt in one stroke — leaving a clear, dry surface behind. Real Homes+1

After squeegeeing, a final buff with a dry microfiber cloth ensures any remaining moisture is gone and glass shines. Better Homes & Gardens+1

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7. Deal with Stubborn Spots the Right Way

For stubborn smudges, dried grime, or greasy residues: gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth using a little bit of your vinegar-water solution (or mild dish soap). Avoid harsh scrubbing pads or steel wool — they can scratch glass or damage coatings. Bond Cleaning In Melbourne+1

Let the solution sit for a minute if needed, then wipe and squeegee as usual. For very stubborn dirt, reapply the solution as needed before doing the final wipe. Real Homes+1

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8. Finish with Care — Corners, Frames & Edges Matter

Corners, window edges, and frames often trap dust and dirt. Use a small brush, cotton swab, or a portion of your microfiber cloth to clean these zones carefully. This prevents trapped grime from spreading across the glass when moisture flows during cleaning. Real Homes+1

Also wipe down window sills, frames, and any hardware — a clean frame avoids transferring dirt back onto the glass later. crystalclearwindows.co.nz+1

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9. Clean Regularly — But Don’t Overdo It

Experts generally recommend cleaning windows once or twice a year (plus spot-cleaning as needed), depending on how much dust, pollen, pollution, or exposure to rain your windows get. Forbes+2Good Housekeeping+2

Frequent light cleaning helps prevent buildup, making each session easier — but avoid over-cleaning, which can wear out rubber seals or frames over time. depp8jl7toe2l.cloudfront.net+1

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10. Common Mistakes to Avoid for Crystal-Clear Windows

• Cleaning under direct sunlight — dries solution too fast, leaves streaks. Tom's Guide+1

• Using paper towels, old rags or abrasive sponges — can scratch glass or leave lint. Bond Cleaning In Melbourne+1

• Over-saturating with cleaning solution — leaves residue that attracts dirt. puresealservices.co.uk+1

• Skipping pre-cleaning dust and dirt — causes muddy spots or scratches. Good Housekeeping+1

• Neglecting squeegee technique — poor technique means streaks and drips. Washed Up Pressure Washing+1

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Final Word

Cleaning your windows properly isn’t about expensive sprays or elbow grease — it’s about timing, the right tools, and technique. Choose a cloudy or cool day, use microfiber cloths (not paper towels), mix a gentle vinegar-water solution (or a mild dish soap version), pre-dust the windows, and wipe from top to bottom with a squeegee — finishing with a dry cloth.

Do this smartly and consistently, and you’ll enjoy clear, streak-free windows that let more light into your home — without the frustration.