How to Clean Windows Without Streaks
A simple, streak-free window cleaning method for UK homes: the right tools, the best weather, how to handle frames and tracks and what to avoid.
Streaky windows are nearly always caused by one of three things: cleaning in direct sun, using too much product or finishing with a dirty cloth. Get those right and you can get professional-looking glass with very little equipment. Here is the method, step by step.
Choose the right time
Clean on a dry, overcast day, or when the glass is in shade. In direct sun, cleaning solution dries before you can wipe it, leaving marks. Avoid frosty mornings, because ice and cleaning liquid can crack or smear.
What you need
- A bucket of warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid, or a spray of diluted white vinegar (about one part vinegar to four parts water).
- A squeegee, ideally a good-quality one with a clean rubber blade.
- Microfibre cloths, one for washing and one for drying and polishing.
- A soft brush for frames and tracks.
- A sponge or scrubber.
- A towel to protect the sill.
Step-by-step method
- Dust and brush first. Wipe frames, sills and the top edge of the glass to remove loose dirt and cobwebs. Otherwise they turn to mud.
- Clean frames and sills. Use soapy water and a soft cloth. UPVC frames respond well to a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive products, which can scratch the finish.
- Wash the glass. Apply the soapy water with a sponge, working across the whole pane, and pay attention to corners.
- Squeegee in one stroke. Start at the top corner and pull the squeegee across in a single horizontal line, then wipe the blade clean and repeat, overlapping slightly. Or use an S-shaped path from top to bottom.
- Wipe the edges. Use a dry microfibre cloth to catch drips and polish the edges.
- Finish with a polish. Buff any smears with a clean, dry cloth.
No squeegee?
Use two cloths: one damp to wash, one dry and lint-free to buff. Newspaper has been used traditionally, but modern ink and paper may leave marks; microfibre is more reliable.
Tackle tough spots
- Hard water marks: apply a vinegar and water solution, leave a few minutes, then wipe. For stubborn limescale, a purpose-made descaler may be better.
- Sticker residue: warm with a hairdryer, peel, then use a little washing-up liquid or cooking oil on a cloth.
- Bird droppings: soften with damp cloth before wiping to avoid scratching.
- Tracks and runners: vacuum out dust, then scrub with an old toothbrush and soapy water. Dry well.
Safety first
Never lean out of upstairs windows to clean the outside. Use a long-handled tool or a water-fed pole, or hire a professional for upper floors. Use ladders only if stable and secure, and have someone steady them. Avoid cleaning glass that is cracked.
How often?
Inside windows every month or two, exterior every four to eight weeks depending on location. Properties near roads, trees or the coast get dirty quicker. Professional round prices are covered in window cleaning prices.
Common mistakes
- Using too much cleaning product.
- Cleaning in bright sun.
- Using a dirty cloth or squeegee blade.
- Forgetting to wipe frames before the glass.
- Using paper towels that leave lint.
When to get help
If you have large panes, high windows, a conservatory or simply do not have the time, hiring a professional is often good value. On Compito you can search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers and message them about access and the number of windows before you accept an offer and pay online. See also our spring cleaning checklist.
Different window types
| Type | Tips |
|---|---|
| UPVC casement | Wipe frame and seals with mild detergent; avoid abrasives |
| Sash | Clean the outside from inside if they tilt; take care of cords and paint |
| Aluminium | Soft cloth, no harsh acids, rinse well |
| Wooden frames | Minimal water on painted or varnished wood, dry quickly |
| Conservatory roof | Roof panels need specialist methods; do not stand on them |
| Double glazing misting | Condensation inside sealed units needs a glazier, not cleaning |
A worked routine
For an average three-bed house with 12 windows, expect about an hour to clean the inside and about an hour and a half outside if all are reachable from the ground or inside. Do the inside first, since you can see which side a streak is on if you work in different directions: horizontal strokes on the inside, vertical outside.
Common problems
- Streaks that appear after drying. Usually product residue, so go over once with a damp cloth of clean water and then buff dry.
- Foggy film. Often grease from cooking or cigarette smoke, which needs a degreasing wash before the glass cleaner.
- Rainbow patches. Soap residue or hard water marks.
- Scratches. Caused by grit under a cloth or scraper, so rinse and wipe loose dirt first.
Accessibility and safety
If you cannot reach or hold a squeegee comfortably, consider a long-handled tool or a lightweight telescopic pole used from the ground. Do not climb onto sills, balconies or flat roofs. Flats above ground floor level should have outside glass cleaned from inside tilting windows or by a professional with the right access equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Is vinegar good for cleaning windows?
Diluted white vinegar works well on glass, but avoid it on natural stone sills and rubber seals that may be affected.
Why do my windows look worse after cleaning?
Usually too much product, a dirty cloth or drying in the sun. Use less liquid, change cloths and clean in shade.
Can I use washing-up liquid?
Yes, a few drops in warm water is enough. Too much leaves residue.
Can I clean windows when it is raining?
Light rain is fine for exteriors but makes it hard to see streaks. Heavy rain will undo your work. A dull, dry day is ideal.