How to Clean Windows in 7 Simple Steps

How to Prepare Your Window for Cleaning

• ✓ Spring is the best time of the year to clean windows. It is perfect for clearing up grime and dirt that has built up during winter.
• ✓ It’s best to clean early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or on a cloudy day for these reasons:

• Direct sunlight can create glare which makes it difficult to see what you’re doing.

• Streaks can form when glass dries quickly under the sun.

• ✓ Wipe dirt off your windows first. This will prevent streaks from dried up dirt.
• ✓ Use a vacuum cleaner or toothbrush to get into the nooks where dirt may have settled. 

✗ Avoid using harsh chemicals that may cause window stains.

✓ Remove curtains, blinds, and screens before cleaning.  

✗ Take off any jewellery, especially rings, that could scratch window glass while cleaning.

• ✓ Check the tools that you will use. If you’re using a squeegee, make sure that it still has plenty of rubber so the steel frame does not touch glass.
• ✓Always wear personal protective equipment: rubber gloves and a face mask at the minimum. 

How to Clean Window Frames from the Outside 

When cleaning windows, start with the frames first so that dirty water does not drip onto the panes.

What you will need:	Good to have:
Toothbrush  Soft sponge Non-abrasive cloth Spray bottle Dish-washing liquid Rubber gloves	Window sill brush cleaning set Vacuum cleaner with a brush end Microfibre cloth

Steps:

1. Make sure that the window is completely shut. 
2. Wipe accumulated dirt off the window head, frames, and sills with a soft cloth. Use a brush to get to the dirt in tiny nooks. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush end to thoroughly clean gaps.

3. Wipe the window frames with a damp, non-abrasive cloth.
4. Mix a few drops of dishwashing soap with lukewarm water until the solution reaches a soapy consistency. 
5. Use the sponge to give the frame a soapy wash.
6. Rinse with water.
7. Dry the frame off with a soft cloth.

How to Clean Interior Window Frames

What you will need:	Good to have:
Toothbrush/any bristle brush Dish-washing liquid Spray bottle A screwdriver to remove window screens Rubber gloves	Vacuum cleaner with a brush end

If you have a casement window, there’s a good chance that the screen is on the inside of your home. It’s best to remove those screens so they can be washed separately. 

Be sure to mark each screen. Screens can shrink or deform over time. It will be easier to put them back from the windows they were installed on.

1. Scrub loose dirt with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. If you’re vacuuming, it’s best to use a brush end to clean thoroughly between gaps and cracks.

2. Dip a soft cloth in warm soapy water. Squeeze out excess water. Be sure to only use as little water as you need to soften stubborn dirt.  Be extra mindful of excess water that can drip onto your floor or carpet.

3. Dry off the frame with a soft cloth. Thoroughly wipe all areas, including edges and corners to prevent the growth of moulds and mildew.

How to Clean Window Screens

Window screens catch dirt, pollen, spider webs, and other debris. 

It’s best to wash screens outdoors as you will need to rinse them thoroughly. If washing the screen outdoors is not ideal, you can do so in the shower.

What you will need:

Dishwashing soap

Water

Sponge or soft cloth

Towels

Hose

Steps:

1. Vacuum the screens to remove dirt. 
2. Wash the screen with a sudsy sponge in an upright position. 
3. Rinse the screen right away after washing. Set the hose to a low pressure to avoid loosening the screen from its spine.

How to Clean Window Tracks

If you own a sliding or double-hung window, it’s important to keep the tracks clean so that the sash slides smoothly. 

Dirt can also create small gaps when the window is closed, causing heat to leak out.

What you will need:	Good to have:
Toothbrush/any bristle brush Baking soda Vinegar Water Spray bottle Rubber gloves	Vacuum cleaner with a crevice or brush end

1. Loosen dirt on the window tracks with a toothbrush.
2. Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice wand to get the last bits of dirt on the window track. 

If a vacuum is not available, you can wipe off excess dirt with a dry cloth. Make sure to be thorough as loose dirt can form streaks when it dries. 

3. Spread a thin, even dusting of baking soda onto the tracks.
4. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the window tracks until the baking soda and vinegar solution react chemically, creating a foamy fizz.
5. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before brushing off the dirt.
6. Wipe all the gunk with a clean, dry soft cloth.

Please note that the smell of vinegar may linger for about an hour. After which, the smell will completely dissipate. 

How to Clean Window Panes

What you will need:	Alternative:
Window cleaning liquid Squeegee Two pieces of non-abrasive cloth	If you don’t have a glass cleaning solution at the moment, you can mix your own with common home ingredients: Water Vinegar Dishwashing soap Spray bottle Mix one part vinegar and one part water (1:1 ratio). Then, add a few drops of dishwashing soap until you achieve a mildly soapy consistency.

Make sure that you have already cleaned your window frame and tracks before jumping to this step.

1. With a dry, soft cloth, remove accumulated dirt from the window panes. Be sure to be thorough as dirt, when dampened and dried, can leave streaks on your window pane.

2. Spray the cleaning solution onto the pane and wipe in a Z pattern. Avoid wiping in a circular pattern because that will only bring dirt back from where you’ve already wiped them off.
3. Scrape water off the glass with a squeegee in one continuous, top-to-bottom pull. Wipe the squeegee dry before repeating.
4. Don’t forget to dry the window frames thoroughly. This helps prevent stain and water damage on your frame.
5. Buff the glass with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to clean off streaks.

Extra tip: 

If you have a microfibre cloth that you want to machine wash after, put it in a mesh bag. That will protect the microfibre cloth from lints. 

Tips to Prevent Streaks on Window Panes

✓ A little goes a long way when it comes to soapy water for cleaning windows. Excess soap will only dry off as messy streaks.

✗ Don’t use paper towels. They don’t absorb as much water as cloth. Plus, they could leave trails of lints on glass.

• ✓ Buff your windows after the glass dries. Microfibre does a terrific job at eliminating streaks to give you an unobstructed outdoor view.
• ✓ When using a squeegee, get to the very edge of the frame to remove water than can drip down the pane.

How to Remove Adhesive Residues

Before starting: 

If you are using an old glass scraper, please make sure that it is not rusted or chipped to avoid scratching your window. 

What you will need:	Alternative cleaning solutions:
“Sticky Stuff Remover” or “Goo Gone” (Trademark names, come in a spray can or bottle)  Glass scraper Rubber gloves	Nail polish remover Acetone Olive/vegetable oil Hot water and sponge

 Using Sticky Stuff Remover/Nail Polish/Acetone/Oil:

1. Spray/spread the solution on the affected area and leave for a few minutes.
2. Peel off the softened adhesive residue with a non-scratching scraper.
3. Wipe the residue off the glass and buff with a soft cloth for a clean finish.

Using hot water and sponge:

1. Dip the sponge in hot water, putting extra care to not get burnt.
2. Press the sponge on the adhesive residue for a few seconds to soften it.
3. Scrape the adhesive residue.
4. You may need to repeat the process a few times.

Cleaning Tips for Coastal Windows

Sea breeze carries salt and moisture which can leave their mark on your window glass. When condensation evaporates, it usually leaves a salty residue.

• Clean your windows every 3-6 months to keep your window panes blemish-free. 

• Pay attention to the buildup of salt and sand on your window panes. There might be a chance that your home’s location demands windows to be cleaned once a month.

• Mix a solution of one part vinegar and one part water to clean salty panes.

Professional Tools for Cleaning Windows

Below are some tools that you can use at home if you are looking for more convenience or more thorough cleaning. The price estimates for these products are based off of Amazon UK.

Prices may vary from your local hardware or DIY store.

T-Bar and Sleeve £10 

Shaped like a paint roller, a T-bar with a microfibre sleeve is ideal for agitating stiff dirt on window panes. 

Squeegee £3

A squeegee lets you clean soapy windows faster. You might not need them if you are cleaning one or two 25 x 35 inch (635 x 890 mm) windows. But it saves a lot of labour if you need to clean all the windows in your house. 

Ideally, your squeegee should be one third of your window’s width. 

Folding ladders (Depends on length)

Ladders are great for reaching the top part of huge windows on the ground floor. Please keep in mind that cleaning windows at a height requires some technical skills. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends cleaning windows on upper-storey floors from the inside to eliminate fall risks. 

If you are in doubt, contact a professional to ensure your safety. Professionals will have the right protective and access equipment to do the job safely.

Extension pole £20 for a 1.5-metre pole

An extension pole will extend your each whether you are using a squeegee or a T-bar

Window cleaning solution (Prices vary greatly)

There are products that promise thorough, streak-free clean. But in most cases, homemade solutions are more than enough. Plus, vinegar and baking soda are gentler to the environment. 

Microfibre cloth £6

Microfibre cloths absorb water better than old rags and shirts. They also minimise the likelihood of scratching window glass. 

Benefits of Clean Windows

Now that you have cleaned your windows, you are ready to enjoy these benefits to your health:

Better air quality

Even if you keep a window close, dust and dirt can still gather on the frames and screens. 

Allergen reduction

Keeping your home clean, windows included, can protect your household from allergens.

Prevention of moulds

Moulds form in warm, damp environments and can cause severe respiratory conditions. That’s why spring is a perfect time for cleaning windows. 

Energy efficiency

Cleaning windows will help you uncover gaps, air leaks, and other damages which can account for inexplicably high electricity bills.

Conclusion

Cleaning windows requires skills and practice. Don’t be disheartened if your windows turn out less than perfect after putting effort into cleaning. You’ll get better with time.

While washing your windows, check for signs of damage:

• Condensation in between panes

• Loose weather seals

• Cracked frames

Compare the costs of repairs against the costs of new windows. In some cases, it might be more worthwhile to get a new, more energy efficient window.

Go to our price comparison tool to get a sense of how much double glazed windows cost in 2024. If you need help, we can request quotes for you at no cost and absolutely zero obligation.