The 8 Best Window Cleaning Hacks That Really Work

Want sparkling windows without hiring a pro? These eight tried-and-true window cleaning hacks will make your glass gleam! From using microfiber cloths to a DIY cleaning solution, we’ll walk you through simple, practical tips for a streak-free shine. Get ready to transform your windows into crystal-clear portals to the outdoors with these genius ideas anyone can tackle.

I have this thing for clean windows. I love them, which means I have an equal but opposite disdain for dirty windows. And when I say clean, I mean the kind of clean that makes windows sparkle like diamonds in the morning sun. Some days I wish that by some miracle, a professional window-washing service would come to my home every week to clean windows—every single one both inside and out.

But I have a two-story house with a lot of windows—to say nothing of the time and money that would require to move everything away from every window to get ready every week!—so right there you know why I can’t and I don’t.

Instead, I depend on these great DIY window cleaning tips I’ve learned over the years—many of them from you, my awesome readers for how to wash windows from the outside, and from the inside, too.

1. Pick the Perfect Day for Streak-Free Windows

Ever scrubbed your outdoor windows on a bright, sunny day only to end up with a streaky mess? Here’s why: the sun’s heat evaporates your cleaning solution too quickly, leaving behind all those unsightly streaks. For windows that look professionally cleaned, hold off until a dry, overcast day. Not only will the cooler weather give you more time to work, but it also helps the cleaning solution do its job, leaving your windows crystal clear without the rush.

2. Why Microfiber Cloths Work Wonders

I used to rely on newspaper or paper towels for window cleaning—my mother-in-law Gwen swore by the New York Times for its streak-free finish. But paper options break down and leave lint behind. Besides, newspapers are not as available for recycling as they once were. If you’re interested in efficiency and clean, streak-free windows, forget the paper.

The Rag Company Edgeless 365 Microfiber Towels, 10-Pack

Instead, use microfiber cloths (like these from Amazon) to clean windows. Microfiber grabs dirt and dust. Microfiber cleaning cloths are soft and non-abrasive. They won’t scratch glass or painted surfaces and you will enjoy the lint- and streak-free results you get with microfiber. And the best part? These cloths can be washed, rinsed, and reused hundreds of times.

PRO TIP

For maximum shine, soak a clean microfiber cloth in water, wring it out well, and use it slightly damp on your windows. This trick makes quick work of smudges, and you’ll be amazed at how efficiently it dries, leaving your windows beautifully clear.

The Rag Company Edgeless 365 Microfiber Towels, 10-Pack

MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Microfiber Towels: Cleaning Tips, Uses, and Care

3. Easy Prep for Clean Window Frames and Tracks

Window tracks and frames are magnets for dust, grime, and all sorts of buildup. If you skip this step, you’ll end up smearing mud onto your sparkling clean glass—a cleaning setback nobody wants.

OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set

Grab an old toothbrush or one of those narrow detail brushes (like these from Amazon), dampen it, and dip it in vinegar followed by a bit of baking soda. This bubbly combo creates a natural scrub that’s great for loosening up dirt in tight spots. Gently scrub along the tracks and frame, paying attention to corners where grime loves to hide. Once the area is clean, wipe away any leftover residue with a damp cloth, and voilà—no muddy mishaps to worry about when you get to the glass.

OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set

4. DIY Window Cleaning Solution Recipe

You won’t find a better window, glass, and mirror cleaner than this recipe for how to make it yourself. Bonus: It’s super cheap! Unlike some DIY cleaners that leave streaks or don’t tackle stubborn smudges, this blend does the job without any extra effort (or chemicals) and costs just pennies.

Commercial glass cleaners rely on strong, often pricey chemicals to get that streak-free shine, but you can skip the store-bought options altogether. Everyday ingredients—like rubbing alcohol and vinegar—combine to create a powerful cleaner that’s gentle on your glass but tough on dirt and residue. Plus, it dries quickly, leaving no film or lint behind.

Here’s my go-to recipe →

5. Outdoor Window Cleaning Made Easy (No Ladder Needed!)

Cleaning those hard-to-reach outdoor windows doesn’t have to mean lugging out the ladder! With the right ingredients and a few basic tools, you can get big windows to sparkle—all from ground level. This easy rinse-and-dry approach is perfect for large outdoor windows and works best on cloudy days, keeping streaks at bay.

The key ingredient for this outdoor window cleaner recipe? Rinse aid! Yes, like what you put in your dishwasher. It helps the solution slide right off the glass, speeding up drying time and reducing streaking.

You will need a hose with a good spray nozzle, some kind of scrubber (I like this one from Amazon), and long-handled pole for windows that are out of reach. First, make up a batch of this window cleaner, which is ideal for outdoor windows that are difficult to reach because you rinse and let the windows drip-dry.

With this approach, you’ll get a gleaming finish without ever leaving the ground.

Here are step-by-step instructions →

6. The Power of a Quality Squeegee

desired tools Squeegee for Glass Window

Ever wonder why pros rely on a squeegee? It’s quick, easy, and delivers a streak-free shine every time. A good squeegee transforms window cleaning from a chore into a fast, efficient job with stunning results. Here’s how to make the most of this powerful tool.

First, hit that dirty window with a sponge and your favorite cleaning solution (most pros I’ve consulted use just a squirt of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water, but I prefer the All-Purpose Homemade Window Cleaner recipe above that contains cornstarch) and scrub in a circular motion, making sure you get into the corners.

Starting at the top left corner (or top right for lefties), pull the squeegee in a smooth backward “S” pattern across the glass, slightly overlapping each pass. This motion sweeps away suds without streaks, leaving your windows clear and gleaming. Be sure to wipe the squeegee blade with a damp microfiber cloth or lint-free rag at the end of each stroke to prevent any soapy buildup from sneaking back onto the glass.

After you’ve worked your way down, finish up by wiping away any excess water from the window edges with your damp cloth. This final touch keeps things looking crisp, with no drips or smudges in sight.

desired tools Squeegee for Glass Window

MORE: How to Easily Remove Scratches from Glass with 4 Simple Methods

7. Keeping Window Screens Dust-Free

Once each year it’s good to remove all window screens and wash them with a hose and spray nozzle, allowing them to dry in the sun. And that’s a lot of work! But don’t worry; I’ve got a quick and easy hack to keep your screens dust-free between those big cleans.

Scotch-Brite Lint Roller Value Pack

Instead of wrestling with water and a spray nozzle, grab a sticky lint roller. Yes, that simple tool you use on your clothes can work wonders on your screens. Gently roll the lint roller over the surface of the screen, and watch as all that fuzz and dirt sticks to it.

Save $1.00

Scotch-Brite Lint Roller Value Pack

8. Fixing Streaks with This Simple Trick

There’s nothing more disheartening than finishing up your window cleaning, kicking back to admire your sparkling results, and—yikes!—spotting an annoying streak. We’ve all been there! That’s why every window-cleaning toolbox deserves a clean chalkboard eraser (you have one of those, right? 😁).

EXTRIC Chalkboard Eraser

Simply take your eraser and gently run it over the affected area. It’s like giving your window a quick polish that lifts away those marks without scratching the glass. Voila! Just like that, your windows are back to their crystal-clear glory.

EXTRIC Chalkboard Eraser

Question: What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to cleaning windows? The streaks, the hard-to-reach spots, or maybe those dusty frames? Let’s hear it!

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Gail says:

November 5, 2024 at 8:23 pm

Here is a funny story. Years ago a coworker told me she worked at a retail store that had a glass counter top. She cleaned it often. One day a customer came in and noticed how clean the glass counter top looked. How do you get it so clean she asked. My coworker replied that she just used water and elbow grease. Where can I buy elbow grease the customer asked.

BR says:

November 5, 2024 at 2:07 pm

I wish everyone would go back to using “Tips” instead of “Hacks”!!
Otherwise, your newsletters are interesting & helpfu.

Columbia Window Cleaner says:

May 9, 2021 at 2:44 pm

Great article Mary! Nothing beats old-fashioned hard work and elbow grease to get the feeling and clarity of windows you cleaned yourself!

I do want to add, however, that while these tips are excellent for indoor windows, the exterior of a home is not so easy and sometimes not as safe! You put yourself at heightened unnecessary risk if you’re cleaning windows that are even > 5 feet above the ground. It’s important to weight the risk/benefit of your safety and the clarity of your windows when doing a DIY cleaning. Sometimes it’s worth the price of your safety to hire professional window cleaners to get those 2nd and 3rd story windows.

Keep up the great work!

DEBBIE says:

January 26, 2021 at 10:20 am

Cornstarch?? Please explain what the purpose of it is.

Mary Hunt says:
January 26, 2021 at 10:51 am

Cornstarch is slightly abrasive, does not dissolve in water so it stays that way even when this window cleaner is not being use. More than that, its ability to absorb moisture makes it the star of many homemade cleaners. This window cleaner dries quickly because of the cornstarch and makes the job even quicker

Elizabet says:

December 27, 2020 at 12:24 pm

Appreciation to my father who told me concerning this weblog,
this website is in fact remarkable.

Norm says:

November 22, 2020 at 9:06 am

Is Rubbing Alcohol 70% ok to use or do I need 99%?

Mary Hunt says:
November 22, 2020 at 9:55 pm

Yes, 70% is the right choice.

philggg says:

April 19, 2020 at 5:20 am

Never ever mix ammonia with anything that contains bleach. It will make poisonous gasses that can kill you.

Mary Hunt says:
March 1, 2021 at 6:52 am

Right. Always a good reminder but do you see anything in this post or this blog suggesting anyone should mix bleach and ammonia? No you don’t and you never will.

Estelle Stone says:

August 26, 2019 at 4:32 pm

As usual, you have the best ideas, recipes and knowledge. Thank you for this! As I sit here and look out at my dirty windows, I am thankful to have this recipe. I will be making it this week. I, like you, will not pay to have someone else do my windows when I can do them myself. Thanks Mary!!

Mary Hunt says:
August 26, 2019 at 4:34 pm

Happy to be of help, Estelle! Thanks for reading!

1. Pick the Perfect Day for Streak-Free Windows