Cleaning windows streak-free
Difficulty: Easy · Time: approx. 20 minutes
Streaks on freshly cleaned windows are usually not a product problem but a technique and timing problem: too much cleaner, the wrong cloth, or cleaning in bright sun.
You don't need an expensive special cleaner – a dash of washing-up liquid in water or a squeegee will do. The key is buffing dry afterwards.
What you'll need
- Bucket of lukewarm water + a drop of washing-up liquid
- Window squeegee or microfibre cloth
- Dry, lint-free cloth for polishing
- Optional: a second cloth for the frames
Step by step
- 1
Don't clean in the sun
Don't clean in bright sun – the water dries too fast and leaves smears. A cloudy day or shade is ideal.
- 2
Dust off
Wipe loose dust and cobwebs off the frame so they don't end up as a smear layer on the glass.
- 3
Clean with little water
Clean the glass with a slightly damp cloth – go easy on the washing-up liquid; too much foams and smears.
- 4
Squeegee
Pull the squeegee top to bottom in overlapping strokes and wipe the rubber blade dry after each stroke.
- 5
Buff dry
Buff any residue at the edges clear with a dry, lint-free cloth.
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Upload a photo →Frequently asked questions
- Why streaks despite cleaning?
- Usually too much cleaner, a non-lint-free cloth, or cleaning in the sun. Less product, microfibre/squeegee and shade fix it.
- Does newspaper really help?
- For buffing dry it's low-lint and soaks up residue. Fresh newspaper can transfer ink, though – a lint-free cloth is the cleaner option.