- Mix a gallon of hot water and a nickel-sized drop of dish soap to clean any window like this pro does.
- Consider your tools—make sure they are not so big that they become unwieldy and unhelpful.
- Technique is just as important as tools—ensure you know how to effectively use a squeegee.
Cleaning the Window – A New Beginning
In a small village, there lived a girl named Naila. Naila loved a clean house, but there was one thing she always neglected, and that was cleaning the windows.
Every morning, she would clean her room, wash the floor, make the bed, but she would only look at the dust on the window and think, “I will clean it tomorrow.” That “tomorrow” did not come for months.
Then one day Naila saw a beautiful bird sitting on a tree outside, but the view from the window was not visible properly due to the fog. She said angrily, “I wish I could see this view clearly!”
At that moment, her grandmother came into the room and said with a smile:
“Son, if you want to see the world beautiful, first clean your windows. Often we think that the world is foggy, but in reality our own windows are dirty.”
Naila was moved by her grandmother’s words. She quickly took water, soap, and a cloth and started cleaning her window. As she cleaned the window, the view outside became cleaner, brighter, and more beautiful.
When the cleaning was complete, the view outside truly felt like a new world. The sunlight was spreading, the greenery of the trees was shining, and the same bird was now clearly visible.
From that day on, Naila began to clean not only the window, but also the windows of her thoughts, her behavior, and her heart.
Spring is the perfect time to clean your windows, whether you live in a cooler climate or just want to freshen up your home. But window cleaning isn’t just about spraying and wiping—it takes a little more effort. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best tips from a pro to help you get it right.
Along with basic window cleaning tips, we also wanted to learn some simple tricks to get perfectly clear and shiny windows without streaks.
Doug Bryant is the owner of Fish Window Cleaning in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
What Is the Best Window Cleaner?
Before you start cleaning, it's a good idea to have your supplies ready. Expert window cleaner Doug Bryant says he makes his own simple solution instead of using commercially available cleaners — just mix a little dishwashing soap with a gallon of warm water. That's all it takes!
"Fully submerge your mop in the solution and shake it well to mix the soap," says Bryant.
They also recommend keeping the following items with you:
- A duster or soft brush
- A hand mop
- A squeegee (with a rubber blade that can be replaced every 24 to 48 hours of use)
- Lint-free cloths or microfiber towels
- A floor towel to absorb water droplets during interior cleaning.
What Is the Best Method for Cleaning Windows?
Never apply a wet mop to the window without preparation during cleaning. Fortunately, Bryant has shared a easy step-by-step guide that explains how he cleans windows from start to finish.
- Clean dust, cobwebs and debris – Clean the edges and surrounding areas of the window with a soft brush or duster.
- Apply cleaning solution – Apply cleaning solution thoroughly to the window glass with a hand mop.
- Use a squeegee – Run the squeegee smoothly from the top corner to the bottom to remove the solution and clean the glass.
- Wipe dry – Wipe the glass with a soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture or droplets.
- Clean the screens – Rinse both sides of the window screens with water or wipe with a clean cloth.
- Clean the window tracks – Also clean the bottom of the window (where the window slides) thoroughly, as this is where dust and pollen often collect.
Cleaning Windows With Homemade Solutions
Bryant says that while he prefers using dish soap and water, several household cleaning solutions can also be effective—like vinegar-based cleaners or alcohol-based solutions. However, he warns against one thing: aerosol or spray glass cleaners.
No matter which cleaning solution you use, the way you clean is just as important—maybe even more.
According to Bryant, using a squeegee can help you get a streak-free shine, but it’s also important to pay attention to how you hold and use it.
According to him, the ammonia in these products can damage windows over time, so it's better to avoid them.
“When you run the squeegee across the glass, keep the top edge slightly ahead of the bottom edge,” Bryant advises.
“This helps prevent streaks from forming during each pass.”
After each stroke, he suggests lightly tapping the squeegee on an unused area to release extra water and improve cleaning results.
He also recommends using cloth towels instead of paper towels or newspaper, as those don’t clean as effectively.
Tip for Cleaning Materials
Avoid using fabric softener when washing mops, towels, or cleaning cloths.
“It leaves a coating on the fibers, which makes them less absorbent and can cause streaks and poor cleaning results,” says Bryant.
More Cleaning Tips
If you’re thinking about buying a hand mop for window cleaning, Bryant suggests measuring your window panes before you buy anything.
“If your windows have small panes, measure the size of each pane before you buy a mop so that the mop can fit comfortably inside,” he says.
The same goes for squeegee blades.
If you bring tools that are too large, the cleaning results will be affected and streaks and marks may be left on the glass.
Bryant also recommends cleaning windows when there’s no direct sunlight, as the hot sun dries the cleaning solution quickly, which can leave streaks.
It’s best to clean in the morning or early evening, he says.
“Cloudy days can also be a good option, but it can be difficult to see water spots or streaks while cleaning,” he adds.