What is the best way to clean windows?

[#1]

My previous regime has been two buckets and three cloths. Do most of the grunt work with the first cloth and bucket (which gets dirty quicky) then another once over with a clean one, then finally wipe off any excess moisture with a microfibre cloth to ensure a streak-free finish. I don't use any soap or detergent, and no squeegees or newspaper. - CathD

Good old fashioned newspaper and windex - works every time! - Darren

I agree newspaper is the best way to go! Leaves no streaks! - kaylah_rose

Although I've never tried this myself, I've often heard mixing water and distilled vinegar is a good way to wash glass! - aly

This is the window cleaning recipe I use, it is streak-free and like the other contributors I am a newspaper advocate! - cupofchloe

I agree with the water and vinegar using a microfibre cloth then dry with newspapers - Elaine

This tip about not cleaning windows when it's too hot is probably common knowledge for a streak-free result, but I hadn't heard of using cornstarch before. - Jason

My builder and his wife (who cleans up the worksite before handing over to the client) swear by Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid and after seeing how it worked on our windows, I would have to agree. We've got a kajillion windows in our new reno at Culburra plus those louvre ones (pain in the a*se to clean) and they've come up a treat.

Mrs Henno has come up with an invention to clean the louvres which involves a pair of BBQ tongs and some sort of car washing cloth. It's in its first iteration, so only early days and trials are ongoing. - Henno

When my windows are really dusty outside, I hose them down first. Then use morning fresh in a bucket applied with a window washer and squeegee then if streaky about 1/4 cup white vinegar in warm water and my new best buddy for mirrors too is a bamboo cloth. - Wendy62

I've been cleaning windows for years, the best method for outside domestic windows is to buy a good 'streak free' window clean concentrate from Bunnings. Pour the required amount into some water in a bucket (rectangle bucket is best) then after a light hosing of the windows, (one at a time) use a soft broom and/or brush to wash the window down including surrounding timberwork. Then rinse off with a hose. Can do up to 10 standard size windows in one hour and I found it’s still the quickest and best method.

To reach upstairs windows, I connect a soft broom connected to the end of my swimming pool telescope leaf clearer. I use masking tape and quite a bit to keep the broom secure.

Use the same method as ground floor windows. Prepare a window cleaning concentrate (even dishwashing liquid) something that doesn't streak in a rectangle bucket. Hose windows down first probably with hose on jet spray. Slowly sweep/brush with suds and hose down. Window sills may have to be cleaned from in the rooms. NB: You may get a little wet so wait for a nice warm day. Good luck! - Matt5

Here's a quick and simple way to clean outside window glass. Buy one of those small washer / sprayers that has a bottle underneath and attaches to the garden hose.

1. Spray glass with the high pressure water jet.
2. Mix a dishwasher detergent tablet in two cups of water.
3. Spray windows with detergent mix on a wide water fan setting and leave for 5 minutes.
4. Wash off detergent with high pressure water.

Result. Clean streak free glass. - Prof

Using newspaper to wipe away the mixture is a great way to get a streak-free finish. You might like to also check out Simple Green 750ml Glass Cleaner which is a non-toxic, biodegradable and a safer alternative to toxic cleaners & bleaches. You should find this step-by-step guide helpful: How to clean windows. - MitchellMc

[woodenwookie]

Mrs Wookie has her own window cleaning company and she uses dish soap.

She has a number of tools but mostly it’s a soapy brush and a squeegee. It has to be a relatively stiff squeegee though. Many people use a soft rubber but it doesn’t do a great job. Silicon squeegees like what you get for showers are pretty useless as well.

Also, like someone else said, cool the windows down with water first. The windows will dry too quickly otherwise and you’ll get the streaks.

[JanW98]

We’ve been advised by window suppliers not to use newspaper or squeegees on eglass as it can damage the film. This makes cleaning full length windows much more time consuming. I do very gently use a rubber squeegee. And yes louvres are a pain I. The proverbial and time consuming to clean. Any ideas for keeping spiders off screens and and windows?

[EricL]

Hello @JanW98 

To provide a barrier around your screens and windows, I suggest spraying a Hovex 350g Ant Spider Cockroach Barrier Spray around the area. It will not totally prevent them from landing on the window, but it will stop them from crawling towards it. Otherwise, a daily brush of the window using an All Set Extendable Cobweb Broom should keep them at bay. For the blinds, I suggest using the Windoware Venetian Blind Slat Cleaner in combination with the cobweb broom.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric