What It Means
Window cleaning is washing the glass of a home's windows, inside and out, along with the frames and sills around it. Pella and Andersen, both window makers, suggest doing it at least twice a year: in the fall to clear summer debris and in the spring to remove road salt left by winter. Their guides tie streaks to the cloth used and to cleaner drying too fast in the sun.
Try It: Five Tips for Streak-Free Glass
Open each card for a tip from the Pella, Andersen and Windex guides.
When to clean
At least twice a year: fall, after summer's dust and debris, and spring, after winter's road salt.
What to wipe with
A lint-free microfiber cloth. Paper towels can leave lint and fibers that make clean glass look dirty.
Where to spray
On the cloth, not the window, so less cleaner runs onto the frames.
Which way to wipe
Start at the top and work down the pane in a zigzag.
How to finish
Buff right away with a second, dry microfiber cloth, and work out of direct sunlight so the cleaner doesn't dry too fast.
How It Sounds at Home
- "The windows are due before spring guests show up."
- "You missed a streak on the patio door."
- "Don't do the windows at noon, the sun's right on them."
The Breakdown
How often, per window makers
| Job | When | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wash windows inside and out | At least twice a year | Pella; Andersen |
| Fall wash | Clears summer dust and debris | Pella; Andersen |
| Spring wash | Clears winter road salt | Pella; Andersen |
Steps for streak-free glass
- Pick a time when the glass isn't in direct sun.
- Spray glass cleaner onto a lint-free microfiber cloth.
- Wipe from the top of the pane down in a zigzag.
- Buff right away with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Repeat on the outside where you can reach safely.
Make it last between washes. Buhata's suggestion: wipe fingerprints and smudges from low panes and glass doors as you notice them, so the twice-a-year wash is a lighter job.
Good to Know
Read your window maker's care guide before choosing a cleaner or tool, since frames, coatings and screens differ by brand and model. Keep cleaner off the frames by spraying the cloth instead of the glass. For windows above the ground floor, clean what you can reach safely from inside, and consider a professional for the rest (Buhata's suggestion). Use one cleaning product at a time; as our chlorine bleachChlorine bleachHousehold bleach made with sodium hypochlorite that whitens, removes stains and disinfects, but can fade colors and damage some fibers. See more page explains, bleach must never meet ammonia or acids such as vinegar.
FAQ
How often should you clean your windows?
Window makers such as Pella and Andersen suggest at least twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Glass doors and low panes that collect fingerprints may need spot cleaning more often.
Why do my windows streak after cleaning?
The usual causes the makers' guides point to are cleaning in direct sun, which dries the cleaner too fast, and using paper towels, which leave lint. A microfiber cloth and a quick buff with a dry one help.
Should I spray cleaner on the window or the cloth?
On the cloth. The guides say this keeps the cleaning solution from getting on your window frames.
Do It in Buhata
Maintenance and Tasks with a repeat
Add "Wash the windows" to Maintenance (Household X add-on) on a six-month schedule so it comes back each spring and fall.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Seasonal home maintenance
Home upkeep sorted by time of year, so each job lands when the weather suits it and before the system it protects is needed most.
- Top-down cleaning
Cleaning a room from its highest surfaces down to the floor, so dust and crumbs knocked loose land on areas you haven't cleaned yet.
- Vinegar cleaning
Using white vinegar, a mild acetic acid, to dissolve mineral buildup and lift grime. It doesn't replace a registered disinfectant.
- Window condensation
Water droplets that form on the inside of window glass when moist indoor air meets the cold pane, which EPA treats as a sign of high humidity.
- Blind cleaning
Removing dust and marks from window blinds and shades, usually with a monthly dusting and a deeper clean about once a year.
Sources
Pella, "6 Steps to Clean Windows for a Streak-Free Finish"; Andersen Windows, "How to clean windows like a pro"; Windex (SC Johnson), "How to Give Glass an Unbeatable Streak-Free Shine"
- www.pella.com/ideas/windows/how-to-clean-windows
- www.andersenwindows.com/ideas-and-inspiration/blog/tips/how-to-clean-windows
- windex.com/en-us/inspiration/how-to/give-glass-unbeatable-streak-free-shine
Last updated .