How do I clean windows without streaks?

Tricia P.
by Tricia P.

I am wanting to clean my windows, but when I'm done, even though they look clean, the sunlight shines through its streaks. It is alot of work to feel like I am going to have to clean them again. Any suggestions?

  12 answers
  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 12, 2019

    Hi Tricia, hope this helps, I am going to try it too!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKAlXR9NkKw

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Apr 12, 2019

    A couple of things I do may help. Usually vinegar (mixed in warm water either in a bucket or a spray bottle) is all I need to clean them. However, when the windows are really dirty, I wipe them down with a soapy sponge (Dawn dish detergent works well) rinse them and squeegee them. If you don't get it all rinsed off, you will get streaks. Here's my favorite trick: On one side of the window I go up and down, and on the other side I go side to side. That way, you can tell which side of the glass the streak is on. I use microfiber cloths for any wiping I need to do.

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Apr 12, 2019

    I use newspaper to clean my windows. There is not fuzz left on the window and it does a great job while recycling the paper!

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Apr 12, 2019

    Straight Rubbing/Isopropyl alcohol and clean white wash cloth no fabric softener on it (leaves streaks smears) & no paper towels they are treated with chemicals to increase absorbtion leaves streaks & smears;pour alcohol on cloth & wipe glass. wipe inside one direction-vertically, the otherside -horizontally this way you can tell which side you have missed something. Paper towels are expensive and kill lots of trees to make. Rubbing alcohol evaporates asap and is basically what is in window cleaners minus chemicals and blueing agent & it is much cheaper.

  • Linda Linda on Apr 13, 2019

    A spray bottle of white vinegar and newspaper works best.

    • Lillian Goreham Lillian Goreham on Apr 13, 2019

      Old time 'how to do' .... but it works wonders!!! Black inked newspapers, no glossy magazines, colored ink as in the comics. Do not clean windows in the sun or a hot day!!! Clean windows in the shade only - ditto for car windows....use gloves for your hands as the newspaper print comes off on. your hands...Just polish glass and dispose of damp newspaper...


  • Karen Anderson Stahl Karen Anderson Stahl on Apr 13, 2019

    I found a squeegee and applying the soap mixture or windex with a cloth squeegee works well. The cloth should be damp not soaking. There is a small amount left in the bottom window easily wiped up .

  • Crw4444 Crw4444 on Apr 13, 2019

    I use the product that is for car windshields, Invisible Glass, sold at Walmart/Amazon. If my windows are really dirty, I clean first with the Windex soap pads (comes with an extendable wand-directions are on the package) and then use the Invisible Glass cleaner. I have lots of windows and I do this every spring.

  • Rebecca Rebecca on Apr 13, 2019

    I use half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle and it works great and is cheap. I also wear gloves

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Aug 15, 2021

    Hi Tricia, we mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, shake well and spray it onto the window. Wipe off with balls of newspaper for a streak-free clean-up.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Dec 31, 2021

    white vinegar and newspaper

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Apr 01, 2024

    First, take an equal amount of vinegar and water and mix them together in a spray bottle. White distilled vinegar will work best for this. Then, spray the solution on your windows and let it sit for around two to three minutes. Lastly, use a gentle cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution and avoid any streaks.