How to Clean Windows: Expert Tips for Streak-Free Results

Most people have cleaned windows and been frustrated by the result. You put in the effort and the glass still looks streaky, or it looks fine until the light hits it from a different angle. The problem is almost always either the tools, the cleaning solution, or the technique. Here's how to get it right.

The Right Tools

Professional window cleaners use a specific set of tools for good reason. The right equipment makes the job faster and the result better.

Applicator mop — A window mop with a microfiber or lambswool sleeve applies soapy water to the glass quickly and loosens dirt without scratching. It's far more effective than a sponge.

Squeegee — This is the key tool. A quality squeegee with a fresh rubber blade removes water and loosened dirt in a single smooth stroke without leaving residue. Blades wear out; if yours is leaving lines, replace it.

Microfiber cloths — For wiping the squeegee blade between strokes, cleaning edges and sills, and catching drips. Cotton rags leave lint.

Extension pole — Lets you reach upper windows without a ladder and keeps you at a safe, controlled working distance.

Bucket — Use a bucket that fits the squeegee channel so you can rest the squeegee while working.

Choosing Your Cleaning Solution

A small amount of dish soap in warm water is the standard professional solution. It cuts grease, creates a slippery film that helps the squeegee glide, and rinses cleanly. Use less than you think — too much creates excessive suds that leave residue.

Avoid vinegar-only solutions for routine cleaning. Vinegar is useful for mineral deposits but leaves a scent and isn't as effective on general grime. Commercial window sprays are fine for interior glass but impractical for exterior work in volume.

Preparing the Windows

Before applying any liquid, dry-brush the frames and sills to remove loose dust and cobwebs. If this debris mixes with your cleaning solution it will redistribute across the glass. On exterior windows, a quick rinse with a hose removes the heaviest grit before you start.

Interior Window Technique

Work from top to bottom to avoid drips landing on sections you've already cleaned. Apply the soapy solution with the mop, covering the whole pane. Then use the squeegee in overlapping horizontal strokes, starting at the top. Wipe the blade with a microfiber cloth between strokes to avoid redistributing the dirty water.

At the end of each stroke, turn the squeegee and drag the last wet strip down to the sill. Wipe the sill and frame edges with a microfiber cloth to catch any remaining drips. Different window types need slight technique adjustments:

For tilt-in double-hung windows, tilt the sash inward to access the exterior face from inside. Casement windows can be swung open for direct exterior access. Sliding windows often have panels that lift out for cleaning.

Exterior Window Technique

For ground-floor windows, the mop-and-squeegee method above applies directly. Work early in the morning or on overcast days — direct sunlight dries the solution too fast and causes streaking before you can squeegee.

For upper-floor windows, an extension pole lets you reach the glass safely. The principle is the same: wet the glass, squeegee in overlapping strokes from the top. Pure water-fed pole systems, used by professionals, deliver water that leaves no mineral residue when it dries, so the glass can air-dry streak-free.

Cleaning Window Screens

Remove flyscreens before cleaning the glass and wash them separately. Lay them flat and scrub gently with warm soapy water using a soft brush, then rinse and allow to dry before reinstalling. See our fly screen cleaning service page for details on what's involved in a professional screen clean.

Keeping Windows Clean Longer

The frequency your windows need cleaning depends on their exposure. South-facing windows in sheltered positions stay clean far longer than north-facing windows copping direct sun and rain. Windows near trees or gardens collect pollen and insect marks faster.

A light wipe-down after rain, particularly in dry season when dust has built up, extends the life of a proper clean significantly. Our residential window cleaning team typically recommends a full clean once or twice a year for most Brisbane homes, with touch-ups in between as needed.

For the best tool for the job, read our detailed look at what to clean windows with, covering each professional tool and why it works.