- June 6, 2025|
- News
Sometimes streaks and smudges will reappear on our windows no matter how much we clean them. Whether it’s the result of using the wrong product, cleaning at the wrong time of day, or simply skipping a few steps, window cleaning is a household task that seems simple, but we can often get wrong.
We’ve all searched ‘how to clean windows’ and ended up with an overwhelming list of tips, tricks, and contradictory advice. To settle the debate, we decided to test the most popular window cleaning methods ourselves to find out what actually works and what doesn’t.
In this blog, we’ll go through everything we’ve learned about how to clean windows effectively. If you’re tired of wiping the same spots again and again, this guide will help you get your windows spotless.
Why proper window cleaning matters?
Cleaning your windows isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about maintaining the quality and comfort of your home. Clean windows let in more natural light, which can help to brighten up a room, boost your mood, and even reduce your reliance on artificial lighting. On the flip side, grime and residue not only block light but can also give an otherwise clean space a neglected appearance.
More importantly, regular window cleaning helps preserve the condition of the glass itself. Dirt, hard water stains, and environmental pollutants can break into the glass over time, causing permanent damage and reducing clarity. Left unclean, this buildup can also affect window seals and frames, leading to drafts, leaks, or costly repairs down the line.
And let’s not forget hygiene, especially on interior glass surfaces like mirrors, shower screens, or glass doors. These often get coated in fingerprints, grease, or bathroom residue, which can harbour bacteria and contribute to an overall sense of clutter.
By understanding how to clean windows properly, you’re not just removing marks, you’re extending the life of your glass, improving your space, and saving money in the long run. The proper technique and tools will make all the difference.
Common DIY Window Cleaning Solutions
Before heading to the supermarket, many people turn to DIY window cleaners using ingredients they already have at home. These solutions can be effective, budget-friendly, and more eco-friendly.
Below are some of the most common homemade glass cleaner recipes you’ll find online or passed down from family advice.
Vinegar and water
One of the most popular combinations: equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. It cuts through grease and has natural disinfectant properties, but it can leave a strong smell.
Washing up liquid and water
A few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water can effectively lift dirt and residue. This method is often used for exterior windows or very grimy glass. The key is to rinse thoroughly to avoid streaks or residue.
Baking soda
Great for when your window is extremely muddy with clumps of dirt, such as bird droppings or stuck-on debris. This solution is a mild abrasive but is said to lift grime without scratching. Make a thick paste with water, apply gently, and rinse well.
Cornflour
Similar to baking soda, cornflour is said to be a good DIY solution when you need something more abrasive. Again, its texture is said to help lift grime, but without leaving damage.
Lemon Juice
A natural antibacterial and cleaning agent, lemon juice is said to be great for a variety of cleaning solutions. When mixed with water, it’s said to be a great decreaser.
These DIY options can be great, inexpensive alternatives, as many of the ingredients we see here are often found in our kitchen cupboards or can be easily purchased at supermarkets.
Through our own cleaning test at Clearview HQ, let’s see which solution comes out on top.
What worked best: Our cleaning test results
5. Baking powder
Why it’s used: Baking powder is mildly alkaline, which helps neutralise acidic grime. Its fine, gritty texture is often recommended to lift dirt without scratching surfaces.
Our experience: Despite this, we rank this solution last. Mixed with water, it created a paste we hoped would polish the glass. Instead, it left behind a cloudy film, noticeable smears, and watermarks that dulled the glass more than before.
Verdict: Even with gentle application, it didn’t deliver a clear shine and left more residue than it removed.
4. Cornflour
Why it’s used: Cornflour’s fine particles are believed to gently scrub glass without causing damage, supposedly helping lift dirt.
Our experience: It performed slightly better than baking powder, but still underwhelmed. The solution clung to the glass, leaving behind a dusty appearance, which was noticeable in direct sunlight.
Verdict: Some improvement, but still not practical for everyday window cleaning.
3. Lemon juice
Why it’s used: Lemon juice is naturally acidic and antibacterial. Its citric acid can cut through grease and is often praised as a natural degreaser.
Our experience: It effectively removed visible dirt, especially in corners and along window edges. But after drying, it left streaks and a cloudy haze that ruined the overall finish.
Verdict: Great at breaking down grime, but poor at leaving a streak-free finish.
2. Washing-up liquid
Why it’s used: A staple in most households, washing-up liquid is said to cut through grease and also help reduce condensation by creating a barrier between water and the window.
Our experience: When diluted and applied with a cloth, it gave us a noticeable shine. However, streaking and minor watermarks remained. Not perfect, but better than most DIY options.
Verdict: Accessible, affordable, and effective for a quick clean.
1. Vinegar
Why it’s used: Vinegar has long been a go-to for glass cleaning. It’s acetic acid cuts through grease, dissolves mineral deposits, and dries streak-free.
Our experience: Mixed with water and applied with a microfiber cloth, vinegar delivered crystal-clear results with no streaks, no residue, and a gleaming finish.
Verdict: Reliable, cheap, and highly effective—vinegar earns the top spot.
DIY vs commercial window cleaners
Interestingly, we also tested our commercial glass cleaner to see how it compared. While it performed well overall, leaving a noticeable shine and effectively cutting through dirt, we’d actually still place this second, just behind vinegar.
The main issue was that it dried too quickly. This made it harder to work with, as we couldn’t spread or scrub the product once it settled.
The result was more streaks and residue than expected. To compensate, we needed to apply more product, an approach that’s not only less efficient but also more expensive over time.
Best practices for cleaning windows
Now we’ve tested which solutions work the best, it’s important to know how exactly to clean your windows too:
- Avoid direct sunlight: Cleaning windows in full sun can cause your solution to dry too quickly, leaving behind streaks. Choose an overcast day or clean in the early morning or evening.
- Use a microfiber cloth or squeegee: Paper towels and newspapers can leave lint or ink residue. Microfiber cloths are reusable, lint-free, and ideal for polishing. A squeegee is handy for large windows, creating a professional finish.
- Start at the top: Always clean from top to bottom so drips don’t run over already-cleaned areas.
- Use the “S” motion: Rather than circular motions, clean in an “S” shape to prevent smears and catch more grime.
- Don’t forget the frames and sills: Wipe down window frames and sills before cleaning the glass to avoid tracking dirt onto clean surfaces.
Following these simple steps helps you get the best out of any cleaner and makes your results last longer.
Other ways to maintain windows and bi-fold doors
Now that you know how to clean windows and glass correctly, it’s essential to consider regular maintenance of your windows, entrance doors, and bi-folding doors. This not only keeps them looking great but also helps them function properly and last longer.
Summer is the perfect time to perform a few simple checks and maintenance tasks that can make a significant difference throughout the year.
1. Clean frames and panels: Give windows and doors a thorough clean, including the frames and glass panels. This not only improves the appearance but also helps prevent long-term dirt and grime build-up.
2. Check seals and weather-stripping: Inspect the seals around your windows and doors. If you notice wear or damage, replacing them can help eliminate drafts and improve energy efficiency. You may need to contact your original supplier to source the correct parts.
3. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges: Dirt can accumulate in tracks over time, making windows and doors more challenging to open and close. Regularly clean these areas and apply lubricant to hinges and moving parts to keep everything running smoothly.
4. Check Insulation: Ensure that insulation around windows and doors is intact and properly sealed. This helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and supports energy efficiency.
5. Be cautious with pressure washing: When cleaning exterior surfaces, exercise caution when pressure washing near windows and doors. High-pressure water can cause water ingress, especially around trickle vents, locks, handles, and weep holes. Use a low-pressure setting and avoid targeting sensitive areas directly.
6. Maintain locks and hardware: Check that locks, handles, and other hardware are operating correctly. Clean and lubricate them in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you notice damage, replacement parts may be available through your original supplier.
7. Consider professional repairs when needed: If you’re confident with DIY, replacing small components might be manageable. But for more complex issues, consider window and door specialists who often carry spare parts and can complete repairs on-site.
8. Plan ahead for upgrades: If you’re considering replacing windows or upgrading to bi-fold doors, allow sufficient time to research, gather quotes, and select the right supplier. Planning ahead ensures you’re not caught out by delays or seasonal demand.
If you’re in the market for new windows or bi-folding doors, get in touch with our friendly team to learn more.
