Streaks usually come from too much cleaner, a dirty cloth, or glass that dries too fast in strong sun. Use a light soap solution, work in an orderly pattern and dry the glass right away with a squeegee or a clean lint-free cloth.
Gather Simple Supplies
- A bucket of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, or a mix of water and white vinegar if the glass care sheet allows it.
- A squeegee with a clean rubber blade, or flat-weave microfiber cloths.
- A soft brush or sponge for frames and tracks.
- A dry towel for the sill.
Step-by-Step Method
- Choose a cloudy day or work on the shaded side of the house. Direct sun dries the solution before you can remove it.
- Dust the frame, sill and track with a dry brush so dirt does not turn to mud.
- Wet the glass with your sponge, using light pressure and overlapping strokes.
- Pull the squeegee across the top edge in one stroke, then work down in straight, overlapping lines.
- Wipe the blade with a cloth after each pass.
- Dry corners and edges with a folded microfiber cloth.
- Wipe the frame and sill dry.
Why Streaks Appear
| Cause | What you see | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too much soap | Hazy film | Use fewer drops and wipe with plain water |
| Dirty cloth or blade | Lines and smears | Switch to a clean cloth, wipe the blade |
| Direct sunlight | Spotty marks | Clean in shade |
| Lint | Specks | Use microfiber, not paper towels |
Cleaning Inside Windows
Put a towel on the sill to catch drips. Use a lightly dampened cloth instead of spraying heavily, so liquid does not run into frames or onto nearby curtains. Wipe in one direction on the inside and the opposite on the outside; if streaks remain, you can then tell which side they are on.
Tracks and screens deserve a turn, too. Brush loose debris from sliding tracks, then wipe them with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap. Lift out removable screens, rinse them gently outdoors with a hose or soft brush, and let them dry before refitting. Clean frames before glass whenever you can, because rinse water from the frame will otherwise run over the finished pane.
For high windows, use a long-handled squeegee from the ground or from a stable step, and never overreach. Take care near power lines and wet floors, and leave any work that requires climbing high to a professional.
FAQ
Are newspapers good for polishing?
Some people use them, but ink can transfer to frames and hands. A clean microfiber cloth is a simpler choice.
How often should windows be cleaned?
Many households do it a couple of times a year, and more often near busy roads or trees.
The Short Version
Use little soap, shade, a clean squeegee or cloth and a top-down pattern. Dry edges by hand and keep tools clean as you go.