Clean crystals and leave them streak-free | Tom guide

Knowing how to clean windows may seem like a simple task at first. But the thing is, all kinds of smudges can end up on the glass, whether it's watermarks, fingerprints, or general dirt, and they can be difficult to remove. Even if you manage to remove these stains, the grease can leave streaks on your window that just won't go away. In the end, all that heavy lifting can seem counterproductive and leave things worse than when you started, like trying to clean a glass furnace .

But don't worry, with the right products and the right method, your windows will be like new again. The good news is that windows are actually one of the easiest things to clean and you can get crisp results in minutes. Here we explain exactly what you need to do and answer any questions you may have.

how to clean windows

what will you need

microfiber towels

sponge (optional)

detergent or

distilled white vinegar or

window cleaner

bucket

T-bar and wiper (optional)

1. When cleaning the windows inside, you should remove dust and cobwebs first. Clean the windows with a dry microfiber cloth and around the frame and sill. Don't forget to open the window to take a look at the hidden cracks. For extreme cases you can also use one of the best vacuum cleaners with the soft brush attachment.

2. Close your window when done. Depending on the degree of soiling, you now have two methods to choose from:

(Image credit: Future)

• For daily cleaning , wipe windows with a damp microfiber cloth and apply warm, soapy water as needed. Wipe off the foam with a damp cloth.
• For more stubborn stains , use soapy water but apply with the rough side of a sponge. Don't be too aggressive when scrubbing; You don't want to scratch the glass, but be persistent and apply soap until the stain is gone. Rinse with a damp microfiber cloth.
• If you want to use a home remedy , distilled white vinegar is another option. You can dilute it in a spray bottle using one cup of vinegar in one cup of water. Then apply to glass and wipe off with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, you can also leave it on for a minute or two before wiping it off. Then rinse off with a damp cloth.
• You can also use a proprietary glass cleaner like Windex Original Blue Glass and Window Cleaner ($7.78, Amazon ). Follow manufacturer's directions for best results.

(Image credit: Future)

3. If you want to speed up the drying process and save on microfiber towels, you can also wipe off excess water with a squeegee . Just make sure you have a towel on the floor or edge to catch any drips and have one handy to dry the wiper between passes.

4. Dry with microfiber towels . Be sure to work in different directions to avoid streaks, and keep adjusting the cloth on dry sections to avoid water reapplication. You can also use kitchen paper for this.

5. If streaks are still visible, rinse and repeat from step 3 ; it's probably soap residue. Your windows should now be spotless on the inside, now it's time to tackle the outside.

6. This is probably a larger area here, so you'll need a larger bucket and lint-free rags . It's also best to do this on an overcast day, otherwise the sun can dry out the result before you've had time to remove the strips.

7. The size of the windows means using a spray bottle wouldn't be practical, so standard window cleaners are out the window (pun intended). You should fill the bucket with warm soapy water or distill white vinegar with water .

(Image credit: Future)

8. You can apply your solution with a cloth as above, but a much easier method is to use a T-bar and squeegee, like the MR.SIGA Professional Window Cleaning Combo ($16.99, Amazon ). These allow you to simply apply your cleaner to the glass, then quickly rinse and clean.

9. When cleaning with a squeegee try to work in an S shape from top to bottom , making sure to return to the starting point and finish towards the edge. This way there are no annoying watermarks.

10. Dry if necessary. Your windows should now be pristine. Don't forget to clean them regularly to make this task less painful.

What's the best way to clean windows?

There is no right answer to that. Water and dish soap will usually do the trick for most stains, but distilled white vinegar is another popular and long-lasting method. Vinegar is also great for removing limescale, making it great for water stains. That is why it is recommended in our guide to cleaning a glass shower screen .

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For more cleaning tips, tricks, and guides, check out our how to clean a washing machine , how to remove mold , and how to wash a pillow guide.

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