How to Clean Your Windows Properly In 5 Easy Steps

Even when the sun is shining, if your windows are covered with a film of filth, water spots, splattered bugs, or dust, you may not feel so great-looking outside. Cleaning windows is at the top of our list, and it should be on yours, too, so you can fully appreciate the beautiful sunny days and outdoor view. Although it may appear simple, even the most seasoned cleaners could benefit from refresher training on how to properly clean windows. Here are 5 easy steps:

How to Clean Windows from Inside

1. Put a few drops of dish soap into a large pot or bucket of clean, chilled water. Keep a washcloth or towel under the window to collect any spills.
2. Starting from the top and working your way down, use a microfiber cloth or a fresh sponge to go over the window's surface. Don't forget to clean both the inside and outside of the frame.
3. Spray the window with the vinegar and water solution or a commercial window cleaning product. Alternatively, you can also use a cleaning solution. For instance, you can mix one-and-a-half gallons of water with one tablespoon of ammonia.
4. Dry the window entirely using a Z-shaped motion with a clean, lint-free towel (or black-and-white newspaper pages). If you like, you can dry the windows with clean paper towels too.
5. Spray and dry again if dirt or streaks remain. (Windows with an excess build-up of dirt and grime usually require at least two coats of thorough cleaning.)

How to Clean Windows from Outside

1. Use a watering hose to clean off the windows. Next, fill a bucket with clean, iced water and a couple of drops of soap water.
2. Go over the exterior of the window with a soft microfiber cloth. Use a soft sponge (or a clean microfiber or cotton cloth) to gently clean the glass in either 'Z' or circular motions. Use the watering hose once again to rinse thoroughly.
3. Saturate tough dirt and stains, such as bird droppings, with vinegar and water and allow it to sit for a few minutes before drying. Use a soft "scrubbie" instead of steel wool or hard scouring cloths; these will scratch the window.
4. Use a microfiber cloth or a fresh sponge to dry the windows. Working from top to bottom, angle the cloth towards the lower side of the window. You can also use a clean, dry towel or newspaper pages to dry off excess water.
5. Don't forget to clean the window screens! Rinse with plain water, then spritz with a vinegar-water solution before rinsing again. Before replacing the screens on the windows, allow them to dry off completely.

Although cleaning windows can be time-consuming, tedious, and even difficult, the job itself is truly rewarding and satisfying. With a little hard work, you can make your old windows look good as new.