Easy Window Cleaning: Making Your Home’s Windows Shine

Window cleaning doesn’t have to be a tedious task. Make it fun and efficient with these window-cleaning hacks.

A smudge, fingerprint or dirt spot on your home’s windows can disrupt a beautiful view. But if you’re like most people, cleaning those dirty windows isn’t something you’re itching to do.

But don’t let the hassle of cleaning windows stop you from enjoying the view. These easy cleaning remedies help eliminate unwanted streaks and grime every time.

1. Prevent streaks with a microfiber cloth.

Unlike cotton and paper towels that smear the dirt around, a microfiber cloth will trap dust and dirt, leaving your windows free of residue.

“I have personally tried to clean windows with newspapers and coffee filters, but I think a better alternative is a microfiber rag,” says Dave Lincon, home improvement expert for Sears Home Services. “I wipe in a circular motion. As long as you get the whole area covered and overlap strokes, you can prevent the streaking.”

2. Clean with a blackboard eraser.

If you’re still seeing streaks, try rubbing a blackboard eraser over your windows to eliminate any marks.

Don’t have a blackboard eraser handy? Try using a soft cotton shirt. Either one eradicates lingering streaks without leaving behind dirt, dust or lint.

3. Make your own DIY glass cleaner.

“Getting a good glass cleaner is key,” Lincon says. “As much as a store-bought glass cleaner is good, it does leave some streaks. I’m all for natural solutions and organic ingredients, but even just a simple water and a rag will do the trick.”

Make your own window cleaning solution with two parts water, one part soap and one part vinegar. Gently spray the mixture on your windows, wipe it away, and then rinse windows with water to prevent soap buildup.

4. Use an air compressor to clear out dirt and dust.

Don’t stress about those hard-to-clean places — use an air compressor to do the job.

“For hard-to-reach places around the windows like the tracks, I like to use an air compressor,” Lincon explains. “Even handheld air compressors are good at cleaning some areas you can’t get to.”

5. Clean blinds with kitchen tongs.

To quickly and easily clean blinds, wrap rags around a pair of tongs and secure them with rubber bands. Clamp the tongs onto the blinds and drag them across to pick up excess dust. You’ll be left with clean blinds that you won’t be afraid to touch.