How to Clean Windows Without Streaks (Inside and Out)

Few things are more frustrating than spending twenty minutes cleaning a window only to step back and see a web of streaks catching the light. You wipe again, and somehow they look worse. The problem usually isn't effort -- it's technique. Most people use the wrong tools, the wrong solution, or clean at the wrong time of day, and those three mistakes account for nearly every streaky window out there.

The truth is, professional window cleaners don't have access to some magical product you can't buy. They use simple solutions -- often just water and a squeegee -- and rely on method over materials. Once you understand the handful of principles that make the difference, you'll be able to get every window, glass door, and mirror in your home sparkling clean in less time than you'd expect.

Whether you're tackling a full spring cleaning session or just want to let more light into a single room, this guide covers everything you need to know. We'll walk through the best homemade cleaning solutions, the step-by-step technique for both interior and exterior windows, and the common mistakes that cause streaks in the first place.

---

What's the Best Homemade Window Cleaning Solution?

You don't need to buy expensive commercial glass cleaners. In fact, many store-bought sprays contain waxes, dyes, or fragrances that actually contribute to streaking. The best window cleaning solution is one you can mix in about ten seconds with ingredients you already have.

The Vinegar and Water Solution (Best Overall)

This is the go-to for most situations:

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 cup water
• A clean spray bottle

That's it. The acetic acid in the vinegar cuts through grease, fingerprints, and grime, then evaporates cleanly without leaving residue. If you've used vinegar for cleaning your shower head or removing soap scum from shower doors, you already know how effective it is on mineral deposits and water spots.

The Dish Soap Upgrade (For Dirty Windows)

If your windows haven't been cleaned in months -- or ever -- the basic vinegar solution might need a boost. Add 2-3 drops of dish soap (Dawn works great) to the vinegar-water mix. The soap helps break down heavier grime and outdoor buildup like pollen and road film.

Important: Use only a tiny amount of soap. Too much creates suds that are nearly impossible to rinse completely, and leftover soap residue is one of the top causes of streaking.

The Rubbing Alcohol Solution (For Cold Weather)

If you're cleaning exterior windows in cooler temperatures, swap in rubbing alcohol:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70%)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

The alcohol lowers the freezing point of the solution and evaporates quickly, which helps prevent streaks when it's cold outside. This mix also cuts through stubborn, greasy buildup with ease.

---

What Tools Do You Need for Streak-Free Windows?

Your tools matter just as much as your cleaning solution -- maybe more. Here's what to use and what to avoid.

The Must-Haves

• Microfiber cloths -- The single most important tool. Microfiber picks up dirt and absorbs liquid without leaving lint or fibers behind. You'll want at least two: one damp for cleaning, one dry for buffing.
• A good squeegee -- Professional window cleaners swear by these for a reason. A quality rubber-bladed squeegee removes the cleaning solution in one smooth pass, leaving virtually no residue.
• A spray bottle -- For applying your solution evenly.
• A bucket -- Useful for exterior windows where you need more solution.
• A scrubber or sponge -- For loosening stubborn dirt before squeegeeing. A scrubber sleeve that slips over a squeegee handle is especially handy.

What to Avoid

• Paper towels -- They disintegrate, leave lint, and cause streaks. This is the number one mistake people make.
• Newspaper -- An old trick that used to work when newspaper ink was oil-based. Modern soy-based inks just smear and leave residue.
• Colored or scented cleaning cloths -- Dyes and fragrances can transfer to glass.
• Abrasive pads -- They'll scratch the glass permanently.

---

How Do You Clean Interior Windows Without Streaks?

Interior windows are the easier of the two sides because you're dealing with less grime -- mostly dust, fingerprints, and cooking residue. Here's the step-by-step method that gets perfect results every time.

Step 1: Dust the window frame and sill first. Use a dry microfiber cloth or a small brush to remove loose dust and cobwebs from the frame, sill, and corners. If you skip this, the dust mixes with your cleaning solution and creates muddy streaks. While you're at it, give your blinds a quick wipe-down since dirty blinds will just re-deposit dust onto your freshly cleaned glass.

Step 2: Spray the glass generously. Apply your vinegar-water solution across the entire pane. Don't be stingy -- you want enough liquid to dissolve the grime and keep the glass wet while you work. A light mist dries too fast and leaves streaks.

Step 3: Wipe with horizontal strokes. Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe the glass from left to right, working from top to bottom. Overlap each pass slightly so you don't miss any spots. Use the damp side of the cloth for this step.

Step 4: Buff dry with a second cloth. Immediately follow up with a dry microfiber cloth, buffing in circular motions to pick up any remaining moisture and polish the glass. This step is what separates a "pretty clean" window from a truly streak-free one.

Step 5: Check your work at an angle. Stand to the side of the window and look across the glass at an angle. Streaks that are invisible when you look straight on become obvious from the side. Touch up any spots you find with the dry cloth.

The Directional Trick Pros Use

Here's a tip that saves a lot of frustration: wipe using horizontal strokes on the inside and vertical strokes on the outside (or vice versa). That way, if you see a streak, you immediately know which side of the glass it's on based on the direction of the streak. This is especially helpful on double-pane windows.

---

How Do You Clean Exterior Windows Without Streaks?

Exterior windows require a bit more prep because they accumulate dirt, pollen, hard water spots, insect residue, and sometimes even paint overspray. Here's how to tackle them.

Step 1: Rinse the window with a hose. Before applying any cleaning solution, spray down the exterior glass with a garden hose to knock off loose dirt, cobwebs, and debris. Scrubbing a dry, dirty window just grinds grit into the glass and can cause fine scratches.

Step 2: Scrub with a soapy solution. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Dip a scrubber sponge or a strip washer (the T-bar tool professionals use) into the bucket and scrub the entire window. Pay extra attention to the corners and edges where grime builds up.

Step 3: Squeegee from top to bottom. Starting at the top left corner, pull the squeegee horizontally across the window in one smooth motion. Wipe the blade with a clean cloth after each pass. Overlap each stroke by about an inch to avoid leaving lines. Work your way down the window.

Alternatively, you can use the "reverse S" technique: start at the top corner and pull the squeegee in a continuous S-shaped pattern down the window without lifting it. This is faster but takes a little practice.

Step 4: Wipe the edges. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up the water that collects along the edges and bottom of the window frame. This prevents drips from running back onto the clean glass.

Step 5: Detail the corners. Fold your microfiber cloth into a point and wipe each corner where the squeegee couldn't reach. These small details are what make the difference between "cleaned" and "professionally cleaned."

Dealing With Hard Water Spots on Exterior Windows

If your exterior windows have milky white spots from sprinkler water or mineral-rich rain runoff, your standard vinegar solution may not be strong enough. For stubborn hard water stains:

1. Apply undiluted white vinegar directly to the spots
2. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes
3. Scrub gently with a non-abrasive pad or microfiber cloth
4. Rinse and squeegee as usual

For extremely stubborn mineral deposits, you can use a paste of baking soda and water or a dedicated hard water stain remover. The same approach works great on glass stovetops that develop hazy buildup from hard water.

---

Why Do Windows Streak (And How Do You Prevent It)?

Understanding the causes of streaking makes it much easier to avoid. Here are the most common culprits:

Cleaning in Direct Sunlight

This is the biggest mistake people make. When the sun hits the glass, it heats the surface and causes your cleaning solution to evaporate before you can wipe it off. The dissolved grime gets left behind as a streaky film. Always clean windows on an overcast day or when the windows are in shade. Early morning and late afternoon work well too.

Using Too Much Soap

A little dish soap goes a long way. Excess soap creates a film that's almost impossible to buff away completely. If you're finding that your windows look hazy after cleaning, soap residue is the likely culprit. Stick to 2-3 drops per cup of solution, max.

Dirty Cloths or Tools

A microfiber cloth that's been used for other cleaning tasks may have residue, oils, or particles embedded in it. Always start with a freshly laundered cloth. Wash your microfiber cloths without fabric softener -- the softener coats the fibers and reduces their ability to absorb and clean. This is the same reason fabric softener can cause problems in your washing machine over time.

Skipping the Dry Buff

Wiping with a damp cloth and walking away almost guarantees streaks. The thin film of moisture left behind evaporates unevenly, leaving marks. That final dry buff with a second cloth -- or the squeegee pass -- is what makes the difference.

Old or Worn Squeegee Blades

A squeegee with a nicked, cracked, or hardened rubber blade will leave lines on the glass. Replace the rubber blade when it starts to show wear. Good blades are inexpensive and usually just slide into the channel.

---

How Do You Clean Hard-to-Reach Windows?

Not every window is conveniently at arm's height. Here's how to handle the tricky ones.

Second-Story Windows (From Inside)

If the windows tilt inward for cleaning, you're in luck -- just follow the interior cleaning steps above. For fixed windows, use an extension pole squeegee that reaches from inside the room. Spray the solution, scrub, and squeegee without needing a ladder.

Second-Story Windows (From Outside)

Safety first. Use a sturdy extension ladder placed on level ground, and have someone spot you. Alternatively, invest in a telescoping window washing kit with a hose attachment -- these let you clean from ground level without climbing at all.

Skylights

Skylights are notoriously hard to clean, but a long-handled squeegee combined with a spray mop makes it manageable from inside. For the exterior, some homeowners attach a garden hose to a specialized skylight cleaning brush. If your skylights are very high or steeply angled, this might be a job worth hiring out.

Glass Doors (Sliding and French)

Glass doors get dirty faster than windows because of constant handling. Clean them the same way you clean interior windows, but pay extra attention to the handle zone where fingerprints and smudges concentrate. A quick daily wipe of just the handle area keeps glass doors looking clean between full cleanings.

---

How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?

The right frequency depends on your situation:

• Interior windows: Every 1-2 months for most homes. If you cook a lot (grease film) or have kids and pets (fingerprints), monthly is better.
• Exterior windows: Every 3-6 months, or seasonally. Spring and fall cleanings are sufficient for most areas.
• High-traffic glass doors: The handle area weekly; full cleaning monthly.
• Mirrors: Weekly for bathroom mirrors, biweekly for others.

If you're already in a regular cleaning routine -- like the kind you'd build for keeping a house clean with kids -- adding a monthly window wipe to the rotation takes minimal extra time.

You can also save money on cleaning supplies by sticking with the homemade vinegar solution. A gallon of white vinegar costs about $3 and will clean every window in your house several times over, compared to $5-7 per bottle of commercial glass cleaner.

---

Bonus Tips for Perfectly Clean Glass Every Time

These smaller details can make a big difference:

• Clean your screens separately. Remove window screens and rinse them with a hose or scrub gently with soapy water. A dirty screen filters dirt and grime onto the glass every time it rains or the wind blows.
• Vacuum sills and tracks regularly. A good robot vacuum can help keep floor-level dust from migrating to your windowsills, and a quick pass with a handheld vacuum keeps tracks clean between deep cleans.
• Use distilled water in your solution. If you have very hard water, the minerals in your tap water can leave spots. Distilled water eliminates this problem entirely.
• Work from top to bottom. Gravity pulls drips downward, so clean the upper panes first. This way you're not dripping dirty solution onto glass you've already cleaned.
• Keep a spray bottle and cloth by the front door. Quick spot-cleaning takes 30 seconds and prevents buildup that requires a full cleaning session.
• Don't forget the tracks. Grimy window tracks can send dirt back onto your glass. Vacuum the tracks first, then scrub with an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar solution.

If you're doing a deep clean of your whole house, pair your window cleaning with other glass-related tasks like cleaning mirrors, glass shower doors, and even the glass on your stovetop. Using the same vinegar solution and cloths for all of them makes the process efficient.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Windex or store-bought glass cleaner for streak-free windows?

You can, but many people find that commercial glass cleaners actually cause more streaking than a simple vinegar-water solution. Products like Windex contain surfactants, fragrances, and sometimes ammonia that can leave a thin film on the glass -- especially if you don't buff thoroughly. If you prefer a commercial option, look for one labeled "ammonia-free" and "residue-free," and always follow up with a dry microfiber buff. That said, the homemade vinegar solution is cheaper, just as effective, and doesn't contain any chemicals that could build up over time.

Is a squeegee really better than a microfiber cloth?

For large panes and exterior windows, a squeegee is significantly faster and more consistent. It removes the cleaning solution in one pass, leaving virtually no moisture behind to cause streaks. For smaller interior windows, mirrors, and glass doors, a good microfiber cloth works just as well and is easier to maneuver. Many people use a combination -- a squeegee for big windows and microfiber for everything else. The key with either tool is making sure it's clean. A dirty squeegee blade or a cloth that's been sitting in a closet gathering dust will cause more problems than it solves.

How do you clean windows that have moisture or fog between the panes?

If you see fog or condensation between the two panes of a double-pane (insulated) window, that means the seal has failed. Unfortunately, no amount of cleaning will fix this because the moisture is trapped inside the sealed unit. Your options are to replace the insulated glass unit (IGU) -- which a glass company can do without replacing the entire window frame -- or to live with it. Some companies offer defogging services where they drill a small hole, remove the moisture, and reseal the unit, but results can be mixed. This isn't a cleaning issue; it's a window repair issue, similar to how some home maintenance problems like a stuck window require a fix rather than just cleaning.

What's the best way to clean mirrors without streaks?

Mirrors are just glass with a reflective coating on the back, so the same techniques work perfectly. Spray your vinegar-water solution onto a microfiber cloth (not directly onto the mirror, which can cause the solution to seep behind the edges and damage the reflective backing over time). Wipe in broad strokes, then buff dry. For bathroom mirrors specifically, the biggest challenge is dealing with toothpaste splatters and hairspray buildup. A drop of dish soap in the vinegar solution handles these easily. Cleaning your bathroom mirrors pairs well with other bathroom tasks like descaling your shower head for an all-around sparkling bathroom.

---

Final Thoughts

Streak-free windows aren't about expensive products or professional equipment. They're about using the right solution (vinegar and water), the right tools (microfiber cloths or a squeegee), and the right timing (overcast days, not direct sunlight). Once you nail these three fundamentals, window cleaning goes from a frustrating chore to a quick, satisfying task.

Start with one or two windows to practice your technique, especially if you're using a squeegee for the first time. You'll get the hang of it quickly, and the results will motivate you to work through the rest of the house. Clean windows make an enormous difference in how a room looks and feels -- they let in more natural light, make spaces feel larger, and give your home a polished, well-maintained appearance that's hard to achieve any other way.

If you're on a whole-house cleaning kick, consider pairing your window project with a few related tasks. Tackle your glass stovetop, clean up your shower doors, and give your blinds a refresh. And if you're looking for ways to keep your home clean without breaking the bank, our guide to saving money on cleaning supplies has plenty of practical ideas -- including the very same vinegar solution you just used on your windows.