Instructions for Washing Glass Windows

Windows that are covered with fingerprints, smudges and dirt are unattractive and can be poor reflection of your ability to keep your home clean. The act of washing your windows can be time consuming and frustrating, particularly when faced with streaking. Learning how to properly clean them, however, can make your task a much simpler one.

What You'll Need:

• Broom


• 1 gallon bucket


• White vinegar


• Dishwashing liquid


• Sponge


• Cloth or towel


• Squeegee


• Spray bottle


• Microfiber towel

Bucket and Squeegee Method

1. Remove any obvious dirt or debris
   from the window, including cobwebs. This can be done using a broom.


2. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tsp. of dishwashing liquid into a 1 gallon bucket. Fill
   the bucket with warm water.


3. Dip a sponge or a cloth into the
   bucket of sudsy water. Wring out any excess water and wipe the
   windows down thoroughly. Pay close attention to any areas that might
   have stuck on dirt or debris. Dip the sponge back into the water as
   needed until the entire window has been wiped down.


4. Wet a squeegee with a damp cloth
   and set it on the glass, tilting it so that only an inch of the
   blade touches the window.


5. Wipe the squeegee across the top
   of the window horizontally. This will help to prevent the cleaner
   from running down the window as you clean.


6. Use the damp towel to wipe off the
   squeegee blade.


7. Swipe the squeegee down the length
   of the window, starting at the dry section. Repeat until you have
   covered the entire length of the window. With each pass wipe the
   blade with your damp towel and slightly overlap the last area that
   you cleaned.


8. Run the squeegee horizontally
   across the bottom of the window.


9. Wipe any remaining wetness from
   the corners of the window using a microfiber towel if necessary.

Spray Bottle and Cloth

1. Wipe off any cobwebs or obvious dirt from your window using a broom. This is particularly important if doing outdoor windows.


2. Spray your windows with a commercial window cleaner. If you prefer, make your own spray by mixing 2 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 tsp. of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle.


3. Wipe off the window using a microfiber cloth, from top to bottom. Wipe quickly and lightly overlap where you previously wiped to prevent streaking.