While windows help fill our homes with an abundance of natural light and a pleasant view of the outdoors, they can get dirty pretty easily and require significant cleaning inside and out from time to time.

It may be that you’ve never cleaned your windows properly because you just don’t have the time. However, the longer you neglect properly cleaning your windows, the more likely they are to accumulate dirt and grime. Whether you're tackling stubborn stains or aiming for that elusive streak-free shine, cleaning windows can transform your home from lackluster to luminous.

Start by dipping the sponge into the window-cleaning solution and wiping the window from the top to the bottom. Be sparing on how much cleaning solution you use on the window because it will take more time to dry.

If you see dirt hanging around the corners of a windowpane, refrain from splashing it with more water, as you’ll only have to re-lather everything again. Instead, fill a spray bottle with the same solution and just spray the area a couple of times. Leave it to dry and use a sponge to wipe off any dust and grime.

For tall windows, an extendable pole will help you thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of the window without using a step ladder or similar. It also comes in handy when cleaning windows from the outside.

After lathering your windows, it’s time to wipe everything clean with a squeegee.

In the world of home maintenance, window cleaning stands out as a task that combines simplicity with a profound impact

Expert Tips for Clean Windows

  • Wash one side of a window with horizontal strokes and the other side with vertical strokes so you can pinpoint which side of the window has a streak.
  • Use a squeegee on a long handle or a sponge/squeegee combination to prevent streaks on large windows.
  • Wash windows from the top down to prevent drips.
  • Eliminate tiny scratches on glass by polishing the affected areas with toothpaste.
  • Washing windows should be done on a cloudy day, because direct sunlight dries cleaning solutions before you can polish the glass properly.
  • Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean corners. ­ ­
  • To give an extra shine to window glass, polish it with well-washed cotton T-shirts or lint free cloth. Or rub a clean blackboard eraser over a freshly washed and dried window to give it a diamond-bright shine.
  • Polish windows to a sparkling shine with crumpled newspaper. The paper also leaves a film that's resistant to dirt.
  • R­ememb­er that window cleaners pose a threat to woodwork. Don't let them drip on the window sill where they can harm the paint or varnish.