Simple tips for sparkling streak-free windows every time

Window cleaning is a tough job that’s usually put off until the last possible minute – with dirty marks constantly appearing just days after you’ve given them a good clean.

The stubborn streaks can be frustrating to wipe away, with most choosing to avoid the task altogether, opting to complete other jobs first. If you face these same struggles, there are some things that can be done to perfect your window cleaning – and the best bit is, it doesn’t need to be hard work.

Make sure the weather is right

Before you start cleaning your windows, take a look at the weather. Surprisingly, clear sunny days aren’t the best to clean your windows. It turns out direct sunlight can actually dry your windows too fast, leaving streaks from your cleaning products.

While the cold weather may make you want to stay in bed all day, getting out into the gloomy outdoors could save you time in the long run. So pull on those jumpers and trackies and get the cleaning out of the way before sitting back and relaxing with a cool glass of wine.

Wipe down window sills before you clean the glass

Ever started cleaning your windows and ended up smearing dirt all over, leaving them looking much worse than when you first started? Well, that’s why it’s important to clean the window sills and frames before the window glass.

With the windy weather wreaking havoc across parts of Australia of late, the dust is sure to build up in those little crevices and make the cleaning job that much harder. To avoid any frustration, try sweeping any dust and dirt with a dustpan or broom and then give the window sills and frames a quick wipe over.

Use a sponge with warm soapy water first

Before you reach for the Windex or any other window/glass cleaning sprays, try giving your windows a good wash with a sponge and warm soapy water. The key is to use just a little bit of soap, otherwise you’ll end up streaking your windows!

Wet your sponge with the water, wring it out and give your windows a good scrub. This is perfect if you have particularly stubborn stains on the outside. Plus it will also help with the dust that you weren’t able to remove with the broom.

Get the squeegee right

Giving your windows a streak-free clean can all come down to the way you squeegee them. Sloppy squeegeeing can leave streaks on your windows. So, what’s the best way to squeegee your windows? Start in the top corner, moving across and down the windows in a reverse-S pattern (left to right, right to left, left to right).

As you move down the window, stop and wipe the squeegee blade – that way you won’t spread dirt around the window. If you want to get the best results, spray on a little bit of window cleaner and squeegee the windows a second time.

Buff your windows with newspaper

Before you throw out those old newspapers piling up in the lounge room think back to that old trick your parents may have told you about using them for cleaning windows. It turns out they aren’t just good at keeping you up to date with the news, but the experts say you’ll get a streak-free and shiny window by buffing with a wad of newspaper.

Apparently, the paper and ink will help your windows sparkle. All you need to do is fold the newspaper in half to make a solid wad and wipe down your window in a consistent vertical or horizontal direction. Then step back and look how lovely and sparkly the windows are.