How to Effectively Clean Glass (Without the Streaks)

You just cleaned your windows. You step back, proud of the work. Then the sun hits. Streaks everywhere. Sound familiar?

It happens to almost everyone. The good news? A few simple changes fix it fast.

Why Glass Is So Hard to Clean

Glass looks simple. It's not.

It holds onto everything: fingerprints, dust, hard water minerals, and soap residue. Most people make it worse without realizing it.

"I used to go through rolls of paper towels and still couldn't get a streak-free finish. Turns out, the towels were the problem the whole time." — Maria, a house cleaner with 12 years of experience

The Tools You Actually Need

Skip the fancy sprays. The right tools matter more.

• Microfiber cloths (not paper towels, not newspaper)
• A squeegee for large windows
• A spray bottle
• Distilled water (tap water leaves mineral deposits)
• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol

The Best DIY Glass Cleaning Solution

You don't need store-bought cleaner. This works better.

Mix:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol

That's it. Cheap, effective, and streak-free.

How to Clean Glass Step by Step

Step 1: Dry Dust First

Wipe the glass with a dry microfiber cloth first. Remove loose dust and debris before any liquid touches the surface. Spraying over dust creates muddy smears.

Step 2: Apply Your Solution

Spray lightly. You don't need to soak the glass. Too much liquid is one of the biggest mistakes people make.

Step 3: Wipe in a Pattern

• Use horizontal strokes on one side
• Use vertical strokes on the other side

This trick helps you quickly spot which side a streak is on.

Step 4: Buff Any Remaining Spots

Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Buff in small circles until the glass is clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cleaning in direct sunlight - The solution dries too fast and leaves streaks
• Using paper towels - They leave lint and fibers behind
• Spraying too much product - Less is more with glass
• Skipping the dry wipe - Always remove dust first
• Using dirty cloths - A dirty cloth just moves grime around

Hard Water Stains on Glass

Hard water stains are stubborn. Vinegar alone sometimes isn't enough.

Try this:

1. Make a paste with baking soda and water
2. Apply it to the stain
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes
4. Scrub gently with a soft cloth
5. Rinse and dry

For really bad buildup, a glass-safe razor scraper can help. Use it at a low angle and keep the glass wet.

Interior vs. Exterior Glass

They need slightly different approaches.

Interior glass:

• Less grime overall
• Focus on fingerprints and dust
• One round of cleaning usually does it

Exterior glass:

• Deals with pollen, dirt, and weather
• May need a pre-rinse with a hose
• A squeegee works best here

What the Pros Do Differently

A window cleaning company owner once told me: "Most homeowners use too much product and the wrong cloth. If you fix just those two things, you get 80% better results."

He's right. Professional cleaners use minimal solution, high-quality microfiber, and a squeegee technique that pulls product off in one clean motion.

Practice the squeegee pull. It feels awkward at first. After a few windows, it clicks.

A Note on Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Vinegar-based solutions are safe for the environment. They're also safe around kids and pets. Most store-bought glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can irritate lungs and skin.

Making your own solution costs less and works just as well. Sometimes better.

Clean glass doesn't require expensive products. It requires the right technique.