The Best Way To Clean Windows And Glass Without Streaks

During my time as a cleaner, I learned a lot about which products were worth saving and splurging on. A good mop? Splash the cash! Glass and metal cleaners? Not so much.

That’s because in my experience, specially-designed glass sprays leave streaks and a thin film behind. As window cleaning services Window Hero write, “Many store-bought cleaners leave behind… soap or chemicals.

“If this residue isn’t thoroughly rinsed, it dries on the glass and causes streaks.”

Instead, I use what I’ve since seen other cleaners swear by: good ol’ washing up liquid, and/or white vinegar.

In an Instagram Reel, cleaning influencer Jessica May showed a video of her using a Dishmatic full of washing-up liquid and white vinegar on her windows.

“Mix equal part[s] dish soap and white vinegar… lightly scrub this over your windows, use a squeegee and voila. I also used a microfibre cloth to remove any excess water from the bottom of the window,” she wrote.

Personally, I’d ditch the Dishmatic: I’d worry that it’d leave far too much product on the surface itself, which could put you at the same streak risk as using a window spray. “If too much cleaning agent is used in the solution, a greasy film can form on the window,” said cleaning product company Karcher.

But as for the ingredients themselves, cleaning company Wecasa said that around a half-teaspoon of washing-up liquid per 500ml of water is ideal for greasy marks.

Meanwhile, a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar to water sprayed on a glass surface is great for everyday dirt.

Karcher agreed with both approaches, though they warned you’ll want to cover any marble sills or nearby surfaces if you’re using vinegar, as it can damage the surface.

And Tradesman Saver wrote that “While there are many commercial glass cleaners available, professional cleaners often prefer simple, homemade solutions,” including one made with one part water, one part white vinegar, and a few “optional” drops of washing-up liquid.

Other ways to achieve a streak-free clean include thoroughly rinsing windows with clean water after applying soaps and wiping them clean with a lint-free microfibre cloth.

Whether you’re using a spray, vinegar, or washing-up liquid, don’t use too much: this is what can leave a film behind.

And try to avoid cleaning windows on sunny days. That can make liquids dry far too fast, leaving residue behind.