How to Wash Windows Like a Pro

In this video, window-cleaning expert Garry Jalowka shares some quick tips for getting a streak-free shine.

Pro Tip: Jack Evans, a past president of the International Window Cleaning Association, advises: “Use the weather as an advantage, rather than something to fight. Stay ahead of the sun or behind it.” An overcast, still day slows evaporation—meaning less streaking—and reduces spray-bottle blowback.

Steps:

1. Fill bucket with clean water and add a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent.

2. Wipe down the exterior window frame using a wet terrycloth rag.

3. Dip a window scrubber into the water bucket and then wring out the excess water.

4. Clean the glass with the scrubber to remove all dust and dirt.

5. Wipe the window glass dry with a rubber squeegee. Hold the edge of the squeegee at approximately 30 degrees to the glass, then make a horizontal pass across the window.

6. Use a terrycloth rag to wipe the squeegee dry after every pass.

7. If you’d prefer to wipe down vertically, start by using a dry cloth or end of the squeegee to create a dry edge along the top of the window glass.

8. Next, place the squeegee on the dry edge and pull straight down, cleaning the glass.

9. Use a micro-fiber towel to wipe down the glass one last time.

10. To clean windows with divided lites (panes), use the scrubber to first wash the glass, and then squeegee the glass clean. Only this time, hold a terrycloth rag against the bottom end of the squeegee to catch water and protect the wood muntins.

11. When cleaning windows from inside the house, drape a canvas drop cloth on the floor to catch any water.

12. Pour cleaning solution (water mixed with liquid dishwashing detergent) into a plastic spray bottle, then spray the interior surfaces of the window.

13. Immediately after spraying, clean the glass with a terrycloth rag, followed by a quick wipe down with the micro-fiber towel.

Pro Tip: Brent Weingard, owner of Expert Window Cleaners in New York City, cautions against using paper towels or newspaper: “All that rubbing isn’t a good idea. You’re just moving dirt around from one spot to another and putting a static charge on the glass, which attracts dust and dirt.” That’s why pros rely on a strip washer and squeegee instead.

For multipane windows, consider customizing your squeegee to fit the panes. TOH Magazine featured window-cleaning pro Brent Weingard using a hacksaw to cut a squeegee’s metal channel ¼ inch narrower than the pane, then filing the edges smooth. He cuts the rubber blade to the pane’s full width so it projects ⅛ inch at each end. For scrubbing, Weingard prefers natural sponges over synthetic ones: “They’re firmer and more absorbent than synthetics,” he says.