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How to Clean Windows Like a Pro

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

Your windows need cleaning at least twice a year and it’s a job that many of us do not enjoy. So, if you’re looking for some quick and easy tips on how to clean your windows like a professional, then you’ve come to the right place.

Cleaning windows
Cleaning a window like a professional is easier than you think

Below we’ve got the secrets on how to get your windows sparkling clean as if they’ve been cleaned professionally.

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Avoid Harsh Detergents

You may think that you need to use harsh detergents to get your windows clean, but you don’t need to.

Cleaning a window like a professional

Professional window cleaners don’t use harsh detergents as not only are they ineffective, they are also bad for the environment and can even be harmful to the person who uses them.

You don’t even need to buy expensive soap. Any basic liquid dish soap like this is perfectly fine.

The majority of these detergents will in fact just leave a residue on your windows, which will be difficult to clean off.

Window Washing Liquid
All you need is basic liquid dish soap and wam water. That’s it!

So all you need to get your windows looking like a professional has cleaned them is a small amount of liquid soap and warm water.

RELATED – Discover how to clean your floors like a professional with our best vacuum cleaners guide.

The Tools You’ll Need

When it comes to cleaning your windows like a professional you will not need many tools, however, you do need to have the right tools in order to get the results that you’re after.

Cleaning a window

Below is a list of tools that you’ll need to get your windows looking clean:

#1. A tool to get water on your windows

A professional window cleaner will probably use a plastic T-bar, which contains a synthetic washer on the end. These are inexpensive and easy to find on Amazon and elsewhere. If you look after it and use it properly it should last you.

#2. A tool to take water off your windows

To get the water off your windows you need to have a good quality squeegee. A professional window cleaner will probably have one that has T-bar handle and a rubber blade at the top.

#3. Shammy to wipe down the edge of the window

Your shammy (aka chamois) will be used to remove anything that the squeegee missed. A shammy is used to make sure that your windows finish looking clean and smudge free. A shammy will also last you a long time if it properly cared for.

You can use a modern shammy like this or even just get a nice multi-purpose micro-fiber cleaning clothe.

The Technique

If you’re not sure of the technique used to clean windows, then it is worth watching a professional at work. Check out the video below for a quick window cleaning lesson (we start at it 0:35 seconds so it jumps right into the relevant cleaning part):

The techniques that a professional uses are not difficult and will not take you long to master.

How to Clean Windows Step by Step

Below we will outline the technique that you should follow in three easy steps:

  1. Put a small amount of soap into a bucket of warm water, you don’t want to create many bubbles. Wash your windows using this solution.
  2. You will now need to clean your windows using your squeegee. Begin in the top left and create an S pattern as you work your way down the window. Use a lint-free rag to clean the squeegee’s blade when you finish each stroke.
  3. You will now need to dry off any remaining water using the shammy. A shammy is excellent at soaking up any excess water without leaving streaks. Your windowsills will also need drying with a rag.

Removing Difficult Stains

If you have any stubborn stains that you are struggling to remove, you may need the help of some fine steel wool.

Multi-Pane Windows

If you have windows that contain multi-panes, you’ll need to follow the below method:

  1. Begin by scrubbing each pane using a sponge. Using the same solution as above, scrub each pane starting from the left to the right, and the top to bottom. Make sure that you push your sponge into the corners / edges to remove any dirt.
  2. Use your squeegee and pull it down in a single stroke to the bottom. Don’t forget to clean the blade after each stroke to avoid streaks. If you do find that you have some streaks, use the shammy to remove them.
Multi Pane Window
Multi Pane Window

Indoor Windows

If you want to clean the windows in your home, then you can use a squeegee indoors too. The trick is to remove as much of the soapy water out of the squeegee to prevent the water from dripping.

Keep a rag close by so that you can wipe up any water that tries to run onto your woodwork.

Just remember that this rag needs to be a different one from the one that you use to wipe the edges of your windows.

Testing Hobot 298 robot
Placing the Hobot 298 on the window

Another good option for indoor windows (in addition to outdoor) is a window cleaning robot. We’ve tested a few of these robots and their performance is pretty solid.

See our reviews here:

Using the HOBOT 198 window cleaning robot
Using the HOBOT 198 window cleaning robot

The Final Word

Well, that’s it! Cleaning your windows like a professional isn’t nearly as difficult as it might seem.

Got any questions or comments? Please drop us a comment below. We’re always happy to help.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.