How to Clean Windows Without Streaks
Most streaks come from three things: too much soap, working in direct sun, and drying with a towel instead of a squeegee. Fix those and you'll get close to a professional finish.
The pro method
Wet the glass with a strip washer or sponge and a small amount of dish soap in a bucket of water. Squeegee from top to bottom in overlapping strokes, wiping the blade with a lint-free cloth after every pass. Finish by wiping the edges with a microfiber cloth.
Why sun and heat cause streaks
Solution dries before you squeegee it off, leaving residue. Clean on the shady side of the house or on an overcast day.
Hard water spots
White spots that won't wipe off are mineral deposits from sprinklers or well water. They need a mild acid glass cleaner. Spots that have etched into the glass may not come out fully.
What you can try yourself
- Use a teaspoon or two of dish soap per bucket. More is worse.
- Replace squeegee rubber when it nicks. A nick equals a streak.
- Wipe the squeegee blade after every stroke.
What to avoid
- Paper towels and newspaper, which leave lint.
- Razor blades on tempered or coated glass.
- Ladders on uneven ground or second-story windows without help.
When to call a professional
Two-story windows, sunrooms, and homes with lots of glass are safer and faster with professional window cleaning, screens and tracks included. See our window cleaning service.
What customers say
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Cassanora L. · Google Review
"Excellent service in every way! I highly recommend 1st Class for window cleaning and pressure washing . Nice, polite, skilled workers."
Pam L. · Google Review
"The guys did a thorough job cleaning my windows. When it wasn’t perfect the first time, they returned and made the windows spotless."
Katy R. · Google Review
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