Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning windows (and what to do instead)

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As the weather changes, and we start to see the rain even more frequently, you might start to notice your windows looking grimier than usual. 

However, cleaning them the wrong way – as many people do – can only make matters worse. Jamie Jones, founder of Open Space Concepts, reveals the mistakes not to make when cleaning glass, plus some simple, but unusual, ways to keep your windows sparkling and streak-free. 

What makes your windows dirty?

Firstly, it’s important to know that rain isn’t what makes your windows dirty – but it’s not doing a great job at cleaning them either. 

Windows are open to all the elements and can gather all kinds of substances, dirt and grime year-round, such as dust, pollen and tree sap. Rain can disturb this dirt – which sometimes you might not even notice at first, and make it even more noticeable.

Five mistakes to avoid when cleaning glass

To help you get your windows sparkling here are five mistakes to avoid when cleaning glass – and what to do instead.

1) Using the wrong products 

When cleaning windows many people use the wrong cleaning products or techniques, which can actually cause a build-up of residue and contribute to streaks on glass surfaces. 

Harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths or sponges can damage the glass and leave behind streaks. Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners are two of these harsh chemicals, they can strip away the protective coatings on glass.

So what should you do instead? While it might sound odd, white bread can act as a great window cleaning solution as it acts as a mild and gentle abrasive. Roll a piece of white bread without the crusts into a ball and wet it with a small amount of water or vinegar. You’ll find it removes dirt and grime and doesn’t leave any scratches behind. 

2) Forgetting to use a clean cloth

Microfibre cloths are best because they’re lint-free and gentle on surfaces. However, they do hide dirt, and dirty cloths can leave dust and particles on glass. To get a professional finish, always ensure your cloth is properly clean before starting the job.

3) Washing windows on a sunny day

While you might think a sunny day is best for the job, we always advise people to clean glass windows on a cloudy day because if the windows get direct exposure to sunshine while being cleaned, this can speed up the drying process, leaving behind streaky marks. 

If the sun does make an appearance, just make sure you wash your windows when they are shaded to avoid the sun from causing any spots or marks.

4) Cleaning in circular motions 

Getting the technique right is something people often can get wrong when cleaning windows. For example, wiping glass in circular motions instead of straight strokes can spread grime around rather than getting rid of it.

Always clean windows from top to bottom before finishing with a squeegee to get a streak-free finish. Use your squeegee in an ‘S’ motion, starting from the top of the window before working down. 

If you’re giving the glass a good and proper clean, make sure to rinse it properly after using your solution, or residue can be left behind, which will dry and create streaks.

5) Not making the most out of cupboard ingredients

There are many staples in our homes that can actually double up as cleaning magic for our windows. Save your cloudy rice water after you’ve finished cooking, and all you need to do is use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the glass. 

It’s the starch which helps to get rid of dirt, and again, it leaves no streaks. This is a good option for people whose homes have hard water coming through their taps, which can leave stains because of the calcium and other minerals it leaves behind.

To polish your windows, baby oil is a great solution to polish your glass surfaces. Put a little bit on a clean cloth and use it to remove stubborn marks, leaving windows with a shiny finish.  

Jamie Jones is an outdoor living specialist and founder of Open Space Concepts, which specialises in glass rooms and glass verandas.