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How to clean your windows

A clean glass window with black frame

Overview

Clean windows can make a world of difference to your home, transforming dull and streaky glass into crystal-clear panes that brighten up your space. Want to know how to get the perfect streak-free finish? Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to clean your windows like a pro.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Clean outside the windows

Before you begin, it’s important to clean the areas surrounding the glass. Dirt and grime from the frames or tracks can easily transfer onto your windows during the cleaning process. Grab a microfibre cloth and wipe down the window frames, seals, and tracks. These spots often collect more dirt than the glass itself, so take your time to thoroughly clean them. This will prevent any dust or debris from spreading while you clean the windows.

A woman is cleaning an outside window with a microfiber cloth for a spotless finish

2Prepare the cleaning solution

Next, prepare your cleaning solution. You can use a store-bought window cleaning product or mix up your own at home. A D.I.Y. solution can be made by combining water, a small amount of dishwashing liquid, and vinegar. Adding a splash of dishwasher rinse aid is a great trick to help rainwater slide off the glass, keeping your windows looking cleaner for longer.

Pour the cleaning solution into a bucket, so you’re ready to apply it to the glass.

A person wearing gloves is preparing a cleaning solution by pouring dishwashing liquid into a bucket.

3 Wash the glass

Once the window frames and tracks are clean, it’s time to focus on the windows. Dip a window washer or a soft sponge into the bucket of cleaning solution. Apply it generously to the glass, working from the top of the window to the bottom.

This method ensures that any dirt or grime is loosened and carried downward as you work.

A Bunnings Team Member wearing gloves is cleaning a window using a window washer and cleaning solution.

4 Dry the windows

Use a squeegee to remove the solution and achieve a streak-free finish. Start at the top corner of the window and pull the squeegee down in straight, even lines. Be sure to wipe the blade with a clean microfibre cloth after each pass. This prevents the squeegee from spreading water or dirt back onto the glass.

Once the glass is clean, use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the edges and corners of the window to catch any drips or missed spots.

A woman wearing gloves using a squeegee to remove the cleaning solution from a window to achieve a streak-free finish.

5Quicker solution

If you’re after an even quicker and easier clean, consider using a window vacuum. After applying the cleaning solution, run the windows vac over the surface of the glass. It will suck up the water along with any dirt, leaving your windows dry and sparkling.

A Bunnings Team Member wearing gloves uses a window vacuum cleaner to remove cleaning solution from a window.

6Clean inside the windows

After the outside is spotless, move indoors to clean the interior windows. Spray the glass with a window cleaning spray and use a microfibre cloth to wipe it clean. If you don’t have a microfibre cloth on hand, newspaper or paper towel works just as well.

Tip: Wipe one side of the glass horizontally and the other vertically. This makes it easier to identify if any streaks are on the inside or outside of the window, so you can quickly address them.
A Bunnings team member is spraying a "Window Wonder" glass cleaner on an interior window.

7Looking for more D.I.Y. projects for home?

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.