Yard Answers › window cleaning
How do I clean exterior windows without streaks?
Quick answer
Rinse the glass with a hose first to lift the loose grit, wash with a soft mitt in a bucket of water and a few drops of dish soap, then pull it dry with a squeegee in straight, overlapping strokes from the top down, wiping the blade after every pass. Streaks almost always come from soap that's too strong or sun that dries the solution before you can squeegee it — so clean on a cloudy day or when the wall is in shade. Finish the edges and sill with a clean microfiber cloth, and rinse the screens and flush the tracks while you're at it. Second-story glass that needs a tall ladder is the point to hire a pro; it's a 1–2 hour job for them.
Step by step
- 1Rinse loose grit off the glass with a hose before wiping anything
- 2Wash with a soft mitt in a bucket of water and a few drops of dish soap
- 3Squeegee top to bottom in overlapping strokes, wiping the blade each pass
- 4Dry the frame edges and sill with a clean microfiber cloth
- 5Rinse the screens and flush the tracks, then let everything air-dry
Common questions
Why do my windows streak after I clean them?
Too much soap, or the sun drying the solution before you can squeegee it. Use less soap and clean on a cloudy day or when the glass is in the shade.
Can I use a pressure washer on windows?
Not on the glass — the stream can force water past the seals into the wall and chip old glass or putty. Keep it for siding and frames, low pressure, away from the panes.
How often should outside windows be cleaned?
Twice a year is typical — spring and fall. More often under trees, next to a busy road, or near salt air.
Rather hire a local pro?
Find trusted window cleaning pros near you — call or text them directly.