This Cleaning Trick Will Make Your Windows Spotless in Minutes

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When it comes to cleaning windows, most of us focus on the glass itself—spray, wipe, done. But even when you follow that routine, streaks can still show up.

The difference between a clean window and a pristine window often comes down to one small step most people don’t know: buffing the glass with a dry microfiber cloth after cleaning. “While the first pass is effective for removing flecks and fingerprints, sometimes areas of more-concentrated product are still left behind which form streaks when the glass dries. Switching to a separate dry cloth can be very effective to pick up any remaining residues,” says Noah Pinsonnault, Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Reviews Analyst.

Of course, getting streak-free results also starts before you spray. Removing dust from the window tracks and frame first helps prevent it from mixing with cleaner and leaving behind a cloudy film.

How to clean windows

Start by removing loose dirt from the window frame, tracks, and sill using a vacuum with a crevice attachment, a duster, or a cloth. This step is especially helpful for frequently opened windows, where buildup tends to collect.

Next, run a dry microfiber cloth or disposable duster—like our top pick Swiffer—over the frame and even the glass itself. It may seem like an extra step, but it helps pick up fine dust that vacuums can miss, so it doesn’t turn into a streaky film once cleaner is applied.

When everything is dust-free, spray your glass or window cleaner and wipe with a clean cloth, working from top to bottom. Then, you’ll finish by buffing your window with a microfiber cloth.