How to Wash Windows

Window washing and spring cleaning go together. If you’ve ever spent a good part of a day (or more) washing windows, you know that it can be a tedious and time-consuming task. If you’re looking for a better (quicker and easier) way to accomplish a house full of clean windows, I have two methods to share with you today.

The first method is great for small windows or a couple windows at a time. This recipe is one I’ve shared before – it’s seriously the best recipe for cleaning glass and mirrors that I’ve ever mixed up. It works because it harnesses the power of vinegar for cleaning and the rubbing alcohol works to help the solution dry quickly and streak -free.

Window + Mirror Cleaning Spray

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix in a spray bottle (I recommend using glass spray bottles), spray liberally on the glass and wipe clean with a cleaning cloth. Wipe from top to bottom and left to right.

I’m LOVING the new polishing cloths for cleaning window and mirrors – find them in the Cleaning Cloth Kits.

If I’m doing a larger window washing session, I mix up this heavy duty window washing solution and use a squeegee to get the job done quickly.

Heavy Duty Window Washing Solution

• 4 tablespoons dish soap or castile soap
• 4 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
• about 1/2 gallon of warm water

Start with a large flat container and put in 4 tablespoons of soap and 4 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Fill the container with about 1/2 gallon of warm water and bring the container over to your windows. Place the container on a large bath towel or two in case there are any drips or spills.

In order to wash windows this way, you need a squeegee. I’m using one similar to this one, it’s extendable and has a washable microfiber scrubbing pad. Here’s a similar one – but you need a pole with it if you have tall windows.

Dip your squeegee in the window washing solution, press the excess water out, and apply the pad to your window (do one window at a time). Once you have scrubbed your window, work left to right and top to bottom with the rubber side of your squeegee. Wipe off any excess water on the squeegee as you’re working. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe up any streaks and drips on your windows. Bonus: a microfiber cloth will keep your windows streak and lint-free.

If your windows are dirty (like mine were) you’ll see dirty water drips on your window sills. Tackle two cleaning tasks at the same time and take a minute to wipe up each window sill as you go.

Have you tackled any windows yet? I hope this post gives you a little bit of motivation and direction for washing windows this spring (and beyond).