Clean windows without leaving streaks – with these 5 home remedies you can do it without any chemicals!

Cleaning windows without streaks is not rocket science. On the contrary. With the right cleaning technique and suitable cleaning agents, even the inexperienced can achieve the perfect streak-free look. So you can enjoy a beautiful view through the windows of your home every day and feel more comfortable and free. Especially after the pollen flights in spring or at the end of summer, windows need a thorough cleaning that lets them shine again. It looks different depending on the degree of pollution and where you live, but in principle it is advisable to clean the windows about 2-3 times a year. Check out below how best to do this and some simple home remedies to use successfully.

Clean windows without leaving streaks – forget the chemicals!

Brief instructions for cleaning windows without streaks

Get the basic equipment and the selected cleaning agent in advance (you will find an overview below) and get started.

Basic equipment for a streak-free window cleaning:

• soft hand broom (for heavily soiled windows)
• Washer/window wiper or sponge
• lint-free cotton cloth
• microfiber cloth
• chamois leather
• window squeegee
• spray bottle
• Bucket
• newspaper, nylon stocking (for polishing, optional)

Newspaper is a well-established tool for cleaning windows

1st step:

If the windows are visibly dirty, first wipe them with a soft hand broom. Then thoroughly clean the window frame and sill with a sponge. Only use water here and avoid any acidic agents, especially on marble or other sensitive surfaces. Dump the dirty water from the bucket and fill up with new. Wash and wring out the sponge thoroughly.

Experienced people advise using a window wiper when cleaning windows

2nd step:

Put the cleaning agent in the water and dip the sponge in it. Begin by roughly cleaning the window, using snake-like movements from top to bottom. If there is heavy soiling, let it soak briefly. Then take the window squeegee and start squeezing the water off the window horizontally, strip by strip, from top to bottom. When you get to the edge, wipe the squeegee’s rubber lip with a clean, lint-free cotton cloth and proceed.

Depending on the window size, you can also work with wavy swings

3rd step:

Take a clean, dry microfiber cloth and wipe the window edges. You can also use it to dab and buff away any water streaks that may have remained. You can also use nylon stockings or newspaper for optimal polishing. In the second case, however, there is a disadvantage to be reckoned with, namely the discolouring printing ink could discolour your window frames in an unpleasant way. After you’ve finished polishing your windows, you can relax and be proud of yourself. You did it! Your windows are clean without streaks.

5 simple household remedies with which you can clean windows without leaving streaks

On the market you will of course find a myriad of chemical window cleaners and other cleaning agents for every possible purpose. In most cases, however, these are not particularly environmentally friendly and may also endanger your health. It is therefore advisable to clean the windows with natural household products, without any chemicals. Here are 5 effective home remedies at a glance:

1. Vinegar

You can use either white wine vinegar or clear apple cider vinegar. Dilute it with lukewarm water and stir briefly. Start cleaning the window as normal, as described in the instructions above. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can choose one that has a certain added aroma, such as rose or lavender.

2. Lemon Juice

Proceed in a similar way with the lemon juice. This has the same function and effect. You can even enrich it with a little baking soda for stubborn dirt. In any case, be careful. Window frames and sensitive surfaces must be protected with foil.

3. Spirits/Alcohol

Just add a good splash of it to the cleaning water and follow the cleaning process as described above. Only clean the window panes with it and not the frame or window sill, as this could damage them.

4. Black Tea

Be careful with the window frame! This can discolour a bit when it comes into contact with the tea. You should therefore be extremely careful with this home remedy, especially if you have white window frames and sills.

5. Linseed Oil

This home remedy is not so much about cleaning, but much more about polishing, or rather preparatory work during the cleaning process. If your windows have become a bit dull over time, you can give them more shine with linseed oil. And how? Very easily. Take a rag and put some linseed oil on it. Apply this to the whole window pane and let it work for a few minutes. Afterwards wipe off the remaining oil with kitchen towels and only then clean the windows thoroughly.

Extra tips for cleaning windows without streaks:

• use distilled or boiled water, lukewarm water is ideal;
• Clean windows first on the inside and then on the outside;
• avoid direct sunlight because cleaning water evaporates faster and leaves streaks;
• Use organic detergent – an all-rounder when cleaning around the house

Alternatively:

• choose self-cleaning window glass with titanium dioxide nanoparticles
• get a window vacuum or window cleaning robot

Have fun cleaning the window without leaving streaks and good luck!