Every home is sure to have windows—after all, they’re an essential part of a building’s structure. Light and the warmth of sunlight can stream into the room through these windows, while we also get to glimpse the world outside. Yet, keeping windows clean can be a real challenge for many people. In fact, cleaning windows isn’t nearly as difficult as it often seems.
　　The first step to cleaning windows
　　To properly clean your windows, you should first follow a few basic steps before you start washing. The first step is to remove the window screens. To make it easier to reattach them later, you can use a pencil to lightly mark the frames—this way, once cleaning is done, you can simply align the marks and snap the screens back into place. Why a pencil instead of another type of pen? Because most other pens tend to fade or smudge when exposed to water, making a pencil the ideal choice for marking the frames.
　　Place the removed screen in or next to the bathtub. Gently rinse the glass with a garden hose or showerhead to remove any spider webs, dust, and other debris clinging to it.
　　1. Fill a bucket with soapy water (dish soap works too), dip a short-bristled brush into the solution, and gently scrub the screen in circular motions to ensure the glass surface is thoroughly coated with plenty of soap foam.
　　2. Use a garden hose or showerhead to rinse off the soap thoroughly, then let the screen air dry. If any of the screens need repair or replacement, there’s no need to reinstall them—just set them aside for now and deal with them when you have the time. Also, don’t rush to put the screens back in place unless you’ve completed all the subsequent window-cleaning steps. Cleaning the screens is the first—and crucial—step: if you skip this step and leave the screens uncleaned, dust, grime, and spider webs will cause your freshly cleaned windows to get dirty again much faster.
　　Introduction to Window Cleaning Products
　　After you’ve finished washing the glass, it’s time to choose a cleaning product—whether you pick one from the store or make your own at home. Either way, you’ll need something to wipe down your windows. In fact, there are countless types of cleaning products available on the market, and the best choice depends entirely on your personal preferences.
　　Paper handkerchiefs are one option, but the downside of using them is that they leave behind tiny paper bits on your windows after you’re done—potentially making your windows look less than spotless. Of course, you could opt for higher-quality, extra-sturdy paper handkerchiefs; in fact, some brands even sell specialized paper handkerchiefs designed specifically for window cleaning. If you still prefer using paper handkerchiefs to clean your windows, you might want to consider following the tips mentioned above.
　　Similarly, you can use lint-free cloths—such as sheepskin, microfiber, or other similar products—to wipe down your windows. These will help you achieve a super-clean, "spotless as new" finish.
　　Another great helper for cleaning windows—and one that every household already has—is newspaper. You might wonder, "Won’t the black ink from the newspaper stain my hands or smudge onto the windows or other areas of the house?" Don’t worry! The ink on the newspaper won’t transfer onto your windows at all. Simply roll up a sheet of newsprint and wipe your windows horizontally to achieve the perfect, streak-free shine.
　　Another widely used window-cleaning tool is coffee filter paper. The method is the same as the newspaper technique mentioned earlier: simply wipe horizontally, then use circular motions to polish the window until it shines like new.
　　How to Clean Window Gutters
　　Before you clean the outer edges of your windows, make sure to also clear out the window drainage channels. Just as regular maintenance keeps your home in top shape, cleaning the gutters prevents sewage from flowing back inside, helping to maintain a clean and hygienic living environment while minimizing damage caused by water stains. If you fail to clean the gutters regularly, wastewater could easily seep back into the house through the drainage system, potentially leading to severe damage to your walls and roof.
　　You might need to climb onto the roof using a ladder to clean your gutters. Remember not to lean the ladder against the gutters or water pipes, as these are made of aluminum—material that can easily bend or even crack. Using them as ladder supports would be extremely dangerous. Once you’re on the roof, start by putting on gloves. Then, use your hands, a large spoon, or even a specialized gutter-cleaning tool—or even a small garden trowel—to scoop out leaves, branches, and other debris from the gutters. If there are clumps of stubborn dirt or waste inside, first soak them with water before carefully removing them. After clearing the debris, collect it in a bucket or trash bag and dispose of it properly. Next, make sure your downspouts aren’t blocked after cleaning. To prevent future clogs, place a rubber hose at the top of the roof so that rainwater and other runoff can flow smoothly through the system during rainfall. If you’re still having trouble clearing blockages in the pipes, try gently loosening the obstruction with a small plunger, a screwdriver, or even a bent coat hanger. Finally, once the gutters and downspouts are free of debris, give them a thorough rinse with a garden hose. Besides ensuring they’re spotless, this step also allows you to inspect the system for any cracks or leaks. To further reduce clutter in your gutters, consider covering them with a plastic mesh or netting. This simple solution will significantly cut down on the amount of debris entering your gutters—and it’ll make future cleaning much easier, too. Just remove the mesh or netting periodically to wash it off, and you’ll have clear, functional gutters in no time!
　　How to Clean the Edges of Window Glass
　　Don’t forget to clean the outer edges of your window glass. To do this, grab a broom. Start by using the dry broom to sweep away spiderwebs and any dried-up grime. If your windows are particularly dirty, fill a bucket with warm, soapy water, dip the broom into the solution, and then give your windows a thorough scrub. Once you’ve finished cleaning, use a garden hose to rinse the windows thoroughly, followed by wiping them dry with a rubber squeegee—available at most home improvement stores or in the cleaning supplies section of large supermarkets. You might even consider getting a long-handled squeegee, though a shorter one that matches the length of your broom will work just as well. After drying the windows, you’ll enjoy a crystal-clear view of the world outside—and let’s not forget, your windows will look brand-new again!
　　Remember this: When using a rubber squeegee, always wipe your windows vertically—from top to bottom. This is the most effective way to ensure your window glass edges come out sleek and spotless. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can spray commercially available window cleaner directly onto the glass and then wipe it vertically across the surface. As for the outside pane, whether you choose to wipe horizontally or vertically depends on how you cleaned the inside glass—whether you went with horizontal or vertical strokes. And if, after cleaning, you notice streaks of cleaner remaining on the window, simply check whether those streaks run horizontally or vertically. That’ll tell you which side still needs a quick rinse, saving you time in the process.
　　Remove small stains from the window
　　There’s a simple method to effortlessly remove dirt from your window glass—whether it’s cake crumbs, dust, or even paint stains. First, avoid wetting the grime, as moisture only makes the dirt stickier and harder to clean. Instead, grab a thin blade or a sharp utility knife. Position the blade directly beneath the stain, ensuring the flat edge is snug against the window glass. Then, apply gentle but firm pressure to push the blade upward—and if needed, lightly rock it back and forth from side to side. This technique will easily lift the dirt away. If any stubborn residue remains, simply repeat the process until everything is thoroughly cleaned. Just remember to use a razor-sharp blade that lies perfectly flat against the glass. And if you’re concerned about cutting yourself, consider placing padding on either side of the blade—it’ll make the task easier while keeping your fingers safe.
　　Simply wrap the blade on both sides with clear tape or adhesive tape to protect your fingers. However, make sure the tape is thin enough—otherwise, it’ll be cumbersome to work with and won’t effectively remove dirt. After completing this step, proceed to clean your window as described earlier. If the grime is particularly stubborn and some residue remains on the glass even after you’ve removed most of it, don’t worry about it for now. Instead, wait a few moments before gently scraping it off again with the blade.
　　How to Clean Indoor Glass and Window Frames
　　A clean window paired with a dirty window frame is definitely an unpleasant sight. Cleaning both the frame and the windowsill is equally important. And it’s a mistake to think that this dirt won’t affect your windows—after all, grime on the frame and sill can easily smudge even the freshly cleaned glass.
　　To ensure the windows are thoroughly cleaned, start by using a vacuum cleaner to remove spider webs, dust, and dirt from the window frames. Next, dip a cloth into pre-prepared hot soapy water, wring out as much moisture as possible, and use it to wipe down both the window frames and sills. Be sure to scrub away all grime, then let the frames dry completely before moving on to cleaning the interior window panes.
　　Prepare your cleaning solution and wiping tools (soft cloth, newspaper, coffee filter paper, microfiber cloth, or paper towels), then spray the cleaning solution evenly onto the window glass. Make sure the solution covers the entire surface of the glass. When wiping, start from the outside and work your way inward—moving horizontally from top to bottom. (Remember: if you’re wiping horizontally on the outer pane, your strokes on the inner pane should be vertical. This way, if any streaks or residue from the cleaning solution remain, you’ll immediately spot whether they’re on the inside or outside glass.) If you’re using newspaper or coffee filter paper, you can gently rub in circular motions across the glass surface—this is a fantastic technique for achieving a sparkling, gleaming finish!