Window Cleaning Inside and Out

20 items · Home · Medium difficulty · 2 hours

A complete checklist for streak-free windows, inside and out.

• Check weather and choose the best time

  Avoid direct sun, freezing temps, or windy conditions for streak-free cleaning.

• Inspect high-window safety and plan helpers

  Use a stable ladder, spotter, harness, or hire a pro for very high windows.

• Gather cleaning supplies

  Bucket, squeegee, scrubber/sponge, microfiber towels, extension pole, vacuum, mild cleaner.

• Fill bucket with appropriate cleaning solution

  Use warm water plus a few drops of dish soap or a dedicated window cleaner.

• Attach squeegee and tools to extension pole

  Secure fittings before use to avoid slips when reaching high windows.

• Remove curtains, blinds, and nearby obstructions

  Move furniture and remove fabric to protect from splashes and speed access.

• Vacuum or brush window tracks and sills

  Remove loose dirt and grit to prevent scratches while washing.

• Dust frames, corners, and window edges

  Use a soft brush or microfiber to clear cobwebs and debris.

• Remove and clean window screens

  Vacuum or hose screens and let them dry before reinstalling.

• Wash frames and sills with a damp cloth

  Clean grime on frames so it doesn't drip onto cleaned glass.

• Dry frames and sills

  Wipe dry to avoid water stains and to prepare for final window drying.

• Pre-rinse exterior windows to remove grit

  Use a hose or spray to loosen dirt before scrubbing.

• Apply cleaning solution with a scrubber or sponge

  Work top to bottom and agitate stuck-on spots gently.

• Squeegee windows using top-to-bottom overlapping strokes

  Hold at a slight angle and overlap each pass for no streaks.

• Wipe the squeegee blade after each pass

  Use a clean cloth to remove water and grit from the blade.

• Dry edges and inspect for streaks with a microfiber cloth

  Run a lint-free cloth along edges and look from different angles.

• Touch up streaks or missed spots with spray and cloth

  Use a small spray bottle and circular motion to remove persistent marks.

• Reinstall screens, blinds, and window treatments

  Ensure screens are fully dry and hardware is secure.

• Rinse and clean tools; empty and dry the bucket

  Store equipment clean and dry to extend tool life.

• Do a final inspection and note maintenance intervals

  Check seals, caulking, and plan regular cleaning every 3–6 months.

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