The Best Way to Clean Windows

 Washing windows is a tedious task, so you need to make sure you get it right the first time. To avoid having to redo her work, we tapped with Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab for her expert advice.
1. Choose a dry, cloudy day.
"Do this job in the scorching sun and the cleaner will dry on hot windows before you can clean them, leaving streaks that are difficult to remove," says Forte. If the weather is uncooperative, start on the shady side of the house.

2. Remove dirt and dust first.
Before you begin, remove dirt from the window frame with a brush or vacuum it with the machine dusting attachment. This will prevent dirt from turning into a muddy mess when mixed with a cleaner. If the window screen looks especially dirty, remove it and wash it with hot soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse and allow to dry before replacing it. To quickly remove dust from curtains and blinds, Forte recommends cleaning both sides with a microfiber duster or opening the slats and wiping each one with a damp cloth followed by a dry one. You can also refresh your curtains at the same time by putting them in the dryer for 15 minutes on an "air only" cycle and quickly re-hanging them to avoid wrinkles.

3. Pick the right cleaner — and spritz generously.
Don't hold back the spray, especially if your windows look very dirty. "You need a lot of cleaners to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely cleaned - skip it and you'll see streaks," says Forte.

She recommends Invisible Glass Cleaner With EZ Grip. The fine mist from the bottle stays where you spray until you clean it, which means less dripping and mess. Also, check out these other job-tested cleaners.

4. Use a microfiber cloth.

Some people like to dry their glasses with newspaper, but a reusable microfiber cloth is best. "They're super absorbent, washable, and leave the glass shiny and streak-free," says Forte. Try Casabella Microfiber Glass Cloths, which have a special honeycomb texture to remove water stains, stains, and dirt from mirrors and glass without scratching them. If you prefer to use paper towels, choose a brand that's up to the task. Weak paper towels can tear and leave lint. In our last paper towel test, GH Seal Holder Bounty Regular held up best when wet.

5. Skip the squeegee.

"Professional window cleaners trust them, but you have to know how to use them correctly," says Forte. "You run down and where does the water go? On the ground." Due to the possible clutter and drip factor, avoid using scrapers, especially for small panels, but they may be more useful on larger panoramic windows.

6. Break it down.

You only need to clean your windows once or twice a year, Forte says, but it's even easier if you break up the work and do it room by room. When cleaning, wipe one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. If streaks form, you will easily know if they are outside or inside.