Streak Free Window Cleaning Recipe

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This is my no fail, Streak Free Window Cleaning Recipe for outside windows using a couple of simple products you probably already have at home. Wash your windows easily and quickly without wasting time drying and enjoy a crystal clear view today!

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I clean my outside windows maybe once a year. It’s definitely not my favorite chore. Our house is behind a large farming field, so during their harvest time, paired with the pollen in Alabama, sometimes I just have to get out there and clean the windows; or look at them dirty.

Which isn’t really an option very long, I like a clear view.

So, when I need to get outside to clean the windows, I use this no fail, super easy, Streak Free Window Cleaning Recipe. It really takes no time at all. The hardest part is dragging out the hose.

Read on to see how I clean my outside windows, in under 1 hour, using just 3 easy products that I know you already have in your kitchen.

So easy a 5 year old can do it!

What you’ll need

You’ll need 5 things:

• A bucket– I’m using a 3 gallon bucket, fill it with at least 2 gallons of water
• 2 cups White Vinegar– Apple cider vinegar will work in a pinch, but white vinegar is best to use
• 2 tablespoons Dawn degreasing liquid dish soap
• A foam mop- I get these from the Dollar Tree for $1.25, don’t splurge on this, the cheap foam brush head works perfect!
• Hot water

How to clean the windows

First, you’ll want to remove the screens in your windows, if you have them. We removed our screens for a hurricane 4 years ago and never put them back, so I can skip this step.

Next, fill the bucket with your cleaners.

The ratio is 2-2-2

To your bucket pour in 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of Dawn and fill with at least 2 gallons of hot water. That’s it! So simple!

Now it’s time to clean. If you have kids, this is a good activity to keep them busy for a little while, which is why my 5 year is helping me. He has so much fun with the hose.

Once outside, use your hose to spray off the window and loosen any dirt.

Then, dip your foam sponge into the cleaning water and get it nice and wet. Clean the windows thoroughly with the mop, dunking it back into the cleaning water as needed.

Once the window has been cleaned well, rinse with the hose.

That’s all there is to it! No need to dry, the vinegar in the water will help your windows to dry streak free!

Here’s the before:

And the after! No drying! Ta-da!

Continue this process on all of your windows and enjoy your view in no time at all. This works great on car windows, as well. I even clean my shutters and front door while I’m out there.

The long mop pole is great to reach higher windows.

FAQ’s

Is the cleaning solution bad for plants?

Vinegar is used a weed killer, so it’s actually great if you have weeds. If you have planter boxes on your windows or flowers directly under your windows, I suggest removing the planter boxes if possible before cleaning.

The vinegar/Dawn/water solution might be harmful to some plants or flowers, so use your discretion.

What time of day is best to clean?

Unless you have an issue with very hard water, any time of day is good. If you have water with a lot of minerals, stick to cleaning early in the morning or evening when the sun is full out.

What if I have really hard water?

If you have very hard water and a lot of mineral deposits in your water, chances are you normally see white spots when the water dries on your windows. The vinegar in the cleaning solution will help to eliminate those hard water marks.

I live in Alabama, our water hardness is right about in the middle of the scale, with it being more towards the soft side. I don’t have any issues with water spots on my windows after cleaning them and letting them air dry.

If you are still seeing spots on your windows after following the directions above, here are a couple of things you can try:

• Add 1 tablespoon of Jet-Dry Rinse Aid to your cleaning solution
• Add 2 tablespoons of Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to your cleaning water
• Use a squeegee to dry the windows

What is Dawn?

Dawn is a degreasing liquid dish soap. You do not have to use Dawn specifically, as long as the soap is a degreaser. If you live outside of the United States, Fairy is the equivalent to Dawn.

Do I have to use hot water in the bucket?

No, hot water is not necessary. It does help to loosen and remove dirt better, but if you want to use cold water from the hose, that’s just fine.

How do I clean my screens?

To clean your screens, rinse them with water and use the cleaning liquid to wash the screens- after you’re finished cleaning your windows. Set them in the sun to dry and replace once dry.

What about the inside windows?

I love Sprayway for all glass and mirrors. It’s incredible! Use crumbled newspaper instead of paper towels to get a lint free result.

If you’ve been putting off cleaning your outside windows, I hope this post was helpful! If it was, please share it on social media!