Our Step-by-Step Method

This is the exact process our team uses on every visit to get a streak-free shine:

1. Dust and vacuum first. Before any glass cleaner touches the window, we dust the frame and glass to knock loose any dry debris, then vacuum the window sills, ledges, and the tracks around the window. Cleaning glass over a sill full of dust just pushes grime back onto the window later.
2. Spray in an S-pattern. We use Sprayway Glass Cleaner, applied in a smooth S-shaped motion across the glass so the whole surface gets even coverage — no heavy pooling in one spot and thin, missed patches in another.
3. Squeegee top to bottom. Starting at the top of the window, we pull the squeegee down in overlapping strokes, wiping the blade clean between passes. Working top to bottom in one direction (instead of circles or random wiping) is what actually prevents streaks — it clears the cleaner and lifted dirt off the glass in a single pass instead of just moving it around.

Cleaning Exterior & Outside Windows

The same core method works for cleaning exterior windows, with a couple of adjustments. Outdoor glass usually has more built-up dust, pollen, and hard water spotting than interior glass, so it can take an extra pass with the glass cleaner before squeegeeing. If you're washing windows outside on a sunny day, try to work in the shade or on an overcast day if you can — direct sun dries the cleaner too fast, which is one of the most common causes of streaking outdoors.

High or Hard-to-Reach Windows

For cleaning high windows or a second-story window you can't comfortably reach, an extension pole with a squeegee/washer head lets you use the same technique from the ground. That said, we only clean as high as a 2-step ladder safely reaches — for anything above that, it's worth calling in a professional rather than risking a fall for a window.

The Traditional Soap & Water Method

Spray cleaners are convenient, but a lot of professional window cleaners still use the older, tried-and-true method — and we use this style too, especially on windows with heavier buildup:

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bucket. Some cleaners add a splash of ammonia or vinegar for extra cutting power on grease and grime.
2. Scrub the glass with a soft washer or sponge sleeve, soaking the whole window in the soapy solution to loosen dirt before it's removed.
3. Squeegee it off the same way — starting with a horizontal strip across the top, then pulling down in overlapping strokes, wiping the blade after each pass.
4. Detail the edges with a lint-free cloth to catch any drips along the frame or sill before they dry.

Both methods rely on the same principle — loosen the dirt, then squeegee it off in one clean pass. The spray-and-squeegee method is faster for routine maintenance; the soap-and-water method tends to work a little better on windows that haven't been cleaned in a while.

Get Your Windows Cleaned Without the Effort

Whether it's a quick spray-and-squeegee or a full soap-and-water pass on heavier buildup, we handle the whole thing as part of your regular cleaning — no separate appointment needed. Interior window cleaning can be added to any visit.