How to Naturally Clean Exterior Windows (Without the Streaks)

Tired of streaky outside windows? Here’s how I naturally clean exterior windows using vinegar, a squeegee, and a method that works.

I’m convinced that window washing exists solely to humble us. You scrub. You rinse. You squint. You inspect the glass from six inches away like a detective. You finally sit down with your coffee… and there they are. Streaks. Smudges. Random mystery spots that show up only after you sit down.

Exterior windows are the worst offenders. Dirt, pollen, bug guts, and whatever else the weather throws at them all season long. Every cleaner promises better results and somehow delivers worse ones.

After a lot of trial, error, and muttering under my breath, I’ve landed on a simple, natural way to clean exterior windows that really works. No harsh chemicals. No pressure washer. Just a method that doesn’t have me redoing the same window over and over.

Why Going Natural Makes Window Cleaning Easier

I’ll admit, I used to assume stronger cleaners meant cleaner windows. Turns out, that’s often the problem. Most commercial window cleaners leave behind residue. A little sun or breeze and it’s already dried in place. Hello, streaks.

A vinegar-based cleaner, used correctly, cuts through grime without leaving a film behind. Pair that with a good squeegee and proper technique, and you get glass that stays clear longer.

This approach also keeps overspray safer for plants, siding, and the soil around your home. That matters to me, especially here in Maine where everything grows all at once and I don’t want to mess it up.

My Go-To Natural Exterior Window Cleaning Recipe

This is what I use on my own windows. It’s simple, inexpensive, and made from three things I already keep on hand.

Natural Window Cleaning Solution

Ingredients

• White vinegar
• Warm water
• A tiny drop of liquid dish soap (optional)

How I Mix It
I use a bucket or large spray bottle and mix:

• 1 part white vinegar
• 1 part warm water

If the windows are especially grimy, I’ll add one small drop of dish soap, and I mean small. Too much soap is a fast track to streaks.

Why This Works

• Vinegar handles pollen, mineral buildup, and the usual outdoor mess.
• Warm water just helps things come off easier.
• A tiny bit of soap helps with greasy spots without turning streaky.

This recipe fits right in with the other natural cleaning solutions I use around the house, all made with common household ingredients instead of specialty products.

Tools That Make Exterior Window Cleaning Easier

You don’t need much, but the right tools matter. Here’s what I use:

• A bucket or spray bottle
• A scrubber or sponge
• A few clean cloths for wiping edges
• A good window squeegee

A bad squeegee makes this job way more frustrating. A decent squeegee will save you time, frustration, and repeated do-overs.

How I Naturally Clean Exterior Windows, Step by Step

This was the missing piece for me… the order matters.

Prep the Windows First: Before any cleaner touches the glass, I…

• Knock off loose dirt, cobwebs, and debris
• Rinse especially dusty windows with plain water if needed

Skipping this step just drags grit across the glass and makes more work later.

Scrub With the Cleaning Solution: I apply the vinegar solution generously and scrub the entire window surface. Don’t be shy here. You want to loosen everything before you ever pick up the squeegee. Spray again.

Squeegee From Top to Bottom: Starting at the top corner, I pull the squeegee straight down in smooth passes. After each pass, I wipe the blade with a cloth. That step alone prevents a lot of streaking.

Wipe the Edges: Once the glass is done, I wipe the edges and frame where water likes to collect. This keeps drips from sneaking back onto the glass later.

How to Avoid Streaks on Outside Windows

Streaks almost always mean one of these happened.

• Cleaning in direct sun. The solution dries too fast. Cloudy days are your friend.
• Too much soap. Less is more.
• Dirty squeegee blade. Wipe it often.
• Hard water residue. Vinegar helps, but stubborn buildup may need a second pass.

I’ve found that slowing down just a little and wiping the blade between passes makes the biggest difference.

What About Plants, Siding, and Nearby Surfaces?

In my experience, this diluted vinegar solution hasn’t harmed plants below the windows. That said, I avoid soaking leaves directly and rinse plants with plain water if I’m cleaning on a hot day.

If you’re dealing with tougher buildup elsewhere, this is where stronger natural cleaners like washing soda come into play, which I save for tougher jobs, not windows.

When Vinegar Isn’t Enough

Not every surface likes vinegar. Some glass surfaces around the house need a different approach.

For example, wood stove glass builds up soot in a way windows don’t, and it benefits from a different cleaning method entirely. The same goes for greasy stovetops and ovens, where vinegar alone often isn’t enough.

Some messes just need a different approach. Vinegar isn’t always the answer.

Still Wondering About Natural Window Cleaning?

You’re not alone. Here are a few that come up often.

Pin this for the next time your outside windows need a natural, streak-free clean.

Window washing may never be fun, but it doesn’t have to feel like a losing battle. It’s still window washing, but it’s a lot less annoying. And once you get the hang of it, the whole process goes faster than you’d expect.

I’d love to hear from you. Do you clean your windows naturally, or is this something you’ve been avoiding altogether? Leave a comment and tell me what’s worked, or what you’re still struggling with.