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Window Washing: The Trick to Ridiculously Clean Windows

ByJessica Knowles Reading Time: 3 minutes

Is it just me or is window washing the worst thing ever? It’s not even just the laborious task. It’s also a matter of getting the whole thing done and sitting to relax only to realize there are streaks all over the place. I swear, I put my face inches from the glass to search for streaks before moving on to the next window. The next morning I’ll be sipping my coffee and see all sorts of yuck on the windows. It’s like it’s a losing battle.

Window washing is the worst. It's laborious and you get the whole thing done and sit to relax only to realize there are streaks all over the place. Ugh.

But maybe it’s not…

Exterior Window Washing

For washing the outsides of the windows, nothing beats the squeegee method. Grab a squeegee like the ones they have at the gas stations with a scrub sponge on one side and the rubber strip on the other. Mix up some of my homemade glass cleaner and then follow these instructions from Family Handyman.

What about getting glass cleaner on plants?

I haven’t had any problems with plants dying as a result of my homemade cleaner. Vinegar is often used as a natural weed killer, but it’s so diluted in this solution that it doesn’t seem to harm the plants. If you are using a chemical cleaner you will want to read the bottle thoroughly or take the precaution of covering plants below the windows.

Is washing windows with a squeegee safer than using a pressure washer?

Absolutely! Yes, it takes longer, but there is much less risk of damaging windows, siding, and nearby vegetation than there would be with a pressure washer. Also, many people choose to rent a pressure washer and often can only use the accompanying chemical mix. Even if you purchase your own pressure washer, warranties may be voided if you use a natural/alternative solution in them.

Window washing is the worst. It's laborious and you get the whole thing done and sit to relax only to realize there are streaks all over the place. Ugh.

Interior Window Washing

If I could bring my squeegee indoors, I totally would. Unfortunately it will make a mess. Thankfully I listened to the wisdom that’s been passed down from generations. I use newspaper to clean the insides of our windows. It’s not a myth! Newspaper totally works! Oh, and it’s eco-friendly and gives new life to something that would otherwise be (hopefully) recycled.

Grandparents.com covered all the things to look for when choosing the right newspaper. Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as complicated as that sounds. It’s really a question of soy or petroleum ink.

Is newspaper toxic?

The older petroleum based newspapers are, but the newer soy based newspapers are not. Metal based inks in glossy pages are potentially dangerous (and therefore should not be composted), but those are not the pages you would use to wash your pages. Simple black ink on paper pages are the best for cleaning.

Can I compost the newspaper when I’m done?

Please do! If you are using my homemade cleaner the newspaper is perfectly safe to throw in the compost bin when you’re finished. I do not suggest composting them with chickens or in a vermicomposting bin, but if you have a regular pile, go for it!

Window washing is the worst. It's laborious and you get the whole thing done and sit to relax only to realize there are streaks all over the place. Ugh.

Owner, Writer at The 104 Homesteader

Jessica Knowles is a long-time Maine homesteader and the voice behind The 104 Homestead and Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm. With over a decade of experience in small-scale farming and self-sufficiency, she shares practical tips to help you build a homestead that actually works—for real life, not just Pinterest.

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6 Comments

  1. window washer brooklyn says:

    We always recommend using distilled water in your cleaning solution when washing your windows. The reason you’re getting the streaks isn’t the cleaning tool you’re using but instead the type of water you’re using. Hard water contains minerals that’re left behind once the water dries up and that’s what’s coming the streaks. But the newspaper method does work, I must say.

    Reply
  2. Windowman says:

    Squeegee inside as well, newspaper smewspaper… I’m a professional window cleaner for the last 37 years I know from which I speak. Also, if you use a power washer outside you will leave hard water stains on your windows.

    Reply

  3. Just get a window cleaner its what were paid to do

    Reply
  4. Sarasota Windows says:

    Good call with the diluted vinegar for an exterior window cleaning solution. Nothing takes away from a beautiful view like a dilapidated flower bed! Appreciate the thoroughness of your blog, and quality post!

    Reply

  5. Good call with the diluted vinegar for an exterior window cleaning solution. Nothing takes away from a beautiful view like a dilapidated flower bed! Appreciate the thoroughness of your blog, and quality post!

    Rob K

    Reply
  6. Mark Murphy says:

    I never knew that a simple newspaper with black text on white paper is a great way to clean windows. My wife and I have been thinking of getting a new house, and we want to make sure that the nice big front windows stay looking great to impress our neighbors. I will be sure to tell my wife that we should try and find a newspaper that we can use to clean the windows!

    Reply