Skip to main content
Bunnings Warehouse

How to clean windows

A clean glass window with black frame

Overview

Clean windows can make a world of difference to your home, transforming dull and streaky glass into crystal-clear panes that brighten up your space. Want to know how to get your windows sparkling clean with the perfect streak-free finish? You don’t need to call in professional window cleaners to get those windows spotless – all you need to do is follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to clean your windows like a pro.

Safety tips:

  • Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
  • When cleaning hard-to-reach windows, always use the right ladder for the job. Make sure you use a sturdy ladder that has non-slip feet and is set up on a flat, stable and solid surface. Wear sturdy footwear, maintain three points of contact on it at all times (for example, both feet and one hand) and make sure another person is nearby in case you need assistance.

 

Steps

  1. 1

    Clean outside the windows

    Before you begin, it’s important to remove dirt from the areas surrounding the window glass. Loose dirt and grime from the frames or tracks can easily transfer onto your windows during the cleaning process. Grab a microfibre cloth and wipe down the window frames, seals, and tracks. These spots often collect more dirt build up than the glass itself, so take your time to thoroughly clean them. This will prevent any dust or debris from spreading while you clean the windows.

    A woman is cleaning an outside window with a microfiber cloth for a spotless finish
  2. 2

    Prepare the cleaning solution

    Not sure what’s the best window cleaner to use? For your cleaning solution, you can use a store-bought window cleaning product or mix up your own at home. A D.I.Y. solution can be made by combining clean water, a small amount of dish soap, and vinegar. Adding a splash of dishwasher rinse aid is a great trick to help rainwater slide off the glass, keeping your windows looking cleaner for longer.

    Pour the cleaning solution into a bucket, so you’re ready to apply it to the glass.

    A person wearing gloves is preparing a cleaning solution by pouring dishwashing liquid into a bucket.
  3. 3

    Wash the glass

    Once the window tracks and frames are clean, it’s time to focus on the windows. Dip a window washer or a soft brush or sponge into the bucket of cleaning solution. Apply it generously to the entire window, working from the top of the window to the bottom. This method ensures that any dirt or grime is loosened and carried downward as you work.

    A Bunnings Team Member wearing gloves is cleaning a window using a window washer and cleaning solution.
  4. 4

    Dry the windows

    To avoid water spots, it’s important to dry windows thoroughly after cleaning. Use a squeegee to remove the solution and achieve a streak-free finish. Start at the top corner of the window and pull the squeegee down in straight, even lines. Be sure to wipe the blade with a clean microfibre cloth after each pass. This prevents the squeegee from spreading water or dirt back onto the glass.

    Once the glass is clean, use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the edges and corners of the window to catch any drips or missed spots.

    A woman wearing gloves using a squeegee to remove the cleaning solution from a window to achieve a streak-free finish.
  5. 5

    Quicker solution

    If you’re after an even quicker and easier clean, consider using a window vacuum. After applying the cleaning solution, run the windows vac over the surface of the glass. It will suck up the soapy water along with any dirt, leaving you with perfectly dry and sparkling windows.

    A Bunnings Team Member wearing gloves uses a window vacuum cleaner to remove cleaning solution from a window.
  6. 6

    Clean inside the windows

    Exterior windows done? After the outside window glass is spotless, move indoors to clean the interior windows. Spray the glass with a window cleaning spray (or add homemade window cleaning solution to a refillable trigger spray bottle) and use a microfibre cloth to wipe it clean. If you don’t have a microfibre cloth on hand, newspaper or paper towel works just as well and won’t leave lint behind.

    A Bunnings team member is spraying a "Window Wonder" glass cleaner on an interior window.
  7. 7

    Looking for more D.I.Y. projects for home?

Get inspired by projects from the Bunnings Workshop community

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.