How to Clean Your Windows With Dish Soap Without Leaving Any Streaks Behind

Dish soap is one of the most versatile cleaning products in the pantry; in addition to taking care of dirty dishes, it can be used to remove laundry stains, mop floors, clean countertops, and wash windows.

Learn how to use dish soap and other common pantry items to clean windows without leaving streaks.

How to Clean Windows Without Leaving Streaks

Before you begin cleaning, remove window treatments, screens, and any decorations on the windows.

Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove cobwebs and any visible soil around the window frame and sill. To capture dirt on the frame, dampen a microfiber cloth with the vinegar and dish soap solution.

Then, mix 1 cup of water, 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap in a clean spray bottle. Shake well to combine, and be sure to label it to avoid confusion.

Start at the top of the glass and lightly spray the vinegar and dish soap solution onto the glass. Use a squeegee or a microfiber cloth and clean from left to right, starting at the top left corner. If using a squeegee, be sure to wipe the blade after each stroke.

Once you have removed the cleaning spray from the entire window top to bottom, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any streaks.

Repeat the process on the outside of the window, but instead of working left to right, clean from top to bottom. This will help you see which side of the window has streaks that need to be corrected.

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Why Streaks Appear

Streaks can appear on freshly cleaned windows for several reasons.

If you are cleaning windows on a bright, sunny day, the cleaning solution may dry on the glass before you finish cleaning. Choose an overcast day when temperatures are not too hot or cold to clean windows or start on a side of the house away from direct sun.

Using too much dish soap-based window cleaner can cause streaks because there is soapy residue left on the glass. There’s no need for suds to get a glass clean.

Using a dirty squeegee or microfiber cloth can also leave streaks. Wipe the squeegee blade after every stroke and have several cloths on hand so a fresh, clean area is always available to dry the window.

3 Other Streak-Free Ways to Clean Windows

While dish soap works great in a pinch, there are various other homemade solutions that can help you achieve crystal clear, streak-free windows in no time; here are three.

A Rubbing Alcohol-Based Cleaner

The 70% isopropyl alcohol solution sold at the drug store is best for household uses. The solution breaks apart dirt and grease molecules and evaporates quickly to leave windows streak-free.

1. Pour 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of distilled water, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar into a new, clean spray bottle.
2. Starting at the top of the window, spray on the cleaner and wipe away grime with a microfiber cloth. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly to leave windows streak-free.
3. Store the container in a cool place away from any direct heat source because isopropyl alcohol is flammable.

A Diluted Vinegar Solution

When mixing your window cleaning solution, use cleaning or distilled white vinegar. The acetic acid in vinegar, which is also used in many store-bought cleaners, is a powerful cleaning agent to dissolve mineral deposits and greasy smudges.

1. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Start at the top of the window and lightly spritz the entire surface.
3. Clean and dry with a squeegee or microfiber cloth.

Cornstarch for Grime

Adding a small amount of cornstarch to any DIY window cleaner will act as a gentle abrasive for deep cleaning insect-speckled outdoor windows.

1. Mix your DIY window cleaner and add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Shake the spray bottle well to dissolve the cornstarch.
2. Wash the window as usual, but use a hose to rinse the window before drying. If the cornstarch is not rinsed away thoroughly, it will leave a filmy residue.
3. Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to dry the window to prevent water spots.