10 Window Cleaning Tips from a Pro

Use two different scrubbers—one for inside and one for outside—so you don’t carry pollutants and bird excrement inside.

Any kitchen dish liquid cleans dirt and leaves the glass slippery so your squeegee glides with ease. A 100-percent biodegradable soap will protect sensitive plants outside. Inside it will protect toddlers and pets who put their mouth on the windows or sills.

If you prefer to use natural cleaning products, vinegar is a viable choice for cleaning windows. Vinegar (acetic acid) cuts grease and doesn’t streak which makes it ideal for cleaning glass. We recommend a solution of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent tap water.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser removes silicone caulk and water stains.

Here are 10 surfaces you should never clean with a Magic Eraser.

A paint can opener is the perfect tool for popping out window screens.

A 12- to 14-inch squeegee is a good size for most situations. Put in a new rubber blade after each cleaning to prevent streaks.

You should never mix these common cleaning products.

A razor blade removes paint overspray and gunk. Keep the glass wet and use a new blade each time. Microscopic rust particles on the blade can scratch the glass.

Carry two detailing rags—one for dirty jobs like sills and the other for detailing the edges of the glass.

If you need to remove tree sap, adhesive residue or other tenacious stains from your windows, try #0000 (4 ought) steel wool. Lubricate the glass with a spritz of window cleaner and buff away the stains with a wad of super-fine steel wool.

Use steel wool to restore a rusted cast-iron skillet.

Scrub away the toughest stains on glass with a small buffing wheel and a mild abrasive (Soft Scrub, Bar Keepers Friend or Bon Ami). When you’re working near the window sash, protect it with masking tape.

Now that you’ve tackled the windows, check out how to clean the rest of your living room here.

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