How to clean windows and frames without streaks: step-by-step DIY guide

on Nov 12, 2026

Clean windows let more light into your home, and in autumn and winter you notice that even more. With the right supplies and a fixed order, you get windows and frames clean without streaks, smears or drips on the windowsill. This step-by-step guide shows what you need, how to clean windows and frames step by step, how to stand safely on the ladder and when it is better to leave it to a window cleaner.

Read this article in Dutch too: Hoe maakt u ramen en kozijnen streeploos schoon? Stappenplan voor doe-het-zelvers.

👷 Are the windows high up, on an upper floor or above a conservatory, a stairwell or a sloping roof? Then have them cleaned by a professional window cleaner. A professional works with the right access equipment and knows how to work safely at height. That craftsmanship cannot be replaced by a ladder and a bucket.

What should you check before you start?

The weather: choose a dry, overcast day without strong wind. In bright sunlight the water dries too fast and leaves streaks. Do not clean outside windows when it is freezing.
The height: decide which windows you can reach safely from the ground or a low ladder. Anything higher is work for a window cleaner.
The ground: check where you will put the ladder. The ground must be level, firm and dry, without loose tiles, wet leaves or slippery patches.
The glass: check the details of your windows to see whether the glass has a coating. If so, only use products that are suitable for it, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Inside: clear the windowsill and lay down an old towel to catch drips.

What do you need?

Materials

A mirror and window cleaner or a mirror and glass cleaner in a spray bottle. Use the product as stated on the packaging.
Lukewarm water in a bucket, for the frames with a dash of window cleaner if needed.
A silicone spray for the rubber seals, if that is suitable according to the instructions for your frames.
neutral sanitary silicone and a sealant gun, in case you come across a cracked sealant joint.

Tools

A cordless window vacuum that sucks the dirty water straight off the glass. With the narrow suction head for the window vacuum you can also reach small panes, and with the extension rod for the window vacuum you reach further without stretching.
microfibre cloths for the window vacuum to loosen the dirt, and a microfibre cloth and microfibre drying towel to dry edges and corners.
A soft sponge for the frames and a hand scrubbing brush for stubborn dirt in the rebates.
A hand brush and a cordless vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust, cobwebs and dead insects first.
A folding ladder with handle for windows just above hand height, or a wooden painter ladder if you need a sturdy, free-standing platform.

Personal protective equipment

Wear work gloves with nitrile coating against wet work, dirt and cleaning products. When you work above your head with a spray bottle, put on safety goggles so no product gets into your eyes. On the ladder, wear sturdy shoes with a non-slip sole, such as an S1P safety shoe. More on choosing them in our buying guide for work gloves, our blog on chemical-resistant work gloves and our blog on choosing safety shoes.

Step-by-step guide: how do you clean windows and frames without streaks?

Remove loose dirt first. Sweep cobwebs, dust and dead insects off the frame and windowsill with the hand brush, and vacuum the rebates and corners. That way you will not smear mud over the glass later.
Clean the frames first. Work from top to bottom with the sponge and lukewarm soapy water. Start with the frames, because otherwise dirty water from the frame runs over the clean glass.
Clear the rebates and drainage holes. Remove dirt from the bottom of the frame with the scrubbing brush and check that the drainage holes are open. A blocked hole leaves rainwater standing in the frame.
Clean the rubber seals. Wipe the seals with a damp cloth and let them dry. Then treat them with silicone spray if you like, only if the instructions for your frames allow it.
Wet the glass. Moisten the glass with a microfibre cloth or spray the window cleaner onto it. Start at the top and work downwards.
Vacuum the glass dry. Pull the window vacuum in straight lanes from top to bottom, with a small overlap. That way you pick up the dirty water before it can dry.
Dry edges and corners. Wipe the edges along the frame with a dry microfibre cloth. Check the glass at an angle against the light for streaks and touch them up straight away.
Do the inside. Repeat steps 5 to 7 on the inside. If you still see streaks afterwards, you can tell straight away which side they are on.
Check sealant joints and hardware. See whether any sealant joints are cracked or loose and whether windows close properly. Replace a cracked sealant joint following our blog on sealing gaps and joints with sealant. If there is mould on the sealant or wall near the window, read our blog on removing mould from walls.
Tidy up. Rinse cloths and sponges, let them dry and put the ladder away safely.

Hands in rubber gloves cleaning a white window with a spray bottle

Which mistakes are easy to make?

Cleaning windows in full sun, so the water dries and leaves streaks.
Doing the glass first and the frame afterwards, so dirty water runs over the clean glass.
Using too much cleaning product. That leaves a film that actually causes streaks.
Going over the glass with a scouring pad, steel wool or a scraper. That can scratch the glass and damage a coating.
Mixing cleaning products. That is never needed and can release harmful fumes.
Reaching too far sideways on the ladder instead of moving the ladder.
Forgetting the drainage holes, so water stays in the frame.

How do you work safely?

Ladder: place the ladder on a level, firm surface and check that it stands securely before you step on it. Keep your body between the stiles and move the ladder once too often rather than once too few.
Height: do not work at height above the ground floor, on a roof or above a conservatory yourself. Call in a window cleaner for that.
Cleaning products: use products as stated on the packaging, never mix them and make sure there is fresh air inside. Wear gloves and, when working above your head, safety goggles.
Slipperiness: wipe up spilt water on the floor and around the ladder straight away. Do not work outside when it is freezing or slippery.
Electrics: keep the window vacuum and its charger away from water, and only charge the battery indoors in a dry place.

Protective equipment is in our workwear and safety range, see the link at the bottom.

💡 💡 Work in horizontal lanes outside and vertical lanes inside. If you see a streak afterwards, you know straight away whether it is on the inside or the outside.

👷 Are the windows not safely reachable from the ground or a low ladder, or do you notice rotten wood, leaking frames or damaged glass while cleaning? Then call in a window cleaner or a professional. That way the work stays safe and defects are repaired properly in time.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my windows?

That depends on where your home is. On a busy road, near trees or by the sea, windows get dirty faster than elsewhere. Look mainly at the glass itself: if less light comes in or there are clear marks on it, it is time.

Can I clean windows when it is cold?

Inside, you always can. Outside, do not clean windows when it is freezing, because the water freezes on the glass and the ground becomes slippery.

Why do I still get streaks after cleaning?

Usually that is caused by too much product, dirty water or drying in the sun. Rinse your cloths well, use the product as stated on the packaging and vacuum or dry the glass straight after wetting it.

My windows mist up on the inside, what can I do?

Condensation on the glass comes from moisture in the house. Ventilate well, especially after showering and cooking. You will find more tips in our blog on getting your home ready for winter.