How to Clean Glass and Glazing Properly
10 June 2025 · 4 min read
Streaky windows usually come down to method, not effort. Here's how to clean glass properly.
The streak-free basics
For clear, streak-free glass, clean on a cool, overcast day so the cleaner does not dry too fast. Use a little washing-up liquid in warm water or a glass cleaner, wipe with a microfibre cloth, then finish by buffing dry or using a squeegee in overlapping strokes. Avoid old newspaper and abrasive pads.
Doing the frames and sills first stops dirty water running onto clean glass.
Splashbacks, screens and mirrors
Glass splashbacks wipe clean easily — warm soapy water and a soft cloth keep them gleaming, with a glass cleaner for stubborn grease. Shower screens benefit from a quick squeegee after each use to prevent limescale; a vinegar solution removes existing scale. Mirrors clean like windows but keep moisture away from the edges.
Avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch or dull the surface.
Protecting seals and coatings
Keep water and cleaners off the edge seals of double-glazed units, and avoid scrapers on coated or self-cleaning glass, which can damage the coating. Gentle, regular cleaning is better than occasional harsh scrubbing.
If cleaning reveals misting between the panes that you cannot wipe away, that is a failed unit — and a job for a glazier rather than a cloth.
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