Do you clean your windows time and time again, but feel like they never quite look clean? Simply wiping them down with a rag and some window cleaner is a good start, but it won't result in a truly clean window. To achieve that goal, you'll want to follow these quick tips. 

Use the right rag.

You want to use a rag that absorbs liquid easily. Otherwise, the cleaner you use and the dirt it loosens will just end up being smeared around the window, not lifted off of it. Terry cloth rags work well, as do those made from old, cotton T-shirts. Paper towels are also an effective choice, but if you're trying to be eco-friendly, you may want to avoid them since they create waste.

Wipe side to side and up and down.

When you wipe in circles, any smears left behind are quite noticeable because their curved shape reflects light in many directions. If you wipe the window from side to side, and then from top to bottom, any streaks left behind will be a bit less noticeable since they will all face the same direction.

Use cotton swabs around the edges.

That little crease between the window and the frame tends to collect a lot of dust, and it's hard to remove it with a rag. Dip a cotton swab in some window cleaner, and run it down the length of this crease to remove the dust and debris. Make sure you use a new cotton swab periodically so you're not just dragging the dirt around.

Vacuum them first.

If your windows are quite dusty, or if there is a lot of dust on the sills, suck as much as you can up with the vacuum before you start wiping them down. This way, you'll only have to worry about removing a thin layer of grime with your rag and cleaner; the results will be better.

Find a great go-to cleaner.

Not all window cleaners are created equal. Don't make the mistake of buying a cheap or "bargain brand" cleaner only to find that it leaves your windows looking streaky and dull. Experiment with several different well-known brands, and make note of which works best for your windows (yes, different products work for different windows). Then, make that your go-to cleaner.

Clean windows make a great first impression and make your whole home look cleaner. With the tips above, your windows are sure to gleam!

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