How to Clean Windows Without Streaks Using Water, White Vinegar and Washing-up Liquid

In France, as elsewhere, window panes quickly show dust, pollen and fingerprints when sunlight shines through them.

Published on 13 June 2025, the source article, from a media outlet whose name is not provided on the supplied page, suggests a homemade solution made with water, white vinegar and washing-up liquid. Its main point is that the product alone is not enough: when the windows are cleaned and how they are dried matter just as much.

Why windows look dirty so quickly

Even freshly cleaned windows do not stay spotless for long. Airborne dust settles on the glass, as does pollen during particular times of year. Fingerprints, rain splashes and marks made by pets can also make upkeep more difficult.

Sunlight does not make window panes dirty; it simply makes imperfections easier to see. A thin layer of dust that was barely noticeable can suddenly look like a haze. Wiping streaks are equally obvious when light falls directly onto the glass.

“The result depends as much on wiping and drying as on the liquid applied to the window.”

The source page highlights a common mistake: relying solely on window cleaner. A poorly measured product, one used too generously or one that is not properly removed may leave residue behind. This can sometimes attract fresh dust and leave the glass looking dull.

Heat: a misleading help when cleaning windows

Cleaning windows in direct sunshine may seem convenient. The panes dry rapidly, which can appear to save time. In reality, that speed can cause difficulties. The liquid evaporates before wiping has been completed, increasing the likelihood of streaks.

This is particularly noticeable on large glazed doors, south-facing windows or panes that are already warm. The product may dry unevenly in separate areas. Achieving a consistent finish then becomes harder, even after wiping with the cloth several times.

Choosing a more suitable time

Overcast conditions, a cool morning or late afternoon will generally provide better circumstances. There is no need to wait for perfect weather, but it is best to avoid cleaning when the glass is becoming very hot in the sun.

• First remove any dust from the frame and window ledges.
• Do not spray on an excessive amount of the mixture.
• Work on one small area at a time.
• Wipe immediately using a clean, dry cloth.
• Switch to another side of the cloth once the fabric becomes damp or dirty.

This approach reduces the chance of moving dirt from one part of the pane to another. It also prevents deposits collected in frame grooves from being spread across the glass.

The homemade window-cleaning mixture suggested by the source

The recipe featured in the article uses everyday household products. The source advises combining two cups of water, one cup of white cleaning vinegar and one teaspoon of washing-up liquid.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake it before use. Then apply only a small amount to the window, without soaking the pane. The washing-up liquid helps lift greasy dirt, while white vinegar is commonly used in household cleaning for its descaling properties.

“The source recommends finishing the cleaning process with a microfibre cloth to reduce residue and scratches.”

Claims made for this mixture should be treated with restraint. The source page notably attributes a disinfecting effect to it. However, a household mixture should not be regarded as a disinfectant product without clear information from the manufacturer on concentration and contact time. For windows, the primary aim is to remove dust, greasy marks and visible smears.

Using a microfibre cloth correctly

A microfibre cloth is used to collect particles and absorb moisture. It must be clean: a microfibre cloth already carrying grease, detergent or dust may leave a film on the glass.

For a standard-sized window, making steady passes from top to bottom makes missed areas easier to identify. On a large glazed door, working in vertical strips prevents the product from drying too quickly. A second dry microfibre cloth may be useful for finishing the corners and edges.

What applies in France

In France, this cleaning routine does not involve administrative procedures or any specific regulation. It is simply part of ordinary household cleaning. Shop-bought window products, household vinegar and microfibre cloths are readily available in shops.

A few precautions are still worthwhile. Even when diluted, vinegar is not suitable for every surface. It is preferable not to leave it in contact with materials that are sensitive to acids, including certain limestone-based stones. Testing it on an inconspicuous area of frames, seals, handles or ledges can confirm that it will not cause an unwanted reaction.

Vinegar must never be mixed with bleach or with another cleaning product whose composition is unknown. Combining household products can create dangerous fumes. A straightforward preparation, used sparingly in a well-ventilated room, is easier to keep under control.

A method for the most common marks

Very dirty windows often require two separate stages. First, clear dust and dirt from the frame. Then clean the glass itself. Spraying liquid straight onto a pane covered with particles can create a fine sludge and increase the number of passes required.

For fingerprints around handles, a targeted wipe will often be enough. Outdoor marks caused by rain or pollution may require the process to be repeated with a rinsed microfibre cloth that has then been thoroughly wrung out.

Windows are not the only surfaces affected. The same care over drying can also be applied to mirrors, provided the mixture is first checked for compatibility with their frames. In every case, a clean cloth, a small amount of product and glass that is not heating up in the sun are the simplest combination for reducing streaks.