You wash the windows, the sun comes out, and every streak shows. The good news is that streaks are rarely about how hard you scrub. They come from a few simple causes, and once you know them, clear glass needs only water and the right tool. This guide explains why windows streak and how to clean them, step by step.
Why windows streak
- Leftover product. Sprays and washing up liquid leave a thin film on the glass. As it dries, it shows as smears, especially in sunlight.
- A dirty or wet cloth. A cloth that is already full of dirt or water just moves it around the pane.
- Drying too fast. In direct sun or on a warm day, the water dries on the glass before you can take it off, and leaves marks behind.
- Hard water. In hard water areas, drops left to dry on their own can leave chalky spots.
Most of these have the same answer: use less product, not more, and take the water off the glass before it dries by itself.
What you need
- Express for the Windows 25cm. It has a washable microfibre pad on one side and a rubber blade on the other, so you wash and dry each pane with the same tool.
- A Sunbeam cloth for the frames, sills and corners.
- A bucket of cold water. Water temperature makes no difference to how well Raypath materials clean, so water from the tap is fine.
The small Sunbeam Optic Wipe is made for glasses, phone screens and laptops, not windows. For windows, the Express is the tool to use.
How to clean windows without streaks, step by step
- Pick your moment. Clean on a dull day, or when the window is out of direct sun, so the water does not dry before you take it off. If the glass is warm from the sun, let it cool completely first.
- Do the frames and sills first. Wipe away dust and cobwebs with a damp White Glove M, so no dirt runs down onto clean glass.
- Wet the pad and wring it out. It should be damp, not dripping. Fit it to the tool.
- Wash the glass. Work over the whole pane in circular motions, paying a little extra attention to the corners and edges.
- Take the water off with the blade. Start at the top and draw the rubber blade down in straight strokes, each one slightly overlapping the last. Wipe the blade on your Sunbeam cloth after each stroke, so it stays clean.
- Finish the edges. Use the Sunbeam cloth to pick up any water left on the frame and along the bottom of the pane.
- Check from an angle. Look across the glass rather than straight at it. If you spot a mark, buff it with a dry part of the Sunbeam cloth.
Tips for clearer glass
- Keep the pad clean. Rinse it in the bucket whenever it looks dirty, and change the water if it turns cloudy.
- Use two directions. Draw the blade down on the outside and across on the inside. If a streak is left, you will know straight away which side it is on.
- Hard water spots. Add a little lemon juice to the water.
- Mirrors and shower screens. These clean the same way as the rest of the bathroom: a damp White Glove M first, then a Sunbeam cloth to finish.
Looking after your window pad
Rinse the pad after each clean, and do not leave it to dry dirty. Wash it like your other Raypath cloths: by hand with soap, or in the machine at up to 60°C. Do not use fabric softener, as it coats the fibres, and let it dry naturally rather than on a radiator or in the tumble dryer.
For more on why water alone does the job, and how Raypath materials compared with chemical cleaners in laboratory tests, read How to clean your home with just water.
Where to buy it in the UK
The Express for the Windows 25cm is one of our best sellers, and like all Raypath products it is made in Poland. It is also part of the House Cleaning Set, which has everything for the whole home, windows included, at a lower price than buying each item separately. Orders are normally dispatched within 1 to 2 working days.
Quick answers
What is the best way to clean windows without streaks?
Wash the glass with a damp microfibre pad, then take all the water off with a rubber blade before it dries, working from the top down. Finish the edges with a dry cloth, and avoid cleaning in direct sun.
Can you clean windows with just water?
Yes, for everyday dirt. A good microfibre pad lifts the dirt and the blade takes the water away with it, so there is no product left behind to smear. In hard water areas, a little lemon juice helps with spots.
Why do my windows still streak after cleaning?
The most common reasons are leftover product on the glass, a cloth that is too wet or too dirty, or cleaning in sunshine so the water dries too quickly.
Not sure which Raypath tool you need? Our FAQ page answers the most common questions, or email info@raypathuk.co.uk and we will help you choose.