What Is the Best Thing to Use to Clean Windows?
- Window Washing Pros
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever stood in front of a window in Mooresville or Lake Norman sunlight and thought, “Why does this still look streaky?” you’re not alone. Between Carolina pollen, lake spray, dust, and everyday fingerprints, keeping windows clean around the Charlotte area can feel like a full-time job.
The good news? You don’t always need fancy products to get decent results. Below, we’ll break down some of the best things to use to clean windows at home, plus a few pro tips we use every day here at Window Washing Pros.
And if DIY just isn’t cutting it, we’ll tell you when it’s time to call in the professionals.
The Best DIY Window Cleaning Solutions
1. Dish Soap and Water (Simple and Effective)
Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one.
What you’ll need:
Warm water
A few drops of dish soap
Microfiber cloth or squeegee
This combo works well for light dirt and everyday grime. Just don’t overdo the soap, too much will leave residue and streaks.
Local tip: This works best early in the morning or on cloudy days. Cleaning windows in direct Charlotte sun can cause water to dry too fast and leave streaks.
2. Vinegar and Water (Great for Streaks)
Vinegar is one of the most popular at-home window cleaners, and for good reason.
Mix:
Equal parts white vinegar and water
It cuts through grease and water spots, especially helpful for homes near Lake Norman where mineral buildup is common.
Heads up: The smell fades quickly, but maybe crack a window while you’re cleaning.
3. Store-Bought Glass Cleaners
Commercial glass cleaners can work well for quick touch-ups, mirrors, and interior glass.
Pro tip: Spray onto your cloth, not directly onto the window. This prevents overspray on frames, screens, and floors.
What Tools Actually Matter
You can have the best cleaner in the world, but the wrong tools will still leave streaks.
Best tools for clean windows:
Microfiber towels (paper towels often leave lint)
A good-quality squeegee
A bucket with clean water
Avoid old rags or newspaper. They tend to smear dirt instead of removing it.
Common DIY Window Cleaning Mistakes
Here are a few things we see homeowners do all the time in Mooresville and Charlotte:
Cleaning windows in direct sunlight
Using too much soap or cleaner
Skipping the window screens
Forgetting the window frames and tracks
Dirty screens and tracks can make freshly cleaned glass look dirty again within days.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
At-home methods are great for maintenance, but they have limits.
You may want to call a professional window cleaner if:
Your windows haven’t been cleaned in over a year
You have hard water stains or heavy buildup
Your home has multiple stories
You want interior and exterior windows done right
Professional window cleaning uses commercial-grade solutions, purified water systems, and proper squeegee techniques that leave windows truly spotless, without streaks.
Professional Window Cleaning in Mooresville, Lake Norman & Charlotte
At Window Washing Pros, we help homeowners all over Mooresville, Lake Norman, and the greater Charlotte area enjoy crystal-clear windows without the hassle.
We handle:
Interior and exterior window cleaning
Window screens and tracks
Hard water stain removal
Routine maintenance or one-time cleanings
We’re local, fully insured, and offer free estimates.
If you’ve tried the DIY route and still aren’t happy with your windows, let us take care of it for you.
