Well-maintained windows improve the appearance of your home inside and out. 

Dust and pollen can build up on your window frames and glass, which can impact the quality of your indoor air. 

Washing windows regularly allows natural light to diffuse evenly and creates a warmer and healthier atmosphere in your home. 

Cleaning windows like a pro is simple with these three tips: 

If you want to know how to clean windows without streaks, start by cleaning them on cloudy days or when they’re not exposed to direct sunlight. This can cause streaks because the water or glass cleaner dries too quickly on the glass.

The best window cleaning tools depend on the type of dirt you’re dealing with. To remove dust, you could wipe the inside of your window frame and glass with an anti-static cloth. For fingerprints or other stains, we recommend a mild degreasing detergent and a microfibre or chamois cloth.  

Here are some helpful pointers on which methods work best for different types of dirt: 

You don't need to use an expensive glass cleaner to clean your windows. Clean water and a microfibre cloth should give you a streak-free shine.

If you do use a glass cleaner, we recommend using one that doesn’t contain abrasive substances. Distilled white vinegar is something lots of us have in the house already and is very effective at removing window dirt. Plus, the smell disappears when it’s exposed to fresh air.

If the dirt on your window is particularly stubborn, try leaving your window cleaning solution to soak on the glass for a few minutes before going over it with a squeegee or sponge.

Roof windows are great for bringing natural light into your home. Their position can make them difficult to clean, though, especially from the outside. 

Thankfully, VELUX roof windows and flat roof windows have convenient features making it easier to remove dirt.

Centre-pivoted roof windows pivot 180° around a central axis.

Rotate the roof window sash and lock it using the latch at the bottom of the frame. This allows you to clean its exterior without having to lean out of the window. Return it to its original position to clean its interior.

VELUX top-hung roof windows are designed to open from the bottom. However, they have a tilting function that allows them to be fully rotated inwards, which makes it easier to clean them. 

To engage the central pivots of a top-hung roof window, open the handle at the bottom first. Then reach up and open the vent bar and gently pull down, using the vent bar.

This will engage the centre-pivot hinges, allowing your roof window to open and tilt inwards. Secure the open roof window with the sliding bolts.

Simply close the roof window and vent bar fully to reset the original position.

Whichever type of window you have, start from the outside and work your way inside. This prevents the water used for cleaning from falling on surfaces that have just been cleaned. Start with the outer frame and glass, then finish with the inner frame and glass. 

Regular cleaning improves the appearance of windows and extends their lifespan.

So, how often should you clean windows? To keep them in good condition, try building a simple routine around preventing an excessive build-up of dirt and dust. 

1. Do a weekly light clean: wipe the window frames, glass and handles with an anti-static cloth. 
2. Remove surface dust: use a soft sponge and soapy water or clean, warm water to remove dust from windows. Then, finish with a microfibre cloth to remove any residue and get a streak-free shine. 
3. Try a natural cleaning solution: vinegar helps dissolve grime and remove fingerprints. All you need to do is mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, apply it to the glass and wipe with a clean microfibre cloth. This method is ideal for quick touch-ups between deeper cleans. 
4. Do a monthly deep clean: once a month, we recommend giving your windows a more thorough clean and checking their window panes, exterior fittings, seals, rails and opening mechanisms to ensure they’re all working properly. This will help extend their lifespan and make sure you’re getting as much light inside as you can. 

Self-cleaning glass can be a smart choice for roof windows, particularly those that are difficult to reach. A special treatment on the outside of the glass helps dirt wash away, keeping the glass cleaner for longer. 

The good bits: 

• Keeps the glass cleaner for longer 
• Makes roof windows easier to maintain 
• Can be particularly useful for hard-to-reach windows 
  

The not-so-good bits: 

• You’ll still need to clean your windows from time to time 
• Stubborn dirt may need some extra attention 

If easier maintenance is important to you, self-cleaning glass can be a handy feature to look for when choosing or replacing your roof windows. 

For windows that are difficult to reach, the safest option is to clean them without climbing or leaning out wherever possible. 

A telescopic window-cleaning pole can help you reach higher glass while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. For roof windows, check whether your window can rotate or tilt inwards so you can clean the outside pane safely from inside your home. 

If a window still can’t be reached safely, it’s a good idea to call a professional window cleaner rather than attempting to clean it from a ladder or awkward position. Your safety is the priority, and a professional will know just the trick to get your windows clean safely.

You don’t always need specialist products to get your windows sparkling. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly window cleaner, simple options you might already have at home can work well: 

• Warm water: for light dirt, clean, warm water and a microfibre cloth may be all you need. 
• Distilled white vinegar: mix equal parts vinegar and warm water for a simple homemade window cleaning solution. 
• Reusable microfibre cloths: wash and reuse them rather than reaching for disposable wipes or paper towels. 

Whichever product you choose, it’s best to avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch or damage any glass.

Feeling clued up on how to clean your windows and help them last longer? Get more tips on keeping your home healthy with our guide on avoiding condensation and mould and how to improve air quality. Or read our most-asked questions and answers.