Best homemade window cleaning solutions

If you’ve ever searched “what should I use to clean my windows?” or “best homemade window cleaning solution,” you’ve probably found dozens of conflicting answers. Some people swear by vinegar, others use blue glass cleaners, and some even recommend newspaper. The truth is, professional window cleaners typically use very simple mixtures — the difference is in the technique, tools, and understanding of how soaps behave on glass.

At Texas Window Wranglers, we use professional window cleaning solutions every day, and over time you learn exactly what creates smooth glide, streak-free results, and easier cleaning.

What Professional Window Cleaners Use

My personal favorite professional window cleaning soap is Orange Krush. It’s specifically designed for window cleaning and has excellent “glide,” meaning the squeegee rubber passes smoothly over the glass without chattering or sticking.

For professional window cleaners, glide matters a lot. If the rubber drags across the glass, it becomes harder to remove water cleanly and you’ll usually end up with streaks or detailing marks.

I also like adding a very small amount of ammonia to the mixture — usually around 1/4 cup per gallon of soapy water. Ammonia is excellent for:

• Cutting through greasy handprints
• Breaking down kitchen residue
• Removing buildup on restaurant windows
• Cleaning smudges from kids and pets

This setup works especially well on interior glass where oils and fingerprints tend to accumulate.

Best Homemade Window Cleaning Solution for streak free glass

Most homeowners do not keep professional window cleaning soaps on hand, but fortunately there are a few DIY window cleaning mixtures that work surprisingly well.

Dawn Dish Soap for Window Cleaning

If I had to recommend one homemade window cleaning solution, it would probably be Original Dawn dish soap mixed with water.

Why?

• Excellent grease-cutting ability
• Great squeegee glide
• Easy to find
• Doesn’t dry too quickly on hot glass

That last point matters more than people realize, especially here in Fort Worth and throughout Texas where heat and sun can dry glass fast.

A simple starting mixture is:

• 1 gallon of water
• About 10 drops of Dawn dish soap
• Optional: small amount of ammonia

More soap is not better. Too many suds can actually create problems by suspending dirt and evaporating faster on the glass.

Palmolive vs Dawn for Window Cleaning

Another solid DIY option is Palmolive dish soap.

Personally, I find Palmolive has slightly more glide than Dawn, which some people prefer when using a squeegee. It also tends to produce fewer suds, which can make cleanup easier.

At the end of the day, both work well. A lot of professional window cleaning comes down to personal preference and technique.

Why I Don’t Recommend Windex for window cleaning

I personally do not recommend using Windex for whole-house window cleaning.

In my experience:

• It rarely leaves truly streak-free results
• You end up fighting haze with towels
• It’s inefficient on larger windows
• It tends to smear instead of fully removing dirt

Microfiber towels help, but they can still leave lint behind.

The one thing I do like about Windex? Once the bottle is empty, you can reuse it for your own homemade window cleaning solution.

Better Over-the-Counter Glass Cleaners

If you want a ready-made spray cleaner, I would recommend:

• Sprayway
• Glass Cleaner from The Home Depot

Both usually perform better than Windex in terms of clarity and streak reduction. The Home Depot version is often cheaper and works surprisingly well for routine glass cleaning.

The Best Tools for Cleaning Windows

Even the best homemade window cleaning solution will struggle if you’re using paper towels alone.

For better results, I always recommend:

• A mop applicator
• A quality squeegee
• Microfiber detailing towels
• A non-scratch abrasive pad

You can usually find basic window cleaning tools at most hardware stores.

Important: Never Use Green Scrub Pads on Glass

This is a big one.

Do not use green abrasive pads on household glass. Some contain pumice or aggressive abrasives that can scratch windows permanently.

Instead, use:

• White pads
• Walnut pads
• Professional non-scratch scrub pads

These help remove grime buildup safely, especially on exterior windows.

Small Panes and French Windows

For smaller panes like:

• French panes
• Decorative glass
• Stained glass
• Divided-light windows

I usually recommend using a spray cleaner and towel instead of a mop and squeegee setup.

Trying to squeegee tiny panes often takes longer and leaves more detailing marks than simply spraying and wiping them clean.

Homemade Window Cleaning Can Work Great — If Done Correctly

A simple mixture of dish soap, water, and a touch of ammonia can absolutely produce professional-looking results when paired with proper tools and technique.

But if it already sounds like a hassle… honestly, that’s because window cleaning can be more technical than most people expect.

At Texas Window Wranglers, we already have the professional soaps, purified water systems, scrub pads, mops, squeegees, ladders, and experience needed to make your windows shine like new again. Whether you need residential window cleaning, storefront glass cleaning, or post-construction cleanup, we’re ready to help. Reach out to us at 817-458-8804 or click below to request a free quote