If you clean your own windows at home, they might often be left looking streaky, cloudy or dirty but an expert has shared how you can make them look perfect. Despite best efforts, many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes when cleaning glass, leading to frustratingly poor results.

Industry specialists from Glass Balustrades UK, experts in architectural glass design and construction, have shared where you could be going wrong. Whether it’s residue from the wrong cleaning products, overlooked grime buildup, or even the way light hits your panes, here’s why your glass isn’t as spotless as you think – and what you can do about it. One of the biggest mistakes is using the wrong cleaning products. Many commercial window cleaners contain ammonia or harsh chemicals that leave behind a residue, causing smudges and streaks when light hits the glass.

Additionally, soap-based solutions can attract dust and dirt, making windows appear dirty again soon after cleaning.

Instead, you should use a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar or a dedicated streak-free glass cleaner recommended by professionals.

Another tip is to make sure you are using the right tools. People often use paper towels or regular cloths which can leave streaks and smears.

Experts say you should instead use a high-quality microfiber cloth or a professional-grade squeegee for a streak-free finish.

You should also make sure not to clean your windows on a sunny day. While you might think a bright, sunny day is the perfect time for window cleaning, it’s actually one of the worst.

Sunlight causes the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind before you’ve had a chance to wipe it off properly. A cloudy but dry day is one of the best for window cleaning.

After wiping down your windows, a final buffing step can make a significant difference. Use a dry microfiber cloth or even a crumpled coffee filter to polish the glass and remove any remaining streaks or haze.

By making these simple changes, you could make your windows look shiny and new instead of spending hours cleaning them just for them to be covered with streaks and smears.