Window washing 101

Most every house has windows, but how to clean them?

For squeaky-clean, streak-free windows, get a lamb's wool window cleaner or scrubber (available at home- improvement or hardware stores) and a squeegee, recommends Betty Nicholson of the Carmichael, Calif.-based Mothers Cleaning Co-op.

Dip the lamb's wool cleaner into the cleaning solution and apply it to the window; up, down, then sideways back and forth. The dirt is trapped in the wool. Then, use the squeegee to remove excess moisture. Wipe the squeegee blade after each pass.

During winter months, grime especially tends to build up on the outside of windows. Mark Borchin, of Glass Doctor of the Gold Country, in the Sacramento, Calif., area, offers this battle plan to tackle windows, inside and out.

First, get your tools in order.

"Before you begin, you'll need a pencil, a bucket, soap, glass cleaner, a soft-bristle brush, a water hose and a squeegee or microfiber towel," Borchin said.

• Remove all the window screens, so you can wash them first. Label the inside of each screen frame with a pencil, so you know where each one belongs when it comes time to put them back.

• While the screens dry, tackle the outside of the windows. Spray your cleaner directly on the glass and wipe the window from top to bottom with a clean, dry cloth.

• Dry the windows as you go, using either a squeegee or a microfiber towel, although any clean cloth will work. (Cloth diapers and old cotton T-shirts are great.) Wipe each window until all of the glass cleaner and water are gone. Clean coffee filters work well to remove remaining lint.

• Go indoors and wash the inside glass. Then replace the window screens according to your labels.