The best way to clean windows
Clean windows can brighten up your home like nothing else and the internet is inundated with tips and tricks for getting the shiniest results possible.
First off, there's the old wives' tales... do they work?
Newspapers
When your daily read through The Telegraph is done, put your paper to good use by using it to clean your windows. Experts say when scrunched into a ball shape, newspaper is more effective than using a paper towel to clean - especially when paired with an environmentally friendly window cleaner.
Vinegar
It's an age old trick passed down from generation to generation; apparently, using vinegar to clean your windows is actually not as complete a solution as it might seem.
Experts have tested the old wives' tale and found that while vinegar might leave your windows shiny and clean, they won't kill off dangerous germs.
Mark Hall from Contract Cleaning says homemade cleaners often have no germ killing chemicals inside them: "Usually, there's wisdom in these so-called old wives' tales but lately we've noticed that many ineffective and strange ideas get traction given enough exposure on the internet."
Soap and water
If you do insist on making a homemade solution, experts recommend ditching the vinegar and using soap and water instead.
Hall says: "Vinegar is fine in moderation, but it's not the wonder cleaner people make it out to be. Good old soap and water actually does a far better job."
Jeweller's rouge
Scratches on your windows and mirrors don't necessarily mean they're doomed - they can be removed with the use of jeweller's rouge and some good old elbow grease.
Wet the rouge, apply it to the glass with a soft cloth and rub until you can't rub anymore. Then keep on rubbing. Eventually, the scratches will start to disappear.
Whichever method you decide on to clean your windows, you'll need the best products possible. Luckily, we've got some lined up to help you keep your windows spic, span and streak-free...
£56.49, Amazon
You'll enjoy streak free windows (both inside and out) every time with this Bosch window vacuum. The electric suction function makes cleaning your windows a breeze while eliminating spillages and the need for additional cloths.
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£2.05, Waitrose
Put simply, this is the best window cleaner spray around. The powerful and scientifically-formated cleaner can be used to remove smears from windows, glass surfaces, taps, windscreens, worktops, mirrors, and fridges. Simply spray on a cloth and wipe the desired area until clean.
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£84.99, Amazon
If you struggle to clean the exterior of your upper floor windows, this window cleaner from DocaPole is the product for you. It comes with a detachable 24-foot pole and an angle rotate-lock mechanism which helps you hit those impossible to reach places on any window. It also comes with three streak-free squeegee blade sizes for ultimate ease.
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£5.99, Lakeland
Everyone needs a good cloth for cleaning windows and you can't go wrong with this pair from Lakeland. It's suitable for use on windows, mirrors, taps and other shiny surfaces. The machine washable cloth has been designed to effectively remove light grease and dirt for a perfect finish with no streaks or smears.
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£39.99, Amazon
Clean your windows without extensive scrubbing with this handy device. Running on rechargeable batteries, it can clean all your windows in as little as twenty minutes and is even suitable for tiles, worktops and mirrors. A no-brainer in the cleaning department.
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£790.98, Amazon
It may be pricey, but this cleaner from Polti is all you could ever wish for when it comes to your vacuuming, steam cleaning and drying needs.
Using multi-cyclonic technology to power a vacuum to rival some of the best single purpose vacuum cleaners, the Unico MCV70 vacuums together wet and dry dirt, retaining the smallest particles to leave the air healthier and preventing allergic reactions.
For easy usage, this model comes with three automatic cleaning programs to clean both hard and delicate surfaces, upholstery, glass surfaces, and rugs. It also comes with an integrated squeegee for cleaning windows.
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£26.95, Amazon
If you need a little help reaching some of the higher windows in your home, it makes sense to invest in a sturdy step stool. This Silverline is a solid sidekick for detailed cleaning (particular of window edges), builder-approved, and folds flat for easy storage.
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