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The right way to clean your windows

Avoid streaking and spotting with this quick tip.

Alina Bradford CNET Contributor
Alina Bradford has been writing how-tos, tech articles and more for almost two decades. She currently writes for CNET's Smart Home Section, MTVNews' tech section and for Live Science's reference section. Follow her on Twitter.
Alina Bradford
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Vinegar is great for cleaning windows.

Taylor Martin/CNET

I don't know anyone who enjoys cleaning windows. 

Maybe that's because windows always seem to end up streaked or spotted, no matter how carefully you wipe. 

There's a fairly simple way to get windows clean without spots and streaks, though. Plus, you don't use harsh chemicals

All you need is some white vinegar, a spray bottle and old newspapers.

Watch this: An easy, DIY screen-cleaning spray

Spray it

First, mix 1 cup of white distilled vinegar with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray down the glass with the mixture and let it sit for around 30 seconds. This gives the spray time to loosen any stuck on dust or grime. 

17 ways to use distilled vinegar beyond cooking

See all photos

Wipe it

Then, wipe down the window with a crumpled piece of newspaper. Be sure to use long, sweeping motions to wipe and be quick to get all the areas of the window before it dries. 

Why not use paper towels? Newspaper prevents streaking and doesn't leave behind lint. Newspaper is also really good at absorbing oil and grease, so it's great for erasing fingerprints.