How to Keep Your Windows Streak-Free in Dublin’s Humid Climate

When you live in and around Dublin, you’ll know that our humid Atlantic climate, frequent drizzle, and changeable weather make window cleaning a different kind of challenge. At Shiny Bright Windows, we encounter these factors every day—and we use the most effective, professional methods to deliver sparkling, streak-free panes for our customers. In this post we’ll unpack The Best Window Cleaning Techniques Used by Professionals in Dublin, explain what makes them work, highlight common pitfalls, and help you keep your windows looking great between visits.

Why Dublin’s Weather Makes Window Cleaning Extra Important

Dublin’s climate brings specific conditions that can interfere with a perfect window clean:

• Humidity & moisture: The air holds more moisture, so windows are prone to fogging, condensation and quicker build-up of grime.

• Frequent rain, sea spray & wind: External glass can pick up salt, airborne particles, and water-spots from sea spray or heavy mist.

• Variable light & cold surfaces: Cleaning windows in direct sun or when the glass is cold can lead to premature drying of the cleaning solution and thus streaks. Experts emphasise avoiding full-sun cleaning for that reason.

• Hard water & mineral deposits: If rainwater and tap water leave minerals behind, they can show up as spots or ‘foggy’ patches. Professionals recommend using distilled or de-ionised water where possible.

Because of these factors, the methods the team at Shiny Bright Windows uses involve both great technique and tailored solutions for the local environment.

What “The Best Window Cleaning Techniques Used by Professionals in Dublin” Really Means

Below we detail the key techniques and why they’re so effective — including how we apply them locally.

1. Use the Correct Tools & Cleaning Solution

Professionals don’t just grab any cloth and spray. They begin with the right kit. For example:

• Micro-fibre cloths (soft, lint-free) instead of old rags or paper towels. The latter can leave fibres or marks on the glass.

• A quality rubber-bladed squeegee is vital. The “S-technique” or controlled strokes with the squeegee are widely used.

• For the solution: Professionals often mix a mild dish soap with water or use a vinegar-based mix for tougher mineral stains.

• For Dublin’s climate: We often use softened or filtered water (especially for exterior levels) to reduce mineral trace and sea-spray residue.

2. Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Before applying the wet solution, you should:

• Remove dust, cobwebs and surface debris. This prevents scratching or smearing.

• Clean the window frame and sill first. Dirt along the edges tends to drip onto the glass while you clean.

In our Dublin homes we also check for salt spray, loose seals, or moss around the outer frame—these get addressed before the glass cleaning begins.

3. Ideal Timing & Conditions

Streaks often occur because the solution dries unevenly. So:

• Clean on a cloudy or shaded side of the building when possible, rather than in direct sunlight.

• Avoid windy or rainy moments; calm, mild days give the best result.

• For exteriors in Dublin, early morning or late afternoon (when the sun isn’t blasting the glass) is often best.

4. The Proper Technique: Squeegee Strokes & Drying

Technique matters. Here’s the professional method:

• Wash the glass with the solution (from top to bottom) using a scrubber or sponge.

• Then squeegee with controlled strokes: start top left, move horizontally or vertically depending on the window size, wipe the squeegee blade between strokes.

• Finish with a dry microfiber cloth to polish and remove any remaining moisture.

• Remember: constant, overlapping strokes, minimal change of direction, and keeping the squeegee blade on the wet surface until the end.

In our work at Shiny Bright Windows, we train our team to use the “S-motion” or “laddered horizontal passes” depending on window size and height, ensuring Dublin’s wind or light conditions don’t create streaks.

5. Avoiding Common Errors That Create Streaks

Even good tools and weather aren’t enough if errors creep in. Some common mistakes are:

• Using too much cleaning solution (it leaves residue). Professionals emphasise that a light mist is often all that’s needed.

• Using paper towels or old cotton rags — which leave lint or fibres on the glass.

• Cleaning in full sunlight or letting the solution dry too quickly.

• Ignoring the window frame and sill — residual grime will run onto the glass after cleaning.

• Not checking the squeegee blade — a worn or nicked rubber edge can leave lines.

At Shiny Bright Windows, we call these “window cleaning problems” that must be avoided. We train to spot and prevent them all.

6. Protecting Against Window Damage, Especially in Dublin Conditions

Working in Dublin means dealing with frequent damp, potential moss growth, drafty frames and salt exposure (especially near the coast). Professionals incorporate preventive checks:

• Inspecting the seal-edges and caulking of windows so water doesn’t seep in.

• Checking for aluminium or uPVC frame corrosion or salt damage (for coastal properties).

• Avoiding harsh chemical cleaners (for example ammonia-based ones which may damage tinted or coated glass).

By combining cleaning and inspection, our service at Shiny Bright Windows helps prevent long‐term window damage as well as ensuring visual clarity.

---

Special Considerations for Dublin Homes & Exterior Windows

Exterior Glass & High-Reach Frames

Many homes in Dublin have bay windows, taller sash windows or mixed materials. For these:

• Use extension poles or stabilized ladders rather than simply scrubbing from the inside.

• Be aware of roof overhangs, gutters, moss or bird-droppings that impact the glass above the window.

• Rinse away sea salt or spray from coastal zones before it crystallises on the glass — salt crystals trap moisture, amplify streaks, and accelerate frame corrosion.

Interiors and Condensation Challenges

Inside your home, you may face:

• Condensation/dew build-up near frequently used windows, which leaves a water film and attracts dirt.

• Humid bathrooms or kitchens where glass is exposed to steam — this demands more frequent cleaning & drying.

• For these, we recommend a gentle wipe of the interior glass weekly with a microfiber cloth, and a deeper clean as part of your annual maintenance with Shiny Bright Windows.

Seasonal Tips for the Dublin Climate

• Spring: Flower pollen and tree sap can settle on external glass — a pre-clean rinse helps.

• Summer: Higher sunlight and heat combined with humid nights mean you’ll want to avoid cleaning midday; better to choose early or late in the day.

• Autumn: Leaves, wind-blown debris, and early damp nights require more focus on the sills and frames as well as the glass.

• Winter: Shorter days mean less natural light — but cleaning still pays dividends. Use interior cleaning to maintain light levels, and schedule exterior services when weather permits.

Step-by-Step Routine for Homeowners (When You Want to Do it Yourself)

Even though we at Shiny Bright Windows deliver professional results, many homeowners like to keep on top of things between visits. Here’s a simple routine tuned for Dublin’s conditions:

1. Dust & Clear: Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove debris from frames, tracks and sills.

2. Rinse Exterior (if possible): Use a gentle hose to wash away surface salt or pollen before applying detergent.

3. Mix Solution: e.g., 1 gallon of water with 2 tsp dish soap, or use a vinegar-water mix for tougher spots.

4. Apply Solution: With the scrubber or sponge, work top-to-bottom, ensuring you wet the glass thoroughly.

5. Squeegee: Use the squeegee to remove liquid, starting at top left, working methodically line by line. Wipe off the blade after each sweep.

6. Dry/Polish: Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff any remaining moisture or small spots.

7. Check in Different Light: Especially in Dublin’s often low-light days, move around the room and inspect the glass at an angle to spot hidden streaks.

8. Maintain Regularly: Aim for at least twice a year exterior cleaning; interior glass can be checked more often depending on your location.

While you can follow these steps, our recommendation is: for best results, have professionals handle the tough exterior work — especially for high windows, older frames or challenging weather conditions.

Why Choose Shiny Bright Windows for Your Dublin Home?

• We use exactly the professional techniques described above—tailored for Dublin’s humid, variable climate.

• We inspect and advise on window health (frame condition, seals, moisture ingress) while we clean — so you don’t just get a pretty view, you extend the life of your window system.

• Our team is trained in safety, equipped for high-reach work and follows best practice for squeegee technique, timing and solution choice.

• We avoid common mistakes like cleaning in full sun, over-applying solution, using poor cloths or ignoring frames & tracks.

• We will definitely recommend our company to anyone needing window cleaning in Dublin — we welcome referrals and aim for 100 % satisfaction.

Whether you have a standard semi-detached home or a city-centre apartment with large glass panels, we know how to keep your windows streak-free in Dublin’s climate.

Common Window Cleaning Errors & How to Avoid Them

Here are some typical mistakes homeowners (and even some cleaners) make — and how to steer clear:

By being aware of these, you’ll be far less likely to encounter frustration with streaky or cloudy panes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Dublin and you care about clean, clear, streak-free windows — you’re in the right place. By embracing the best window cleaning techniques used by professionals in Dublin, and by avoiding common window cleaning errors, you can maintain a pristine view year-round.

And when you prefer to leave the job to the experts, know that Shiny Bright Windows is ready to deliver. With our local insight, professional training and attention to detail, we make it our mission to keep your windows shining—even in our humid, changeable Irish climate.

If you’re ready to book your clean, or simply want advice, we’d definitely recommend reaching out. Let us help you enjoy the view—crystal clear, always.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should I get my external windows cleaned in Dublin?
Short answer: For most homes, at least twice a year is wise. But if you’re near the sea, have large panes, or are exposed to heavy pollen/road-spray, consider doing it every 3-4 months.

2. Can I use any window cleaning solution or do I need something special for Dublin’s climate?
Short answer: You don’t need expensive specialist chemicals, but you do want a well-balanced solution (e.g., mild dish soap + water or vinegar-based) and ideally use low-mineral (soft/distilled) water to avoid mineral residue.

3. Why do my windows still end up with streaks despite cleaning them?
Short answer: Common causes include cleaning in full sun (solution dries too fast), using too much detergent (leaving residue), using the wrong cloth (paper towel or old rag), or a worn squeegee blade. Knowing technique is as important as tools.

4. Are there things I can do between professional cleans to keep my windows looking good?
Short answer: Yes. Wipe down the interior glass with a microfiber cloth periodically, remove dust and debris from frames and sills, rinse exterior surfaces after heavy rain/sea spray if possible, and avoid direct sunlight cleaning to keep streak risk low.

5. My window frames are old and show signs of damp or moss. Does window cleaning also address that?
Short answer: Our cleaning service will inspect frames, seals, sills and the surrounding area when we clean. While we focus on the glass, we’ll alert you to frame issues, moisture ingress or build-up so you can address them before they worsen.

Contact Us for Your Window Cleaning Dublin
Company Name: Shiny Bright Windows
Address: 103 Old County Rd, Crumlin, Dublin 12, D12 TCC8, Ireland
Phone: +353 85 7561020
Find Us On Map: View On Google Map
More Details: Click Now