Streak-free glass cleaning comes down to technique as much as the product used, and it’s a fairly quick habit to get right.
A microfibre cloth outperforms paper towels or regular cloth
Microfibre picks up residue and moisture more effectively than paper towels, which can leave lint, or a standard cloth, which can push moisture around rather than lifting it cleanly.
Wipe in one direction, then buff dry separately
Wiping in a single consistent direction, rather than circular motions, followed immediately by buffing dry with a second clean, dry cloth, is a widely recommended technique for avoiding streaks on glass generally.
A mild vinegar-water solution works as well as commercial cleaner
A simple mix of water and a small amount of vinegar is a widely used, effective alternative to commercial glass cleaner for this kind of surface — either works, provided the wipe-and-buff technique is followed.
What to do in practice
Use a microfibre cloth with glass cleaner or a mild vinegar solution, wipe in one direction, and buff dry immediately with a second dry cloth rather than letting the surface air-dry.
What we would not do
Recommend circular wiping motions or air-drying without a final buff — both are common causes of streaking regardless of which cleaning product is used.
Last reviewed 25 August 2026