Windows look best if they are cleaned on a regular basis, at least twice a year on the inside and outside. Home recipes work just as well as commercial products for washing windows, and you'll save money. But remember that window cleaners pose a threat to woodwork. Don't let them drip on the windowsill where they can harm the paint or varnish.

Here are some useful techniques for cleaning windows.

• Wash one side of a window with horizontal strokes and the other side with vertical strokes so you can pinpoint which side of the window has a streak.
  

  ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. To find streaks, wash one side with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical strokes.

• Use a squeegee on a long handle or a sponge/squeegee combination to prevent streaks on large windows.
  
  
• Eliminate tiny scratches on glass by polishing the affected areas with toothpaste.
  
  
• Washing windows should be done on a cloudy day, because direct sunlight dries cleaning solutions before you can polish the glass properly.
  
  
• Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean corners.
  

  ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. A cotton swab or soft toothbrush works for cleaning corners.

• To give an extra shine to window glass, polish it with well-washed cotton T-shirts or old cloth diapers. Or rub a clean blackboard eraser over a freshly washed and dried window to give it a diamond-bright shine.
  
  
• Polish windows to a sparkling shine with crumpled newspaper. The paper also leaves a film that's resistant to dirt.
  
  
• Wash windows from the top down to prevent drips.

  A Homemade Glass CleanerDon't want to spend money on a glass cleaner? Try making one yourself: Use 2 tablespoons ammonia, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, and 1/4 teaspoon dishwashing detergent. Add all ingredients to a small spray bottle, then fill the bottle with water and shake well. You can substitute 3 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice for the ammonia. Use as you would any commercial window cleaner.