One of the best professional cleaning solutions that won’t leave streaks is one gallon of distilled or bottled water mixed with 2 to 4 teaspoons of dish soap. Apply using a sponge in a figure-eight motion, and then use a squeegee to remove the majority of the water and soap. You can finish drying with a piece of old black-and-white newspaper to remove any residue for a streak-free clean every time.

While clean windows don't automatically increase home value, they make your home look more attractive from the outside, and since the exterior is the first thing a potential buyer will see, it can help make a good first impression that paints the rest of your home in a positive light. Educated homebuyers will see that your home is well cared for if they see clean window tracks and sparkling window glass, which can contribute to an overall positive opinion of your property. Clean windows give the impression that the rest of the home—including systems and appliances—is probably well-kept, too.

Cleaning your windows not only improves your home’s curb appeal—and, therefore, property value—but it also prolongs the life of your windows. Clean windows make a big difference from the outside, so if you’re selling your home or plan on selling, window washing is an affordable way to make your home stand out. Additionally, cleaning the tracks and moving components in your window can help them last longer, potentially saving you money over time on window replacement costs and repair.

Prices vary depending on window size, building height, and accessibility, ranging from $5 to $15 per window or $150 to $500 per service.