Is it smoked glass, or is it just dirty? Cleaning a homes windows is not an easy job. Anyone who has a cleaner visit every other week has probably asked - how much to do the windows? - and been shocked by the cost.

The idea of spending the weekend cleaning windows is not too exciting. But with a few tips and techniques can become a breeze of a job. And the clarity will amaze once those smog shaded windows become as clear as can be.

The trick is in knowing the secrets the pros use. It's not always a fancy cleaner concoction either. The cleaning supply window washers use is often just Soapy warm water, which can clean a window as well as expensive products can. The best trick is to make life easier by cleaning smarter.

A tool belt is a great way to ease the load. You can buy one at the local hardware store, or even fashion one on your own. Instead of breaking your back to bend over for one tool after the other, your tool belt keeps everything within easy reach in an instant.

Any homeowner can make this job a breeze. Quality tools make a big difference. A squeegee with stainless steel or brass channel is desirable. And means of disposable rubber blades are a requirement. Cheep squeegees are disposable, and cost more in the long run. If you clean your windows only once a year - a quality squeegee with replaceable rubber blades will make the job much easier. A squeegee with a blade between 12 and 18 inches wide is preferred. Make sure a supply of rubber blades for your preferred brand of squeegee is readily available at a local store. One with a telescoping handle is desirable, particularly if you have a two story home with windows that need cleaning for the first time in a long time.

The weather can be a factor when achieving good results. If the weather is too hot or dry, your cleaning solution can dry, leaving streaks. Pending rain would not be good either. Cool weather is the best condition for good window cleaning results.

The cleaning supply window cleaners use most is ammonia based. Ammonia will dry quickly leaving no films to streak. If your squeegee includes a scrubber, it can help tell you when areas that need scrubbing are clean because you can feel the texture go from coarse to smooth as you scrub.

Before starting your window washing project, make sure to dust away dead bugs, dust, or cobwebs. Grit from these things can scratch windows or leave mud streaks leading to extra work.

It's best to develop a squeegee strategy. Whether you use horizontal strokes or vertical ones, make sure you go in the same direction with each stroke. Make sure to overlap the previous stroke by an inch or two. Use a clean, lint free rag to wipe the squeegee dry after each stroke so you don't drip dirty water onto an area you've already squeegeed.

It's really simple once you get the hang of it. As with most things, the preparation is the most important part in making a tiresome task easy - and you into a window cleaning pro with clear, streak free windows.