Though not everyone’s favourite way of passing the time, it’s worth remembering that cleaning your windows is a fairly quick and easy win when it comes to brightening up your building – especially when you think that it’s one of those jobs that needs only doing about twice a year.

As the weather has cooled and it’s quite likely to be cloudy, it’s actually a pretty good time of year to give it a go. When the sun shines and you can see the dirt, it often prompts people to get on with it straight away, but you’re actually better off waiting until it’s a bit greyer. This is because, just like when you clean the car, the sunnier and warmer it is, the more likely you are to be left with streaky watermarks if your cleaner dries quickly, which just makes the job that bit more arduous.

For the inside of the windows, clean the window frames first so that you don’t risk dripping water on to the previously cleaned glass, then, dust the window glass with a dry cloth to avoid simply swirling the dust around on the surface.

When it comes to your cleaner, you can stick with what you like or ring the changes – it won’t really matter that much and there are lots of specialist products available. What matters is that you’re happy with the finish you get on your windows and the speed with which it can clean them.

Or, if you prefer, there is always the homemade, traditional route using a combination of three parts water to one part white vinegar. Re-using an empty spray bottle means that you can apply it easily, in controlled quantities. You could even add a few drops of essential oil for your preferred scent.

Microfibre cloths are ideal for cleaning windows as they really do make quick work of it and help to make sure that you get rid of any excess cleaner. Of course, just like the water and white vinegar solution, the traditional method for drying and wiping the window glass is to use old newspaper.

For cleaning the windows outside, even though the cloudy weather advice is still the same, check the temperature of the water you use. Using water that is too hot on a cold windowpane could cause it to crack but using cold water if the temperature is too low could cause it to freeze on the window. However, you could always try adding a drop of windscreen cleaner, even though it’s designed for cars.

Either way, use waterproof gloves to protect your hands from the water and the cold.

For both inside and out, as you wash the windows, make circular movements from the corners and outer perimeter of the window towards the interior or centre of the window to get an even, streak-free finish.

And for commercial buildings and offices, it’s always worth considering a commercial cleaning company.