Squeegee and microfiber beat paper towels every time.

Yes, that’s the answer. A squeegee and a microfiber cloth will outperform paper towels or newspapers on windows and screens, especially after a dusty winter where grime has had months to settle.

The key is working in the right order. Wipe the screens first—outside with a hose or a damp microfiber cloth, inside with a dry one to knock off the loose dust. Then hit the windows. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water (or use a dedicated window cleaner; dish soap works fine), wet the glass, then squeegee from top to bottom, wiping the blade clean after each pass. Follow up corners with a dry microfiber cloth.

Paper towels leave lint. Newspapers work in a pinch but smear if there’s too much grease (and your winter dust might have that from cooking). Microfiber absorbs and traps dust without scratches. A $10 squeegee from a hardware store will outlast a dozen bottles of Windex.

Don’t overthink it. You don’t need fancy chemicals—just soap, water, and the right tools. Future You will look through clean glass and wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.