How to Clean Pet Nose Prints and Drool off Windows and Glass Doors

If you have a dog, the glass door to the yard and the low half of every window probably carry a row of nose prints, smears and dried drool. Cats leave their own marks on windowsills and the glass above them. These marks are mostly saliva, skin oil and a bit of dirt, so they come off easily with the right method. Done wrong, you get streaks, or scratches on coated glass. This guide covers both.

It follows the glass cleaning instructions of the window makers Andersen and Marvin. Your windows and doors may have their own care guide and approved cleaner list, especially if the glass has a special coating, so check yours first.

What you need

Two or three soft, clean microfiber cloths
A spray bottle of clean water
A glass cleaner your window maker approves
A squeegee with a rubber blade, for large doors (optional)

Andersen’s list of approved products includes a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water and several common glass cleaners. Other makers list different products, so use the list for your brand if there is one.

Step by step: nose prints and drool on glass

Pick a cloudy moment or a shaded side. Andersen says cleaning on a cloudy day gives the best results, and that cleaning in direct sunlight can cause streaks or make cleaning products dry on the glass.
Wet the marks first. Dried drool can hold grit and hair. Marvin advises soaking the glass with clean water to loosen dirt and making sure no abrasive particles remain before you clean. Spray the smudges with water and wait a minute so the drool softens.
Wipe off the softened marks with a damp microfiber cloth, rinsing the cloth often so you do not drag hair and grit across the glass.
Clean with an approved glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Andersen’s steps are to remove dust and debris with a dry soft cloth, clean with an approved product and a soft cloth, then dry the glass.
Dry it straight away with a squeegee or a dry microfiber cloth. Marvin says to remove the cleaning solution quickly with a squeegee, keeping metal parts away from the glass.
Check from an angle, at your pet’s height and in daylight, and buff any leftover streaks with a dry cloth.

What not to use on window glass

Razor blades and scrapers. Andersen lists metal razor blades among the things that can damage its glass, and Marvin says not to use scrapers of any kind, noting that glass scratched by a scraper is not covered by its warranty. Dried drool comes off with water and patience; it does not need scraping.
Abrasive cleaners and tools, such as steel wool, scouring pads or powders. Both makers rule these out.
Alcohol-based cleaners and wipes, which Andersen lists as products that can damage its windows and doors. Check your own maker’s list.
Newspaper. Andersen warns that newspaper ink may stain the glass or the surrounding materials.
Power washers on doors and windows, which Andersen also rules out.

Keep it pet-safe

Your dog will press its nose against the same glass again, and may lick it. After using a cleaner, wipe the lower part of the glass with a cloth dampened with plain water, then dry it.
Keep pets out of the room until the glass and any drips on the floor are dry, and store cleaners where pets cannot reach them.
Follow the product label for ventilation and safety.

Frames, sills and sliding door tracks

Drool and nose oil also land on frames, sills and the handle area. Andersen’s instructions cover cleaning the frame with an approved product and a soft cloth and then drying it. On a sliding door, vacuum hair and grit out of the bottom track regularly so it does not grind into the rollers or get dragged onto the glass with your cloth.

Cat on the windowsill? Hair collects in the corners of the sill and the track. A vacuum with a crevice tool gets it out before you wipe.

Cut down on nose prints

Clean the low strip more often. A quick water-and-microfiber wipe of the bottom 2 to 3 feet once or twice a week takes a minute and keeps drool from building up.
Keep a cloth by the door your dog watches from.
Wipe your dog’s face after meals and walks if it drools a lot. Less drool on the dog means less on the glass. See how to get rid of dog smell in the house for other daily habits.

A pet door gets nose prints and slobber as well. For the flap, frame and magnets, see how to clean a pet door or cat flap.

Other glass in the house

Car windows: the same method works, but check your car maker’s guidance for tinted windows. For the rest of the car, see how to clean a pet accident in your car.
Glass shower doors, mirrors and glass tables: use a cleaner labeled for that surface and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

Keep cleanup supplies ready

Nose prints are the easy part of living with pets. For the harder messes, our Pet Cleanup Kit has gloves, an enzyme odor product, an absorbent powder and a UV black light in one pouch. Read the label for which surfaces each product suits.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get dried dog drool off a glass door?

Spray it with clean water and let it soften for a minute, wipe it off with a damp microfiber cloth, then clean with a glass cleaner your door maker approves and dry the glass. Do not scrape it; Marvin and Andersen both rule out scrapers and razor blades.

Why does my glass streak after cleaning nose prints?

Usually because the cleaner dried before you wiped it off, often in direct sun, or because the cloth was dirty. Andersen says cleaning in direct sunlight can cause streaks. Clean in shade, use a fresh microfiber cloth and dry the glass right away.

Is vinegar safe on windows?

Andersen lists a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water as an approved glass cleaner for its windows. Other makers may differ, so check your own window’s care guide. This is about glass only: for pet urine on floors and fabrics, we do not recommend vinegar; see vinegar, baking soda or enzyme cleaner.

Can I use a razor blade on dried-on marks?

Not on window glass from makers like Andersen and Marvin, which warn against razor blades and scrapers. Soak the mark with water instead and wipe it off.

Sources

Andersen Windows and Doors: Clean glass and frame surfaces on Andersen windows and doors
Marvin: Care and maintenance

This guide is general cleaning information. Follow your window or door maker’s care instructions and the product label.