Window Cleaning can help them last longer by preventing buildup of dirt and grime. It is important to take your time when cleaning so you do not miss any spots or leave streaks on the glass.
Start at the top of the window and draw your squeegee down in straight strokes, wiping off the rubber edge after each one. Be sure to wipe the frame as well.
Before you wash the windows, you have to get rid of the dirt and dust that collects on your window screens. If the screens are detachable, you can simply run a vacuum cleaner hose attachment over them to remove loose debris like dust, pollen and pet hair. If your screens are attached, or if they can’t be removed, use a lint roller or a soft-bristled brush to scrape away loose dirt. You can also try a stiff-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, to get to tough dirt or grease spots in corners and crevices.
If the screens are particularly dirty, make a solution of hot water and a little dish soap, and allow them to soak. This will loosen caked-on grime and make the cleaning process much easier. If you can’t soak your screens, use a sponge and a small amount of detergent to wash them. When you’re finished washing the screens, rinse them well with clean water using your garden hose. Be sure to keep the water pressure low enough so that you don’t bend or damage your screens, and then lay them out to dry completely before reinstalling them.
You can also clean your window screens with a spray bottle of your favorite window cleaning solution. Fill the bottle with a capful of dishwashing liquid, then add water to make the solution as concentrated as possible. Spray the solution generously over your screens, and use a cloth or sponge to wipe it down gently. Be sure to clean both sides of the screen, and then let it dry completely before reinstalling it.
If the frames around your windows are rusty or have a sticky film on them, you can use household vinegar to remove it. Pour the vinegar over the rusted areas, and then allow it to sit for a couple of hours. Then, scrub it with a bristled brush, and then wash the area with clean water. If the rust is really bad, you may need to repeat this process a few times before it’s fully gone. You can also sand the frame with fine grit sandpaper to help remove any remaining rust and then apply a coat of car wax to protect it from future rusting.
Clean the Glass
When your windows are clean, they let in more light and show off the colors of your home and yard. Keeping your window glass clean also helps prevent the buildup of dust, pollen and other allergens that can make your family sick.
Before washing the glass, it’s important to sweep away loose dirt from the frame, sill and track of the window. A brush found in the sporting goods section of your local store works well for this purpose, and is especially useful when it comes to sweeping off cobwebs in corners.
It’s best to begin cleaning windows at the top and work your way down. This will help you avoid spilling cleaning solution on areas you haven’t washed yet. When you’re ready to wash the glass, squirt a small amount of cleaner on the window and wipe it with a soft cloth until the surface is wet.
After you’ve wiped the window, it’s time to use your squeegee. It’s important to get a good grip on your tool and to keep the blade of the squeegee dry between swipes. A clean towel, like a microfiber cloth or surgical cloth, works great for this. Avoid paper towels, as they can leave lint behind.
The first step in getting a streak-free finish is to press the left side of your squeegee against the window frame and the right side against the window. This will create a strip of clean glass from top to bottom. This strip makes it easier to start your horizontal stokes.
A squeegee should be held at about a 45 degree angle when you start your strokes. A squeegee with a rubber blade is best for glass, but you can also find nylon or metal versions for some surfaces. For a truly professional look, consider purchasing a long-handled squeegee to make it easier to reach the top of taller windows.
Be sure to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like goggles, gloves and ant-slip shoes when washing your windows. A squeegee and bucket are the most common tools for professional window washers, but some window cleaning specialists have their own unique equipment to speed up the process. For example, some use a tool called a T-bar that has a rod and sleeve. It can be used to deliver and apply the cleaning solution and typically has a variety of sleeves that allow it to be used on various types of window panes.
Remove Water Left on the Glass
Whether you’re using a commercial cleaner or your own homemade solution, it is important to rinse the window thoroughly afterward to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue and prevent streaks. To do so, you can either spray the cleaning solution directly onto your microfiber cloth or spritz the window frame itself. Once you have wiped down the window frame, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff out any remaining solution residue. This is especially important for windows with a wide frame, where you may find that water drips down the sides of the glass and leaves streaks.
To avoid getting water stains on the glass when you’re washing windows, it is recommended that you place a towel or drop cloth under each window to catch any drips. If you don’t have a towel or drop cloth handy, you can also use the edge of a sponge to collect the excess water and then blot the surface dry with a clean microfiber cloth to ensure there are no streaks left behind.
If you’re dealing with stubborn water spots on your windows, you can try applying a little baking soda to the surface before scrubbing it with a washcloth. Baking soda can help remove tough stains like hard water deposits, rust and soap scum. Alternatively, you can opt for using a citrus-based household cleaner that’s designed to dissolve water spot build-up.
It’s important to select the right squeegee for the job, so you don’t have any issues with clogging or leaving streaks on the glass. A good quality squeegee will have a rubber blade that’s specifically designed to glide across the surface without leaving any marks. Additionally, the blade should be slightly angled for better results.
A microfiber washer sleeve works well with a squeegee because it provides a more durable surface for the squeegee to slide over. In addition, it has the added benefit of trapping dust and debris, which helps to keep the squeegee blade clean and prevent streaks. You should also consider a telescoping window squeegee when you’re cleaning high windows that require you to teeter on a ladder. This type of squeegee extends to more than five feet for you to easily reach those hard-to-reach windows.
Dry the Glass
Whether you’re cleaning your own windows or working with a professional window washing team, it’s important to dry the glass. Not only will this help prevent streaks, but it will also protect your windows from the elements. To do so, use a squeegee or some other type of flat blade to remove the remaining water from the window surface. Start at one of the top corners and work your way down, wiping the squeegee’s blade dry in between passes. Be sure to angle the squeegee so that it doesn’t drip down the sides of the window.
Professional window cleaners usually have a bucket, scrub brush, extension poles, and several other specialized tools. They also use safety goggles, gloves, and anti-slip shoes for protection from chemical solutions and dangerous heights.
If you’re cleaning your own windows, you should drape a canvas drop cloth or large towel on the ground underneath each window. This will catch any excess water and help keep your floor clean. It’s also a good idea to put down some plastic sheeting or old towels in case any cleaning solution seeps through the bottom of the window and leaves a mark on your carpet or furniture.
The best tool for drying the glass is a squeegee, but you can also use a rag or surgical towel. The key is to find a non-linty cloth that won’t leave any streaks. A terry cloth or micro-fiber towel works well. A crumpled up piece of newspaper will also work, but be careful not to leave any ink stains on the surrounding window frame.
For windows that are difficult to reach, you can use a telescoping window cleaning pole that has microfiber cloths at the head and rotates and extends more than five feet. Just make sure that it’s attached to a ladder that is stable and that you’re wearing safety goggles, a harness, and gloves for protection from the dangerous chemicals used in window cleaning.
