Need Window Cleaning Tips? Here’s What You Need to Know
Using a clean cloth, wipe the frames of the windows. This can help prevent mould build-up.
Start washing the glass at the top and work your way down. Scrub the window with your scrubber and cleaning solution, rubbing up-and-down and side-to-side with light to moderate pressure. If you’re not up for the task, you might want to consider hiring a professional for window cleaning mesa service. They’ll ensure your windows are spotless and streak-free without the hassle, allowing you to enjoy the view with ease.
Use a Squeegee
A squeegee is the best tool for removing water streaks and keeping your windows clean. It also works well on shower doors and tile floors, making it a very versatile cleaning tool. Plus, if you have pets, you can use it to remove pet hair from carpets and upholstery, which is much more satisfying than using a vacuum.
If you haven’t used a squeegee before, it might take a little practice to get the hang of it. To start, wet the window with a sponge or cloth soaked in soapy water. Then, wipe the surface of the window, paying special attention to any areas with sticky grime or cobwebs. After you’ve wiped the window, remove the excess water with the squeegee. Make sure to overlap your strokes slightly so that there are no gaps or streaks.
It’s a good idea to use the squeegee on a cool day, as hot sunlight can cause the soap suds to dry quickly, which will leave behind water spots and streaks. It’s also a good idea to have a buddy help you with this job, especially if you’re cleaning high windows.
When you’re ready to use the squeegee, begin at the top of the window and move down in a straight line. Then, return to the top and repeat, slightly overlapping each stroke. This will ensure that all parts of the window are clean and dry. Continue this process until the entire window is clean. If you need to, rinse the rubber blade of the squeegee between strokes to remove any soap scum. Finally, be sure to store the squeegee in a dry, cool place to prolong its lifespan.
Clean the Screen
Professional cleaners use a mix of water and soap or cleaning solution, but even if you’re not a Mrs Hinch fan you can achieve great results with household products. The trick is in the preparation. Start with a soft, clean microfibre cloth to avoid smears and scratches on the glass itself.
Then dampen it with hot, clean water or a solution like washing up liquid or a mild household cleaner to remove any residues on the window frames and sill. Avoid abrasive chemicals and bleach as they can damage the finish of the frame and leave streaks. For stubborn marks, try a little mineral spirits or some good old fashioned elbow grease, advises Rachael Munby from Anglian Home Improvements.
Once the frame and sill are clean, a quick run with your squeegee (we recommend one of our top picks in our guide to the best window squeegees) and a swish with your microfibre cloth should leave you with a shiny, streak-free finish. You can also buff the frame and windows with a dry microfibre cloth to remove any residual solution or water marks.
If you’re dealing with a particularly grimy window, mix distilled water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to create a homemade cleaning product that works really well on LCD screens too. The solution will help to dissolve and suspend any remaining dirt so it’s easily wiped away, without leaving any residue or streaks, on the glass.
You can also purchase a rain-repellent treatment (mostly used on car windshields) to reduce the amount of water that sits on the glass, which can lead to unsightly streaks and fogging. These products are easy to apply with a spray bottle and work quickly to give you a streak-free shine.
Use a Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber is a wonder-fabric that has many uses, and one area in which it really shines is when used to clean windows and glass. These cloths, which are available at most major hardware stores, have the ability to attract dust particles like a magnet and wipe them away without leaving lint behind. They also absorb and hold water better than traditional rags, making it easy to use less cleaning solution when washing windows.
Before you start cleaning the windows, make sure to thoroughly remove any dust or debris from the window frame, tracks and sill with a vacuum, duster or cloth. Once you’ve done this, wet a window cloth under warm or hot running water and gently wring it out. Once the cloth is damp, wipe the window surface with an S pattern, starting at the top of the window and moving down in a straight motion. Continue swiping the window in this fashion until it’s completely dry and free of residue.
You may be tempted to skip this step, but it’s essential for the long-term health of your windows. When you skip this step, dirt particles are more likely to stick to the windows, causing them to become dull and discolored over time. To avoid this, always wipe your windows with a microfiber cloth that’s been properly laundered.
If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, a traditional cotton rag or paper towel will do the trick. However, if you want your windows to shine and look pristine for longer, consider investing in a pack of Casabella Microfiber Glass Cloths. These are made with a special honeycomb texture that nabs water spots and smudges from windows and mirrors without scratching.
Clean the Frame
Before you start cleaning the windows, make sure your frame and sill are free of dust, cobwebs, and debris. This will help prevent the dirty solution you use to wash your window panes from being absorbed by the wood and causing mold or mildew. Use a brush, broom, or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove these contaminants and then wipe down the window frames with a clean microfiber cloth. Make sure to also open the window if you can and check for any hidden crevices that need cleaning.
Once the window frames are cleaned, they should be thoroughly dried. This will prevent the growth of mold or mildew and help keep your glass from becoming streaky due to excess moisture. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the frames and sills, being careful to cover all areas. Be sure to also wipe down your squeegee and any rags you have used during the cleaning process to pick up any water/solution that may have accidentally been sprayed on the frames.
Finally, it is important to choose the right day to wash your windows. Avoid washing them on a sunny day, as this can cause them to dry too quickly and leave streaks behind. Instead, opt for a cloudy or overcast day when the sun isn’t directly shining on the window panes.
Once you’ve chosen the right day to wash your windows, prep your supplies by grabbing a bucket of warm water and a few squirts of soap. Spray the glass cleaner directly onto your microfiber cloth rather than squirting it onto the window itself, and then begin working the cloth in a zig-zag motion across the entire window, starting at the top.
Dry the Window
A common mistake that leads to streaks is leaving the window cleaner on the glass. After you use a squeegee, wipe away the excess cleaner with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel. Avoid paper towels, which break down and leave lint behind.
You should also dry the frame of the window before you wash it. If you don’t, the frame will be wet and might develop mold or other problems. You can use a towel, microfiber cloth or a chamois. If you are using a squeegee with a rubber blade, make sure that it is completely dry between each pass. This is important because it prevents water from trickling down the window and leaving streaks.
Before you start cleaning the window, wipe down the frames and sills with a microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt or cobwebs. This will save you time by not having to do it once you have the cleaner on the windows.
When washing the window, it’s best to work from the top down and overlap each pass. This will help you get the best results and ensure that no spots are missed. If you are having trouble reaching the top of a tall window, consider using a squeegee extension that extends more than three feet. This will allow you to reach the top without a ladder, making it easier to clean your windows. You can also try a water-fed pole system that has a microfiber cloth at the head and rotates and extends more than five feet. This is a safer way to clean high windows than a ladder. This method works well for smaller windows, too.
