Using paper towels to dry your windows leaves behind lint, so it’s best to use a microfiber cloth or chamois. For upper-floor exterior windows, consider investing in a gadget that extends and rotates to make reaching those hard-to-reach panes easier. See our home page.
Wet one section of the window at a time and wipe in circular motions. This avoids letting your cleaner evaporate too quickly and helps mitigate streaks.
1. Clean the Frame First
When cleaning your windows, start by wiping down the frame and sill. This will help you avoid dripping dirty water on your clean window panes.
If your window frames have a lot of mold and mildew build-up, you may need to use a bleach solution or a product that is safe for wood. A dehumidifier can also be a helpful tool to have in the home for this reason, reducing moisture levels which can cause mold and mildew.
Next, wet the glass surface and scrub thoroughly with your cleaning solution. Then squeegee the window, starting with one corner to create a clear strip. After each horizontal swipe, wipe the squeegee blade clean. Vary the direction of each swipe to help avoid streaks. For an extra shine, rub the window with a piece of dry newspaper or lint-free cloth.
2. Don’t Skip the Screens
When cleaning windows, you should never forget to clean the window screens as well. If you skip this important step, dirty water will likely fall onto the floors and walls of the home or business, creating a mess that’s harder to clean once it dries.
If your screens are particularly grimy, make a cleaning solution by combining 1/4 cup of soap or all-purpose cleaner with 1/2 gallon of water. Apply this to your screen with a sponge, scrubbing away the dirt and grime. Rinse the screen thoroughly and let dry completely before reattaching it to the window.
Try adding screen cleaning as an add-on service in your window cleaning quotes to increase your profits. To streamline your workflow, invest in a tool belt or squeegee holster to keep your most-used tools within easy reach.
3. Don’t Skip the Ladder
It is important not to skip the ladder if you need to wash high windows. It is hard to properly maintain balance while cleaning high windows from a ladder, and falling off of a ladder can be very dangerous.
If you must use a ladder, make sure it is secured to the ground, and that there is someone nearby to help if needed. You should also wear proper safety equipment.
Start by wiping down the window frames, grids, and hardware with a clean lint-free cloth or paper towel. Then, apply the cleaning solution to the glass and scrub well. When you are ready to squeegee, begin at the top of the window and move downwards with even pressure.
4. Don’t Skip the Microfiber Cloths
Using old rags or paper towels can leave behind lint which can cause streaks. Instead, try reusable microfiber cloths which are washable and can be used for multiple cleaning cycles.
Microfiber cloths have a honeycomb texture which helps to nab water spots, smudges, and dirt without scratching glass. If you’re still using paper towels, try to use a brand that can stand up to water and is made of a durable material like Bounty Regular.
Apply cleaner with a damp cloth, working from top to bottom to avoid drips. After the first pass, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any solution residue or streaking. This is the same way professional window washers do it and will help you achieve a spotless finish. Alternatively, you can also use a squeegee.
5. Don’t Skip the Squeegee
If you skip the squeegee, your windows won’t be as clean and will streak. Use a rubber-bladed squeegee, such as one from Ettore, to remove all the soapy water and leave your window glass shiny and clean.
To avoid smearing, wipe the rubber blade of your squeegee with a clean lint-free towel before each swipe and swap out your towels frequently (they can collect lint). Wash your windows on a cloudy day if possible, as the sun evaporates the water faster and may cause streaking.
For those hard-to-reach windows, consider a telescoping pole with a squeegee attachment that rotates and extends more than five feet. Drape a canvas drop cloth over the floor to catch the water as you wipe. This will keep your home cleaner and prevent muddy drips on the carpet. Next blog post.
