The first step in cleaning windows is removing loose debris with a vacuum cleaner or a handheld vac, then dusting the frames with a duster. If there are paint specks or labels, use a clean nylon scrub pad wetted with a bit of mild soap or diluted vinegar to remove them without scratching the glass.
Using the right tools and techniques makes the job faster and easier. It’s also a great way to keep your windows clean and streak-free. Start by cleaning one window at a time. Wet the glass and scrubber thoroughly, then apply more cleaner if needed. Rinse the window and scrubber, then wipe off the excess water with a cloth or sponge. Let Window Cleaning Ladera Ranch provide the expert help you need.
After washing the glass, squeegee it dry. This is the most important step in preventing streaks. It takes practice, but once you get it down it’s easy. Start in the top left corner and pull down with little pressure to create a dry edge along the frame. Wipe off the squeegee with a dry cloth between strokes or when needed.
If you’re still having trouble, try adding some vinegar or dish soap to your solution. Vinegar’s acidic properties break down dirt and grime, while dish soap cuts through grease. For stubborn stains, use a soft non-scratch scouring pad or sponge (like these Scotch-Brite non-scratch scrub sponges from Amazon) instead of steel wool or wire brushes that might scratch your windows.
To remove paint specks and labels, start at the top of the window and rub up-and-down and side-to-side with your scrubber. Wet the glass and scrubber first to help prevent scratching, then scrape with light to moderate pressure. Wash the window and scrubber again if necessary, then rinse and wipe down with a cloth or sponge.
If your windows have divided lites, scrub the glass first and then squeegee it clean. Make sure you use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away cleaner that may pool around the edges where the glass meets the frame.
The key to streak-free windows is in the drying process. Avoid letting excess water drip on the clean glass or on the window frames, which can leave unsightly streaks. To avoid this, always work from the top down, and keep your squeegee or rag dry as you go.
Using a Squeegee
There are many different ways to clean windows, such as with a sponge, cloth or newspaper. But none of them are as effective as a squeegee. This tool is easy to use and leaves your windows streak-free. It also does not leave behind any scratches or lint, and it can reach even high windows.
There is a bit of learning curve to using a squeegee, but once you master it, cleaning windows is much quicker and easier than using other methods. Moreover, a professional-grade squeegee is designed to last for years, making it a great investment. It is best to purchase a squeegee from a janitorial supplier, rather than one of the all-in-one plastic handles you might find at a big box store. Look for a squeegee that is made by a well-known manufacturer, such as Unger or Ettore, which use high-quality rubber that will not wear down over time.
Start by washing the window with soapy water, being careful not to touch the frames or sills with crusted soap suds. When the window is thoroughly wet, wipe the squeegee’s blade with a clean rag before starting. Then begin by pulling the squeegee over the soapy glass in straight, horizontal strokes. Each stroke should slightly overlap the previous one. Wipe the squeegee’s rubber edge with a dry rag at the end of each stroke to avoid trapping water under the blade and scratching the window.
If you’re having trouble getting rid of streaks, try fanning the squeegee in a circular motion to pull the water away faster. You can also try overlapping the squeegee strokes to create a snake-like pattern, if you’re comfortable with it.
When you’re finished, wipe the squeegee blade with a lint-free rag (old cloth diapers or napkins are ideal). Then, rinse the squeegee and wipe it down with a fresh rag before storing it. This will keep it hygienic and ready to use next time you need to clean the windows. And remember to keep a few spare rubber blades on hand to make cleaning faster and more efficient.
Using a Scrubber
For a truly streak-free shine, use a scrubber to wipe away stubborn dirt and grime. It’s a simple tool, but if you have the right one it can make the job very easy. Look for a scrubber that has a rubber blade that extends and rotates. These are perfect for reaching high windows without a ladder. You can find them online or at many hardware stores.
Before you begin scrubbing, rinse the window and the glass with a garden hose. This removes loose dirt, smoke film and other debris that can cause streaking. You can also use a broom to clean the frames and sills, or you can simply dust them with a dry rag.
When you’re ready to start washing, choose a time of day when the sun is not shining directly on the windows. Sunshine exposure speeds up the drying process of your cleaning solution and can leave streaks and spots on the windows. Work on one window at a time. For particularly dirty exterior windows, you can apply a mineral deposit-removing cleaner, such as CLR, to the soiled areas. Dampen a sponge with the cleaner and rub it into the affected area. Rinse and continue with your regular cleaning.
After you have thoroughly scrubbed the window, rinse it again. If your windows are very dirty, you may need to repeat this step until the window is clean. If you want to avoid streaks, it’s best to use a soft brush or sponge rather than a hard-bristled scrubbing pad, which can scratch the window.
Once your window is clean, dry it with a lint-free cloth or chamois. Paper towels can leave lint streaks, so you should avoid using them. You can use a microfiber cloth or even black-and-white newspaper pages for this purpose, but be sure to use clean ones, since you don’t want them to contain any lingering cleaning solutions.
To keep your windows sparkling clean, you can clean them regularly with a vinegar and water solution or a commercial window cleaner. To get high windows without teetering on a ladder, you can use a scrubber on a telescoping pole that has washable microfiber cloths at the head and rotates and extends over five feet.
Using a Cleaner
When washing windows, use a mild detergent or vinegar and water mixture (or a commercial window cleaning product such as Zep or Windex) to avoid streaking. If you use a chemical cleaner, be sure to wear rubber gloves and follow the instructions on the label. Vinegar is a natural alternative and can be used on its own or in combination with other household cleaning products.
Start by sweeping away loose dirt and cobwebs before wetting the windows. This prevents muddy water from mixing with the dirt and creating a sludge.
If your windows are a bit dusty, you can clean them by using a soft-bristled scrub brush or a sponge with soapy water. Make sure to scrub thoroughly and remove all grit from the surface. Rinse the windows thoroughly after scrubbing to prevent residue buildup.
Before you start squeegeeing, place a canvas drop cloth on the floor to catch any drips. Pour your cleaning solution into a plastic spray bottle, then apply it to the interior surfaces of the windows. Follow with a quick wipe down using a micro-fiber towel.
Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning solution by combining equal parts of vinegar and water or using a mild dishwashing liquid such as powdered dishwasher soap. If you prefer, you can also add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to your cleaning mixture for an extra boost of power.
When you’re ready to squeegee, start at the top of each window. Wipe a horizontal band along the edge of the glass. Move to the next band and continue until you’ve wiped down the entire window. Keep the squeegee blade dry between passes, using a lint-free cloth or chamois if necessary.
When you finish rinsing your windows, step back and check them for spots or streaks. If they’re still visible, spot-clean the areas with your scrub brush or sponge, then rinse the area again to remove any residual cleaning solution. If you notice any residue, a light application of mineral spirits or a few drops of dish soap on a clean cloth will remove it.