Cleaning Windows: Tips and Techniques

If you’ve ever had a professional window cleaning, you’ll have seen the difference in the sparkle that experts achieve as if by magic. Glass is an unforgiving material. It seems to attract streaks out of the psychic ether. Its reflective surface only shows its imperfections from the right angle, so post-clean smears are a frequent problem. Let’s find out how the pros achieve that impossible shine.

What is the best thing to clean windows with?

Professional window cleaners worship their tools. The right squeegees, chemicals, and scrubbers go a long way towards achieving perfection. Those tools aren’t all made alike, though, so stocking up at your local supermarket is unlikely to yield excellent results. You’ll need to find your tools at full-service hardware stores. You’ll need:

A 10-inch squeegee made of natural rubber or red gum. These options are pliable and strong enough to achieve a streak-free shine. If you need an oil-resistant option, neoprene or uretek will serve you best.
A lint-free cloth for post-squeegee polishing. Microfiber has become popular, but its absorptiveness leaves much to be desired. 100% polyester will do the job better.
A soft sponge to deal with heavy marks. Glass scratches easily, so choose cellulose, natural lambswool or a sea wool sponge.
Soap. Many professional window cleaners use dish soaps for their streak-free effects. Window detergents can achieve a polished effect after you’ve washed away surface grime.

How do professional clean windows?

Polishing an unwashed window will only move grime around your glass, so the first step is always a good wash-down. The initial clean will go a long way towards achieving a streak-free effect as long as you choose the right detergent. First dust loose debris off your window with a dry cloth or duster. Then cover your windows with plenty of diluted detergent before lifting dirt with a soft, textured sponge.

What is the best way to clean windows without streaking?

Most professionals favor lambswool for its absorptive, texturized surface. Don’t be stingy with your window cleaner. It will dissolve and suspend dirt so that you can remove the source of streaks. Pay close attention to the edges and corners. If you leave them dirty, you’ll redistribute grime when you polish.

If you’re dealing with sticky residue, a little furniture polish should remove the adhesive if you leave it to soak for a few minutes before scrubbing it off. Now give your windows a thorough rinse.

Polishing your window glass

No matter how much weight you put behind your polishing, you won’t achieve a professional shine if you clean your windows in full sunlight. The heat of midday dries your detergent before you can polish it away, so always polish when your windows are protected by shade.

Next, choose your tools. The pros swear by a quality squeegee. Make sure the blade lies flat by drawing it steadily over the surface from the top down, creating a two-inch overlap between each stroke. You need a sharp blade to achieve a shiny finish, so change yours frequently and wipe the blade clean with an absorptive cloth after each swipe.

If your squeegee has left signs of water behind, polish them away with your lint-free cloth, but try to limit this stage of the strategy. If you create too much static, your glass will attract dirt and your beautiful results will be undone in under a day. When your cloth becomes dirty or drenched, change to a new one.

Replacing your screens

Professionals will always remove screens and wash them separately. This way, debris and dust won’t be blown against your beautifully-polished glass. Heavily-diluted dish soap should do the trick, but if you have hard paint marks, the end of a razor blade will take care of them. Make sure you use a new blade, though, because a blunt one will cause scratches. Once you’ve rinsed your screens, practice your new squeegee skills on them before reinstallation.

Dealing with unusual windows

Every window design presents its own challenges, so you might need to adjust your strategy for unique shapes. Picture windows require larger tools, so rely on a strip applicator rather than a cloth or sponge. Cotton or linen napkins are big enough for this task.

Multipane windows present the opposite problem. They’re small, so ordinary tools won’t do. You can trim an existing squeegee with a hacksaw or simply buy a smaller product. You’ll need a blade that’s 1/8 inches on either side. Hog bristle brushes are excellent dusters for smaller panes. Their firmer feel and extra absorbency will loosen multi-pane dirt more effectively.

Window cleaning is an art that requires finesse and attention to detail. The results are worth the hard work, though. Streak-free windows give those gorgeous mountain views the clarity they deserve. Now settle in to enjoy the view with a cup of hot cocoa. You deserve it!

Nee help with a window project? Schedule a free estimate with 1-800-HANSONS.

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