If you are looking for the best way to clean windows, you're in the right spot. Unlike the walls of your house, windows show all the fingerprints, dog slobber and overall grime that build up on the glass. When they’re dirty, it’s obvious. If you’ve been hiding them behind blinds and curtains then it’s probably time to give them a good wipe down. A good general rule is to wash them at least twice a year.
The fastest way of cleaning windows with crystal clear, streak-free results - Try washing windows with a squeegee, and you’ll never go back to a spray bottle and paper towels. Squeegees get your glass clear and streak free in a fraction of the time it takes with paper towels.
Below we list the basic window washing equipment you need and the simple steps to follow for fast, clear results when cleaning windows.
Window cleaning with a squeegee is one of the best ways to clean windows. Basic window washing equipment:
Squeegee
The squeegee is the most important tool in the cleaning of windows process. If you’re serious about cleaning your windows like a pro, buy a good quality squeegee. A quality squeegee will come assembled in three pieces. The handle, the channel and the piece of rubber supported by the channel. The rubber can be turned over when it gets old, and then replaced when both sides have worn out.
There are various sizes to choose from depending on the size of the windows you’ll be cleaning. I own several and use them according to the window I’m cleaning.
You’ll also need a wet cover for your squeegee. Again get the proper size to fit your squeegee. Some covers come in different textures to help scrub off debris stuck to the window. Wet covers are machine washable and can be used repeatedly before needing to be replaced.
Best Cleaning Solution For Windows
The best homemade window cleaning solution is adding just a couple of gallons of water and about a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to your bucket, and you’re ready to go for window washing. Some people also opt to use vinegar and water to make the best solution to clean windows. It’s up to you to use a scrubber or a sponge. A scrubber works great and is worth buying if you have medium to large glass panes. But a good-quality sponge is all you need, especially if most of your windowpanes are small.
Step one for cleaning windows
Once you finish making a cleaning solution for windows following the exact method we shared above, the first step is to dip the scrubber in the bucket and squeeze excess water from the scrubber.
Scrub the glass
The first step in cleaning windows outside process is to scrub the glass, working at all angles to clean the edges. Make sure to cover every square inch of the glass. This technique allows you to get great results immediately. We’re moving the squeegee horizontally across the glass, but vertical strokes will work too. If you work vertically, angle the squeegee to direct excess water toward the uncleaned area.
Clean a starting strip
Use a window-washing squeegee with a smooth, soft rubber edge. Dry a 1-inch strip at the top or side of each window, and always start your squeegee there. Starting on dry glass is one key to avoiding streaks. Don’t wash windows in direct sunlight because quickly-dried glass is more susceptible to streaking. Evenings or cloudy days are the best times for cleaning windows.
Squeegee across the top
Press the squeegee blade against the glass in the upper corner and pull it steadily across the window. Concentrate on keeping the top of the squeegee in contact with the window's top edge.
Wipe the squeegee clean
Wipe the blade on the clean towel in your front pocket or wipe it across the scrubber to remove dirt and excess water.
Work down the window
Begin again with cleaning windows, with the top of the squeegee overlapping the previous stroke about 2 inches. Pull the squeegee across the window at an angle to direct excess water down. Wipe and repeat.
Wipe off excess water
The next step in cleaning windows outside is to wipe up excess water. Anywhere that water spilled, dripped, or ran down the window, wipe the area dry with an absorbent, lint-free cloth. This will prevent streaks on the window. To prevent damage to the frame, use a separate cloth or rag to dry water from the window sill.
You can use a squeegee inside the house, too.
The pros always do this, even inside houses with stained and varnished woodwork. When cleaning windows, the key is to squeeze the soapiest water out of the scrubber to eliminate excessive dripping and running. Then rest the scrubber on the edge of the bucket rather than dropping it in the water after each window. Depending on how dirty your windows are, you may be able to wash 5 or 10 windows before rinsing the scrubber.
Use the towel to wipe up any water spilt onto the window sill and the floor. I generally don't use micro-fiber cloths to wipe along the bottom of the window frame because this is going to dirty it very quickly. Use the towel for that area. If there are any other marks, such as little insect marks or grubby finger marks that didn't quite come off, give it a rub with a clean part of the micro-fibre cloth, or start again with the mop.
For divided-lite windows, use a sponge and a small squeegee. If you can’t find a small enough squeegee, you can cut off a larger one to fit your glass size for a DIY window cleaner. Scrub the glass with a wrung-out sponge. Then use the tip of the squeegee to clear a narrow strip at the top. Pull the squeegee down and wipe the perimeter.
Step 1: Changing a squeegee blade
Remove the worn-out blade. Grab the end of the blade and stretch it out to expose the metal clip. Slide the clip off. Then slide the blade out the opposite end. Screws and the clamp on the handle hold blades without clips.
Step 2: Changing a squeegee blade
Install the new blade. Slide it into the metal channel. Stretch it and reinstall the metal clip.
Window Cleaning Tips
Hard-to-clean windows tips - Remove paint specks and labels with a razor blade mounted in a holder. Always use a new blade to avoid scratching the glass. Wet the window first and push the blade across once. Rinse the blade and repeat on the next section to avoid trapping debris under the blade that could scratch the glass. Don’t use a razor blade on tempered glass.
Remove tree pitches or bug droppings with a fine (white) nylon scrub pad. Wet the glass first and rub it in an inconspicuous area to ensure you’re not scratching it.
Clean tough glass stains and built-up mineral deposits from shower doors and other glass surfaces using mild household abrasives and an ordinary power drill.
Here’s how:
Use this glass cleaning solution for tough spots: Add 1/2 cup of ammonia per gallon of water to help remove greasy dirt for a DIY window cleaner
Loosen sticky residue left from labels or tape by soaking it with a specialty product. Then scrape off the residue with a razor blade.
Recap: 10 Easy Steps On How To Wash Windows
Once you master the simple technique, you can get your windows sparkling clean in less than a minute.
Reach out today if you are looking for professional cleaning services.