How to Make Window Cleaning Easier

Cleaning windows is important because it allows natural light into the home and can make spaces appear larger and brighter. It is also a healthy cleaning option since it does not require the use of harsh chemicals and fumes.

Start by gathering your supplies. You’ll need a bucket, sponge or rag, window cleaner, and squeegee. Also, have a dry lint-free towel ready to wipe off excess solution residue. Click here for more info.

Cleaning Technique

The best place to start is by removing curtains or blinds and wiping down the window frames. A damp washcloth works well. It’s also important to choose a cleaning solution. Laura prefers a vinegar and water mix, but you could also use a commercial cleaner or a combination of soap and water.

Once the frames are clean, it’s time to move on to the window panes. Spray the windows with the vinegar solution or the cleaner. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when working with cleaners.

Next, wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth. Laura recommends Casabella’s microfiber glass cloths, which have a special honeycomb texture that helps to nab water spots and smudges without scratching. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be bought individually or in packs.

If you’re using a squeegee, don’t forget to wipe it with a clean lint-free towel after every swipe to minimize drip marks. Another professional tip is to fan the squeegee, which moves the water and cleaning solution away from the blade. This technique also helps to reduce the likelihood of streaks.

Tools

Invest in quality tools that make the job faster, easier, and more efficient. Ensure they are light enough to be used for extended periods and don’t cause unnecessary fatigue in the arms or shoulders.

Some window cleaning jobs require extra equipment to help you remove hard-to-reach dirt and debris. Consider a brush that can reach into tight spaces or a telescoping handle for high windows.

A squeegee combo tool that includes a squeegee and microfiber scrubber saves time by allowing cleaners to quickly switch between two different implements. These tools also come with a bucket that fits squeegees and washers up to 14 inches in length. Microfiber scrubbers are machine-washable and highly absorbent to help cleaners clean tough stains, including tree pitch and bug droppings. A razor blade mounted in a holder can be useful for removing paint specks, labels, and other surface imperfections that aren’t easily removed by a squeegee. Be sure to wet the glass first and use a fresh blade to avoid scratching the surface.

Cleaning Solution

There are plenty of gadgets on the market designed to make window cleaning easier (cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch swears by a Vileda Windomatic, available from Amazon) but according to experts, you can achieve effective results on a budget with soapy water, a squeegee, and a clean microfibre cloth. Dishwashing liquid is ideal as it contains sodium lauryl sulfate to help dissolve grease, and vinegar also works well as a degreaser.

Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents on window frames as they may discolor the finish. For smudges and marks that are stuck on, soak a piece of scratch-free microfiber with mineral spirits or acetone, and wipe the affected area.

For huge picture windows, start by cleaning a narrow strip of glass from one upper corner to the opposite side in an S-shape, then pull the squeegee horizontally across the entire window. Remember to wipe the squeegee blade regularly on a clean, dry cloth to minimize drips and streaks.

Drying

Professional window cleaners have special buckets of large disposable cloths for windows made from lint-free microfiber material.

They also have attachments such as scrub brushes with soft bristles that won’t scratch glass and a telescopic pole that screws onto the handle to reach higher windows.

When they finish the glass, they wipe a dry cloth across the surface to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. This minimizes streaking.

Then they take out the window screens and wash them with hot, sudsy water. Rinse and let them dry completely before putting them back on the windows. For a really dirty screen, scrub it with a brush or vacuum it with the dusting attachment of your cleaning machine. Make sure the rubber blades are in good condition to avoid scratches on the glass. You can buy new window squeegees online or at any hardware store. They should be replaced every 15 hours of use to keep them in good condition. Check Out This Info.