No one likes dirty windows, so learning to wash them yourself will help you keep them sparkling clean without breaking the bank by hiring a professional. With the right equipment and technique, you can clean your windows, as well as any professional could. Cleaning your windows can be a fun and relaxing way to spend your day, and the result is extremely satisfying.
This article will explain everything you need to know about cleaning windows like a pro.
How to Wash Windows Like a Pro
Equipment
An important part of washing your windows is having the proper equipment. Cleaning supply stores or hardware stores will stock the equipment you need to clean your windows.
A large bucket that can fit a mop will be a great asset to use when you decide to clean your windows. A squeegee should also fit in the bucket.
A high-quality squeegee will be a game changer when washing your windows as a professional would. A squeegee comprises a handle, channel, and rubber and comes in many different sizes. You can choose one that fits your preferences according to the size of your windows.
You should ensure that your squeegee has a new rubber blade each time you clean. The squeegee has to be used at the proper angle and pressure to be effective, and part of that involves having a sharp blade that can effectively move water to the edge of the window.
A mop is another important tool to clean your windows, and it is recommended to use a swivel mop that is easier on your wrists. A mop with a head between fourteen and eighteen inches is ideal for washing windows.
A scraper has blades that can remove difficult substances from windows. This tool must be handled with care because you can scratch your windows if you use it incorrectly. A one-inch scraper is efficient for the windows in your home.
A detergent is also a piece of necessary equipment, and a foaming detergent is ideal to remove grime from your windows. There are many different detergents used by window cleaners, and you can choose one based on your personal preferences.
Rags, poles, and ladders will also be necessary, depending on the height of your windows. Tall windows require special equipment to climb up to reach them.
How to Clean Windows
First, fill your bucket halfway with cold water. You can add your detergent straight into the bucket or add it to your wet mop. Next, rub the mop on the window. Make sure to clean it well to get the dirt off the window. If marks are not easily lifted, you can use the scraper.
When using the scraper, it is important to scrape in the forward direction only. If you scrape backward, you might scratch your window. The scraper is a blade, so it should be handled with care.
Once you have mopped the window, you should prepare your squeegee. You should hold it in your dominant hand with your thumb in the middle. It should be at an angle of about 45 degrees to the window for maximum efficiency. You should also maintain a constant pressure as you use the squeegee.
Start at the corner and move in lines down the window. The goal of using the squeegee is to remove water from the window, and you should work toward the edges of the window. The result should be a dry center with wet edges.
Using a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks, you should wipe the wet edges of the window. You can wash these clothes when they get dirty, as they should be clean to prevent more dirt from getting on the window.
Use a regular towel to wipe the floor and window sill. There will likely be water in these areas, which may be dirty, so you should use a regular towel.
This process should be done on both the inside and outside of the windows.
Cleaning the Inside of Windows
The process of cleaning the windows is identical for the inside and outside. However, there are different preparation steps for each. For inside windows, you may need to remove curtains and window screens. You may also want to put a protective cover on the floor to prevent water from falling on anything in your house.
It is important not to spray the cleaner on dirt and dust. This should be removed using a brush or vacuum beforehand, leading to a better result. If you spray the cleaner on top of this mess, you will be left with a streaky, dirty-looking window once you are done.
Cleaning Windows From the Outside
Cleaning your windows is the same for the inside and outside. However, there are ways to make the process easier on the outside.
You may need a ladder and poles if the windows are above the first floor to clean your windows from the outside. It can be difficult to access your windows, which is one of the main reasons why so many people leave their windows dirty. Getting these tools will help you access every window in your house.
You should choose to clean your windows on an overcast day. If it is very sunny, the cleaner will evaporate too early, leaving you with a very streaky window. Finding the shade or a cooler day will give you a more effective, easier clean.
What is the Best Thing to Wash Your Windows With?
Professionals use many different window detergents, although the most popular ones are Morning Fresh and Palmolive. These lubricate well to allow the squeegee to work easily on glass. They are also soft on your hands, which is important when using a lot of heavy cleaning supplies. They also allow water to remain on the window glass for longer, so you can see places that need to be cleaned.
Another recommendation is to create a do-it-yourself vinegar spray. You can mix water, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol to make an effective detergent. You can mix these and add them to your mop or bucket as a cleaning tool. Various types of vinegar can be used, such as apple cider and white vinegar.
Another homemade detergent involves mixing two gallons of water with a teaspoon of dishwashing soap. This is a cheap, effective cleaning solution that you can make in large quantities for a very low cost. You can use this detergent with your mop to effectively clean your windows.
Different window cleaners prefer different detergents, so you can experiment and see which works best for you. It may also depend on your budget and how much you are willing to spend on detergent. It is important to remember that you can make a high-quality detergent at home just as you can buy a professional quality detergent at the store.
What is the Best Way to Clean Windows Without Streaking?
To prevent streaking, use a microfiber cloth when cleaning your windows. Using regular towels will cause streaks of dirt and dust to gather. Microfiber towels efficiently remove this dirt and give you a perfectly shiny window. They can also be purchased cheaply, making them a great tool to have on hand.
After you use a squeegee, there should be no streaks on the window. Cleaning the remaining water off with a microfiber towel will ensure a perfectly clean window. It is important not to use a regular rag or towel during this process to get the best results.
Another important way to avoid streaking is to use plenty of water and detergent. If the water evaporates too early, it will leave streaks. Similarly, if not enough detergent is used, the end product will be streaky. Making sure to use enough of each will ensure you a good result in the end.
What is the Best Way to Clean Window Glass?
The best way to clean window glass is to use a good detergent and a squeegee. Detergent quality is important, and you should use plenty of cleaners when you are working.
Using a squeegee can be difficult for a beginner, and it can be a messy process initially. If the window is small enough, you can use a microfiber cloth instead of a squeegee to get similar results.
Your windows only need to be cleaned once or twice a year; if it is overwhelming, you can split the task up into several days. There is no need to do every window on the same day, and when you do, it will make no difference to the end product. Taking your time with it will lead to a better result.
When cleaning your windows, it is important to have fun with them! This can be a daunting task, but it can also be a fun and relaxing way to spend your day. To have a good time tackling this chore, play music, get a cold drink, and clean with a friend. If you want to hire a professional to clean your windows, that is okay too! Cleaning windows is not for everyone, and it can be just as satisfying to have someone else do it for you. No matter what, you will be happy having beautiful, clean windows throughout your home.
