Windows can be irritating to maintain for every homeowner. However, if done correctly, it can improve the natural light that comes into the home and greatly enhance the overall impression of the property. However, simply getting your windows to gleam and shine without streaks is more complicated than it appears. Luckily, with the right equipment and work techniques, you can accomplish cleaning company standards without the added expense of contracting a service.
This windows cleaning guide will ensure that both sides of your windows are streak-free and gleaming, and that everything is completed in the easiest way possible.
Benefits of Clean Windows
Enhanced visuals are not the only benefit that clean windows provide. Without any dirt settling on the glass, natural lighting is able to easily flood into the house and create a warm atmosphere for the guests. When viewed from the inside or outside, the overall aesthetic of the property is improved as well. Moreover, professional grade window cleaning services will save the glass from dirt, grime, and hard water stains which could hinder the resilience of the windows if left unmaintained for a long period.
Crucial Items Needed for Efficient Window Cleaning
Always ensure you have all the tools at hand before staring to slean to ensure the cleaning process is clean and effective.
Here are the items you will need:
- Cleaning Solution: While one can purchase cleaning solutions from the store, creating a personal solution with water, dish soap, and vinegar is cheaper and just as effective.
- Soft, absorbent microfiber cloths are easy to rinse and used for polishing windows, akin to wiping the window freshly cleaned. Microfiber is effective in ensuring window polishing as it is soft and easy on the glass but also tough on dirt and grime.
- Squeegees come in various types you could purchase from any hardware shop or supermarket but using professional grade items ensures sharp cleaning and hassle free polishing.
- Extension Pole: This item becomes quite handy when polishing and scrubbing dirty windows placed high up.
- Put on a sturdy step-ladder while scrubbing polishing hard to reach windows as these tools allow you to reach different window heights while safely cleaning.
- Carefully choose a bucket that is strong enough when filled with cleaning materials to avoid overflowing materials during the windows cleaning process. Strong buckets enhance mobility and cleaning.
How to Wash Windows Both Inside and Outside: A Step-by-Step Approach
1. Remove Any Existing Dust and Debris from the Surrounding Area of the Window
In this step, it is critical not to use any cleaning agents. Cleaning agents can only be used after the dust and cobwebs on the window sills, tracks and frames have been eliminated. A soft brush or a microfiber cloth can be used to wipe these areas. This helps avoid the spreading of dirt while you windows cleaning.
2. Prepare The Cleaning Solution
Streaky windows will result from a cleaning solution that is either too harsh or ineffective. While commercial window cleaning products are available for washing window, a simple and effective recipe of homemade solutions works wonders:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of dish soap
Most types of windows are safe and can maintain their integrity when exposed to this cleaning solution, as it works wonders for cutting through grease, grime, and dust.
3. Cleaning Solution Application Instructions
When your cleaning solution has been prepared, take a scrubber or sponge, dip it in the mixture, and apply it to the window generously. For best results, scrub from the top of the window first, moving downwards. This will help to loosen grime or dirt and ensure that it falls away as you clean. When cleaning larger windows, be prepared to apply more solution mid-process to ensure that you do not let the window dry before finishing.
4. Squeegee Window Step Instructions
This step is the most essential of them all: using the squeegee. Start at the uppermost part of the window and bring the squeegee down with a smooth, vertical pull. Move the Squeegee blade after each pass to wipe with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks, crucial for every window cleaning. Depending on the size of the window, horizontally moving instead of vertically may be simpler and more efficient.
Extra Advice: To achieve the best results angle the squeegee blade 30 degrees for optimal performance.
5. Buff the Window to a Shine
After you have squeegeed the window, it is possible that some water marks or streaks may have been left behind. This is where your microfiber cloth is useful. Circular motion buffing with a microfiber cloth will enable you to remove the residue and make the glass sparkle.
6. Clean the Window Frames and Sills
Cleaning the glass’s surface does not mean that you should forget to wipe the window frames, panes, and tracks. These parts may collect dust, debris, or remnants of water from the cleaning procedure. In as much as cleaning these other surfaces is important, they need to be cleaned too. Make sure to use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the frames and sills to ensure that no water or moisture is left which can cause damage.
7. Determine the Same for Windows Exteriors
Unlike the interior windows, exterior windows may be more demanding with dirt due to being outside. This means they could have even more dirt, grime, and bird droppings like substances that need to be removed. In these cases, you can start by spraying them down with a hose to remove loose dirt. Then follow the same procedures used for the indoor windows; a sponge or scrubber for cleaning solution application and squeegee for its removal.
If your exterior windows are especially dirty, you may want to remove accumulated dirt preemptively washing the window, with a low-pressure power washing tool.
Guidelines for Window Washing Without Streaks
- Avoid Sunshine: Doing window cleaning while the sun is shining bright results in streaks as the cleaning solution dries too fast. Therefore, it is recommended to wash windows on cloudy days for better results.
- Cleaning Solution: Use the right amount of cleaning solution when washing windows because excess solution can lead to the window being stained while inadequate amount will not remove stains. Thus, only the necessary amount of cleansing solution should be applied onto the window.
- Use a squeegee with the right technique: When cleaning windows with a squeegee, the glass should be pulled sideways with a gentle consistent stroke to avoid overlaps while washing the window to maintain uniformity the worker should wash in overlapping strokes.
- Cleaning Cloths Should be Replaced Frequently: When cleaning windows with buffing, used cloth needs to be spot checked to ensure it is dry. A cloth which is wet or stained can cause streaks over the glass.
What to Avoid when Cleaning Windows
- Materials with Abrasive Edges: Key materials to avoid are steel wool, rough sponges, or abrasive cloths as they scratch the surface of the glass.
- Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Some of the window cleaning products in the market may contain harmful ingredients that may over time damage the finish of the window frames. When feasible, use gentler, natural cleaning detergents.
- Drying Step is Crucial: If you’re not careful about drying the windows thoroughly after cleaning, you may leave water spots or streaks on the glass.
Closing Remarks on Window Cleaning
With the right techniques and tools, you can clean your windows to a professional standard. Following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide should yield high-quality results– windows both inside and out will be streak-free and gleaming. Beyond just improving the cosmetic appeal of the home, regularly cleaning windows contributes to an influx of light and elevates the ambiance.
Professional window cleaners charge a fee, which is an investment to your home’s appearance and value. If you’re looking for expert double glazing and window maintenance solutions, check out high-quality window services in the UK to ensure long-term results. Grab your tools and follow the steps in this guide, and enjoy sparkling windows whether for guests or special events.
FAQ Section
- What do you recommend as the frequency for cleaning windows?
Cleaning your windows every 2-3 months is a general recommendation, though your area and weather conditions can dictate softer or stricter guidelines. - Can vinegar be used as a window cleaning solvent?
Vinegar is a remarkable natural cleaner that can effectively clean windows without leaving streaks when it is paired with water and dish soap. - What would be the most appropriate time to clean windows?
The optimal time for window cleaning is early mornings and late afternoons. - How can I remove water stains from my windows?
Try soaking a cloth in vinegar and use it on the stained area. If the stains are tougher, you can also try buying a commercial hard water stain remover. - How can I clean windows without leaving behind streaks?
Streak-free windows can be achieved by utilizing a squeegee in combination with a microfiber cloth along with working in the shade.
