Window Cleaning Guide

People people find it ideal to wash their windows twice a year, usually at the start of warm weather and also just before it gets too cold outside—which makes the chore much less comfortable. Window washing can be accomplished with relative ease if the right steps are taken. Here’s what you need to know.

Rubbing and cleaning aren’t the same

Many homeowners go about cleaning their windows by scrubbing the glass in circles using newspaper and a window cleaner; however, if you watched the pros clean windows along the sides of tall buildings, you would not see them do it the same way. Relying on elbow grease is less effective and creates unnecessary work, which is lessened by using the proper tools and techniques.

The tools

• A strip applicator is a sponge or cloth designed specifically to hold soapy water or the household cleaner of choice. The sponge or cloth is soft enough that it won’t scratch the glass when carrying the dirt away from the surface.
• A flat squeegee with a rubber liner in good condition is crucial for the removal of suds, and the longer the squeegee, the better. The rubber liner should not be cracked, chipped, or warped, and it should be even along the length of the squeegee.
• The cleaning agent can be a number of things, but basically anything that’s soap and water will work.
• Also, have some clean, lint free rags on hand.

The method

Washing the window itself isn’t hard—just make sure that the entire area is covered and water spots are gently scrubbed. Avoid using too much soapy water, as it can get everywhere—including the ground, where there may be plants. If your windows are stacked or partitioned in some way, it’s best to start from the top and work your way down, so that any excess liquid will only affect areas that are still dirty.

The best way to remove soap is by taking the squeegee and, starting at the top, going side to side, only changing directions using an “S”-shaped curve. If your squeegee accumulates too much soapy water, wipe it with a cloth and pick up where you left off. Any spots left behind can be soaked up with a clean rag.

Taking care of your windows regularly with the proper tools and method ultimately means a better home and less work in the long run. Give yourself well-functioning windows; there’s no need to avoid thinking about them.