There’s something incredibly satisfying about having clean and streak-free windows. If you’d like to get your windows looking sparkling and polished, then follow these five simple steps for perfect, streak-free cleaning. Or if you would rather have the pros come out and do it for you, then check out the Squeegee Pros window cleaning service areas to have us come see you.
1 – Wipe the Windows Dry Before You Start
Before you clean the windows with a cleaning solution, wipe off any dust or dirt with a soft-bristled brush or a dust cloth. Getting rid of the cobwebs and dust before you start cleaning will help to ensure that the surface comes out looking as good as possible.
2 – Use a Gentle Cleaning Solution
There’s no need to spend money on expensive cleaning solutions. You can make your own cleaning solution using one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Mix a large amount of solution into a bucket and use it to clean your windows.
3 – Use Good Sponges / Cloths
The best things to use for cleaning are a good sponge or a lint-free cloth. Wet the glass slightly, and then wipe away the dirt. Try to just get the windows wet enough to clean them – don’t soak the windows and try to keep the cleaning solution away from the window frame itself, especially if the frame is made of wood. Work from the top of the window, down.
4 – Use a Squeegee for A Thorough Finish
You a squeegee to clean the glass once you’ve wiped off the worst of the dirt. Start at the upper corner and work down and across. Wet the squeegee blade to stop the blade from skipping across the glass. Draw the squeegee downwards in one smooth, straight stroke, then wipe the blade clean with a lint-free cloth. Wet the blade again and do the next downward strip, until you have eventually covered the whole of the window.
5 – Don’t Forget the Frames
Dirt can accumulate around the edge of the window frame. You can clean your window frames by using a damp, clean cloth to remove and dirt, and then wiping them dry with a second clean, lint-free cloth. The frames, and the seal between the frame and the window, can be quite delicate, so use only a non-ammoniated all-purpose cleaner to clean the frame itself. If you don’t have a cleaner, just use water, it should still do the job as long as you aren’t trying to clean incredibly dirty frames.
Try to get into the habit of cleaning your windows regularly. Exactly how regularly will depend on where you live. If you live in a city where there is a lot of smog, smoke dirt or grime then you will want to clean them regularly. The same goes for seafront properties. In some areas, e.g. the countryside where the climate is mild, you can get away with slightly less regular cleaning, but it is still better to make a habit out of ‘little and often’, because once the dirt starts to build up that is what will cause the streaks that are so frustrating to get rid of. Wiping down your windows bi-weekly does not take long, and will keep your property looking bright, clean and inviting. Don’t forget that you need to clean the inside as well as the outside, although the inside of the windows is something that is a little easier to take care of, and that should not build up grime quite as quickly.
If you find that cleaning the windows is a job that you really hate, then just hire a window cleaner to do it for you – most are affordable and will save you a lot of time.
