Window Cleaning Techniques Explained

Window cleaning has always been one of the most important parts of cleaning the inside and outside of a house. There are some simple tips that you can use to make sure your windows are cleaned to a high standard and just some basic knowledge can improve the look of your windows.

Firstly it is always a good idea to get the right tools, try to use a good quality squeegee with good quality soap and applicators. The squeegee should be around 10 to 12 inches long, a clean scrubber, sponge, good quality cleaning fluid and a link free cloth. It is always a good idea to rinse the squeegee or scrubber frequently, certainly before and after every use to ensure any dirt on the squeegee doesn’t get on the windows.

One of the most basic tips on cleaning windows is to wash windows on a cloudy day or out of direct sunlight. If windows are cleaned in bright sunlight often streaks appear due to the cleaning solution drying on the window surface before you have had a chance to wipe it off. It is always a good idea to use cool, clear water and you can also add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar if the windows are particularly dirty. Often it is a good idea to clear the dust off the window before washing with a clean brush; this dust can collect around the edge of the pane when cleaning.

When using a squeegee, it is a good idea to start each stroke from a dry spot on the window and it’s also essential to keep the squeegee blade dry and clean by wiping it after each stroke with a link free cloth. It is also a good idea to not use too much water, just enough to get the window clean but not enough to throw water everywhere. When using the squeegee, horizontal strokes are the most effective method for cleaning, with a slight angle to push the water towards the wet window surface. Generally each stroke should be overlapped by about one and a half inches. Horizontal strokes will leave small triangles of water after each stroke at one side of the window; these are wiped at the end with one vertical stroke down the window pane. When this is finished the entire window edge should wiped clean with a lint free cloth to thoroughly remove any water marks or spots that might not have been removed. If you come across any tough stains on the window such as bird muck, it is then best to soak the stain for a couple of minutes and then after the cleaning solution has soaked the affected area it should be a lot easier to remove the stain.

If you are cleaning windows inside, it is always a good idea to use a small amount of water for the obvious reason of not spreading or spilling water throughout the house. And also when cleaning inside it is a good idea to move items away from the windows and the window sills. Also a spray bottle can be useful for when cleaning inside, this helps you control the level of water going onto the window to small amounts lessening the impact on the inside of the house. If you are going to clean the upper windows of a house that require a ladder, make sure that you check the quality and safety of the ladder before you start. Try to place the base of the ladder on a firm, level and dry surface. Position the ladder so that it won’t slip backwards, most ladders are designed with the idea of 1 measure out, four measures up and this is the angle that they a most stable. Always try to rest the top of the ladder against solid surfaces not guttering, and don’t stretch too much and always keep two feet on the ladder. If you dislike using a ladder and carrying up the water, then you could look into purchasing an extendible water fed pole and then using an extendible squeegee to wipe away the excess water and cleaner, this may take a bit of time to get used to but is a far safer way of cleaning external windows that cannot be properly reached from the inside.