Windows are an important part of any building, be it at work or home. They provide natural light and fresh air while also giving an enhanced overall appearance. These components affect good health and productivity when cleaning specific areas and items such as windows is done well. But how do you achieve that glossy look for your windows while also minimising health risks? Through professional and effective window cleaning.
In this article, we’ll share some cleaning tips and explore the art of window cleaning by looking at the techniques and tools needed to help you achieve crystal-clear windows. Keep reading to find out how you can become an expert at cleaning windows and give your home that charming appeal.
Tools for Window Cleaning
Before we get started on expert window cleaning techniques, it’s important to gather the right tools. Listed below are lists of basic and specialised tools you’ll need depending on the task at hand:
1. Basic Tools
- A bucket.
- A squeegee.
- A microfiber cloth or chamois cloth.
- A scrubber or sponge.
- A basic window cleaner or dishwashing liquid.
- Water.
2. Specialised Tools
- A telescoping pole – great for reaching high windows.
- A specialised window cleaning solution – better to use for stubborn dirt and stains.
- A razor scraper – effective for removing paint or stickers.
- A ladder – an alternative solution to a telescoping pole.
Techniques for Window Cleaning
Once you’ve gathered the tools you need, it’s time to get started on cleaning your windows. Use the 4 steps and techniques given below to help you clean your windows like a pro:
1. Prepare the Window Surface
Start by using a scraper to remove any paint, stickers, or other stubborn stains from the window. Then remove any excess dirt or debris from the window frame and sill that won’t require scrubbing.
2. Cleaning the Window Pane
Grab your bucket and fill it with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid or window cleaner. Dip your scrubber or sponge into the solution and scrub the window pane from top to bottom in circular motions. Use a squeegee to remove the cleaning solution from the window from top to bottom while wiping any excess mixture away between swipes with a microfiber cloth or chamois.
3. Tackling Tough Stains
Now and then you’ll come across a tough stain that needs extra attention, such as bird droppings or tree sap. Use a specialised window cleaner and a razor scraper to remove them, but be careful not to scratch the window pane with the razor scraper.
4. Rinse and Dry the Window
After cleaning the window, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaner used. After rinsing, use a squeegee to remove excess water before wiping the window dry with a microfiber cloth or chamois.
Tips for Window Cleaning
The tools and techniques given above are all vital to the process, but there are still extra pointers to keep in mind. Use the tips below to help you achieve the best results when cleaning your windows:
1. Clean in the Right Conditions
A dry, overcast day is the best weather for window cleaning, as direct sunlight can cause streaks and spots. Stick to a day with a moderate temperature too, as extreme temperatures (either hot or cold) can also affect the quality of the results.
2. Work from Top to Bottom
The best way to avoid streaks and drips is by cleaning from the top of the window and working your way down. Another pro tip is to use a squeegee to remove excess water after each pass.
3. Choose the Right Cleaner
If you have tinted or coated windows, avoid using harsh chemicals or vinegar-based solutions. For general cleaning, you can use a commercial window cleaner or dishwashing liquid and water. Ask around and get recommendations for a special window cleaner if need be, otherwise, you can also use eco-friendly solutions that we’ll look at below.
4. Using Eco-Friendly Solutions
If you feel like going the green cleaning route, here are some eco-friendly window cleaning options to consider:
- Equal parts vinegar and water.
- Two tablespoons of lemon juice with a litre of water.
- One tablespoon of baking soda with a litre of water.
- Two tablespoons of cornstarch with a litre of water.
5. Avoiding Common Mistakes
In order to do the best job possible, you need to avoid common cleaning mistakes. Here are window-cleaning blunders you might not even realise you’re making:
- Cleaning in direct sunlight: This can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and smudges behind.
- Using too much or too little cleaning solution: Too much can leave streaks and smudges behind, while too little won’t get rid of the dirt effectively.
- Neglecting window frames and sills: These areas are where lots of dust and dirt accumulate, so don’t ruin your clean window look by forgetting about them.
- Not rinsing the windows properly: If you don’t do a thorough job of rinsing, you could leave streaks and smudges behind.
- Using dirty or old cleaning tools: Make sure you’re using tools that haven’t been badly worn out to ensure thorough and effective results.
Conclusion
It’s essential to do a proper job when cleaning your windows as they provide a pleasing aesthetic appeal, as well as access to outside elements, which are key to our health and well-being. Use the tips and techniques above to execute a thorough job of creating picture-perfect views from your windows.
Otherwise, you could leave it up to a trusty SweepStar. Their window cleaning skills are as brilliant as the rest of their abilities. Book a SweepSouth cleaning service today and enjoy the benefits of a happy, healthy home.
