Wash Your Windows Like a Pro
Washing your home’s windows can be a daunting task, especially if your home has a lot of windows or windows that are in hard-to-reach areas. And it always seems like no matter how many times you wash your windows, they just get dirty again (almost right away). Ideally, your home’s windows’ exterior should be washed twice a year and NOT with a wad of paper towels and a simple bottle of glass spray cleaner. When using this method to wash your windows, generally, you are just moving dirt around and not getting rid of it, which can actually attract more dirt and dust caused by the static charge created when wiping down your windows with glass cleaner and paper towels. Who knew, right? Next, we will discuss the proper techniques and solutions to get your windows looking professionally cleaned and will have all your neighbors wondering how you did it!
Picture Window
Because these types of windows have a lot of exposed surface area, it is best to use large tools that will clean the most area at one time and ultimately reduce your time spent cleaning. Start with a simple cleaning solution using a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a good ol’ bucket of warm water-the less suds, the better. Use a long cloth head strip applicator for your squeegee tool to soak up the soapy water solution. This also helps to knock off any loose dirt and protects your glass from scratches. Scrub/wipe your windows with the soap/water solution using the cloth head attachment to your squeegee until it is nice and sudsy and all dirt is loose. Next, remove the cloth head attachment on your squeegee and starting from the top left corner of your window, pull the squeegee over the soapy pane in a reverse S pattern. At the end of each stroke, wipe the squeegee blade clean using a lint-free cloth or rag. Any old, clean cloth you have around will work fine. Remove any excess water around the edges of your window with a damp, wrung-dry chamois cloth to soak up any residue without leaving streak marks. Dry your windowsill with an ordinary rag.
Multipane Windows
Since multipane windows are a little more difficult to squeegee clean, we recommend using a handheld natural sponge. They are more absorbent and can withstand heavy cleaning due to its firmer texture and fibers. Using the dish soap/water solution, work from top to bottom, left to right and scrub around edges to loosen dirt. If the dirt is hard for the sponge to scrub in those tricky corners, use a bristly type brush in those areas instead. Next, use a squeegee that will fit in your window panes, and squeegee from top to bottom in single, straight strokes. Don’t forget to wipe your squeegee dry after each stroke using a cloth.
A Few Things to Remember
Never perform dangerous tasks involving heights or ladders without proper safety measures and equipment or supervision. Ask your local handyman or hardware store what tools are best to use for your type of window cleaning so they can point out the best products for your projects. And always, price the rest but call the best when it comes to window replacements, you can count on CRS Exteriors!