A window cleaner uses a variety of tools to clean glass. Often, they start with a scrub brush or cloth and then use a squeegee to remove the soapy water.
They sometimes wipe down the frames or ledges of windows with a duster to remove debris and cobwebs. They may also apply mineral spirits to stubborn stains. Contact WindowWorks LLC now!
Using a window-cleaning solution, a sponge, a rubber-edged squeegee, or a sprayer and water, professionals clean windows by wiping down the glass and removing dirt and grime. They then sluice the water away with the squeegee, wiping the blade between passes to prevent the buildup of grime that may scratch the window.
Homeowners can use a variety of commercially available cleaning solutions, such as vinegar, or household cleaners such as dish soap, to clean their windows. They should ensure that they use a non-toxic, environmentally friendly solution, and follow the instructions on the label for proper application. They should also ensure that they have all the equipment necessary for the job, including a ladder or scaffolding if needed to reach higher windows.
Professionals recommend clearing a path to the windows, both inside and out, before starting. This includes removing furniture, area rugs, plants, toys and other clutter that could get in the way of the cleaning process. Outside, patio furniture and trash cans should be moved to another area, as should any landscape features that are too close to the windows.
The cleaning process starts with a thorough wipe-down of the frame and sill, to remove any loose dirt that may have built up. This is especially important for wooden frames, which can be damaged by chemical-based cleaners.
If a window is particularly dirty, the professional will then saturate it with cleaning solution, giving extra attention to areas that are caked in grit. After a thorough scrub, the window is rinsed with a bucket of water and squeegeee, wiped dry with a microfiber cloth and buffed with a crumpled piece of newspaper to remove any remaining streaks.
Throughout the washing process, it is important to work slowly and carefully, and to focus on the details. It is not uncommon for homeowners to rush through the process and miss spots or streaks, but a careful approach can help them achieve cleaner, more polished windows. Once the window is completely dry, the homeowner can inspect it for any lingering smudges or streaks. If any remain, they can buff them out with a dry, lint-free cloth before the window is sealed.
Cleaning
It’s essential to remove loose dirt from window frames, sills and handles before cleaning the glass. This prevents dragging that dirt onto the clean windows and causing scratches.
A general cleaner or a special window-cleaning concentrate is used to loosen and dissolve dirt and grease on the glass surface. There are also specialized wipes for different types of windows. Most professional window washers use a combination of water and a liquid soap to wash windows.
Then, a squeegee is used to pull the soapy solution off the window pane. When using a squeegee, it’s important to apply it evenly in one stroke from top to bottom. Then, the blade of the squeegee should be cleaned with a lint-free cloth.
Professionals recommend avoiding windy days for washing windows because the cleaning solution can dry on the glass before being wiped off. Additionally, some cleaning solutions emit noxious fumes that can be harmful to your health, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
Another common mistake is applying too much cleaning solution, which can create a greasy film on the windows and leave streaks or spots. For this reason, it’s best to start on a cloudy day and spray the solution onto each window pane with a handheld sponge or hog-bristle brush.
Finally, a microfiber cloth should be used to dry the window, moving from top to bottom. If the window is especially dirty, some people like to crumple up a piece of newspaper and wipe it down.
It’s also a good idea to remove the window screens before washing them, and to lay them flat to allow them to air-dry. After washing the window, the screens can be replaced. In some cases, it may be possible to replace the screen without removing it. This is usually the case when the sizing of the window is slightly off. If a window is misaligned, it will often be easier to install a new screen than to try to correct the alignment with a squeegee. Using a squeegee with a rubber lip makes this process much simpler. Then, a chamois or other lint-free cloth can be used to dry the windows and the window frame.
Rinsing
Once you’ve scrubbed and cleaned your windows, rinse them thoroughly with deionized water. Rinsing will remove any soap residue from the glass and help prevent streaks. This is especially important if you’re cleaning exterior windows that are exposed to the elements. It’s best to do this on a cool or cloudy day when the sun isn’t shining directly onto your windows.
The best tool for rinsing windows is a squeegee, but you can also use a sponge or rag. Just make sure to use a lint-free cloth, preferably a microfiber cloth, to avoid leaving any lint or fibers behind on your clean windows.
If you’re using a sponge, make sure to soak it thoroughly in the cleaning solution before you start scrubbing the window. Then, wipe the surface of the window in a zig-zag pattern starting at one corner and working your way across the entire window.
After scrubbing, rinse the sponge frequently to keep it from becoming too soapy and to ensure that you’re getting all of the dirt off the window. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the sponge again and then squeegee the window. Again, work your way across the window from top to bottom, overlapping each pass slightly as you go.
If you want to do a good job of rinsing, it’s recommended that you do this on a ladder or pole rather than standing on the ground. This will reduce the chance of falling or hurting yourself and will allow you to reach harder-to-reach areas of your window.
You may have to scrub stubborn stains on your window frame or sill, but if the glass is in good shape and you’ve used a squeegee with a smooth blade, you should be left with perfectly clean, streak-free windows when you finish.
Be sure to use a lint-free microfiber cloth, rather than paper towels, to dry your windows after you’ve completed your cleaning. Paper towels can leave lint and fibers behind on the window, which will create streaks and give the appearance of dirty windows. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, you can also use a clean, lint-free towel.
Drying
For really dirty windows, a bit of soap can help cut through the grime. But too much soap can create a goopy mess that leaves residue on the glass and attracts dirt. The key to success is in the ratio of water and soap. The more water, the less soap you need. For example, a gallon of water mixed with just a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent produces enough solution for a large window.
Alternatively, you can use an all-purpose household cleaner like distilled vinegar or a commercial product. The important thing is to use a solution with a neutral pH, such as water or white vinegar. Commercial window cleaning products often have a higher pH, which can leave streaks on the glass.
Start by removing any dust, pollen or dirt from the windows using a microfiber duster or soft brush. It’s best to do this in the shade, says Forte, because sunlight heats up window frames and hardware, which can scratch glass. After you’ve dusted, wet the surface of a window using a terrycloth rag or sponge that’s dampened with cleaning solution. Rinse the scrubber or sponge frequently, if necessary.
Avoid spraying the entire surface of a window, advises Cohoon, because it may dry before you have a chance to wipe it clean. Instead, work on a smaller area at a time, such as one pane of glass.
If you’re using a squeegee, first start with the top left corner of a window and draw the squeegee downward in a reverse S pattern, wiping the rubber edge of the squeegee clean with a rag between strokes. After each stroke, check for any lingering white spots or streaks and buff with a dry terrycloth or chamois.
Then dry the window edges and corners with a lint-free cloth, such as a piece of rag or newspaper. Streaks can sometimes develop on insulated glass units due to humidity and temperature cycling, which pushes moisture in and out, overwhelming the desiccant that keeps the inside of windows dry. Keeping up with regular cleaning can prevent these streaks from forming and eliminate the need for costly replacement of exterior insulation.