How to Clean Windows Like a Pro: The Complete Guide

 Purpose of Cleaning Windows

Windows when cleaned glitter, and they can serve multiple purposes. Windows allow you to utilize natural light and can make your home more entertaining, thus increasing your comfort. Windows that are dirty can block more than 40% of light and that can force you to rely more on artificial lighting than required.

Cleaning windows on a regular basis protects your windows from long-term expensive damage. Dirt, salt and window can scratch window glass over time leading to damage which is expensive to fix or replace. Protecting windows helps in preserving your investment.

Windows when cleaned, glitter and can massively boost your home’s appeal, outside and inside. If you want to impress your guests or potential buyers, sparkling windows can be a game changer.

Window Cleaning DIY Hacks

In the realm of cleaning, Window cleaning can be a tedious ordeal, but with the following provided tips, the cleaning can be done with ease.

Understand the hesdings Its best the window is not cleaned in sunlight. It is best cleaned in cloudy weather during the morning or during the late evening. Cleaning windows on cloudy days during the morning or late evening avoids the cleaning solution from drying too fast.

End with Detailing: Ensuring the windows are free of dirt, cobwebs, or dust ensures the windows are not cleaned with dirt. Doing the aforementioned ensures the windows do not allow dirt from used cleaning solutions not be dirtied again.

How to Use Paper Towels for Window Cleaning

For small windows or quick touch-ups, paper towels can be useful albeit not the most professional. Here’s the proper way to do it:

Using a cleaning solution, spray it onto the window rather than the towel to prevent over-soaking. Cheap paper towels will leave bits on the glass. Go in a tight circular motion to loosen dirt, then vertically in straight lines to finish.

To be effective, use paper towels sparingly and change them often. As soon as a paper towel is too soiled or wet, it is necessary to switch to a fresh one.

How to Use Windex and Similar Cleaning Solutions

For home use, commercial glass cleaners like Windex serve a purpose and work well. Here is the best way to use them:

Evenly spray the glass with the cleaner ensuring the entire surface is covered. Give it approximately thirty seconds to work on the dirt and grease. Use fresh cloths or paper towels and wipe off in straight line bottom to top.

For optimal results, finish by buffing with a dry microfibre cloth to polish out any leftover streaks. Some users find it easier to control the amount of cleaner used when it is sprayed on the cloth instead of on the window.

The Squeegee and Microfibre Applicator Method

For best results, especially with bigger windows, this is the professional method that works best:

What You Will Need

• Microfibre washer or a microfibre applicator
• Good quality squeegee
• A bucket filled with heavily soapy water (a few drops of dish soap)
• Lint-free cloths

The Process

• Apply soapy water to the window surface and dip the microfibre applicator in it.

• Start from the top corner and pull the squeegee across the window with overlapping smooth strokes.

• After each stroke, make sure to wipe the squeegee blade clean.

• The last step is to wipe the edges with a lint-free cloth removing any excess water.

Although this method takes time to learn, it is the most efficient method for window cleaning when perfected.

How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?

For most homes, windows should be cleaned every three months. This frequency allows for an optimal balance between aesthetics and time investment. However, you may need to adapt this to your situation:

Monthly cleaning may be required if you live near the ocean where salt spray occurs, in dusty regions, or near congested roadways with heavy traffic pollution.

Twice yearly may be enough for those living in rural locations with low pollution levels and little exposure to the elements.

After storms or during pollen seasons, you may need more cleaning sessions than your regular schedule regardless of other circumstances.

Cleaning Mirrors Vs Window Glass

Though mirrors and windows share the same material, they require slightly different approaches. Mirrors contain a protective layer on the back that makes them reflective, which can be damaged by harsh cleaning products, excessive moisture, or both.

For mirrors, try to use less liquid to prevent water from seeping behind the glass. Spray your cleaner onto a cloth rather than the mirror, and always wipe dry immediately to avoid leaving moisture trapped.

Mirrors tend to show streaks more than windows, making the squeegee technique less effective. Instead, work on mirrors using a high-quality microfibre cloth, employing gentle circular motions first then straight vertical motions.

Cleaning Window Accessories

Remember the window frame, sills, tracks, and fly screens, as these areas accumulate and conceal dirt that can make even spotless glass appear unsightly.

Window tracks: Start by using a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear loose dirt. Wipe with a damp cloth, and if there is stubborn dirt, scrub with an old toothbrush soaked in soapy water.

Window sills: Start with dusting these areas, then rinse with a damp cloth. If cleaning paint windows, a scrub brush may be needed for stubborn sills.

Window frames: Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clear these areas, but be gentle on painted frames since they are easily scratched.

Fly screens: Take these off, if possible, and hose them off or scrub with a soft brush and soapy water while still mounted.

Maintaining Windows on Security Screens

Security screens pose a unique problem, but here are two solutions:

Solution 1: Detach the Window Panels

Most windows that have security screens are constructed in a way that the glass panels can be removed and lifted for servicing. This lift and remove procedure is usually a two person job as the window panels tend to be heavy.

Steps:

1. Carefully lift and remove the window panel from the frame

2. Clean the window using your preferred method (squeegee or spray and wipe)

3. While the panel is out, clean the window tracks

4. Carefully reinstall the panel

Always check your window manufacturer’s instructions to this and remember to seek assistance for large or heavy panels.

Solution 2: Spray and Walk Away

This method requires something like Window Wonder, a product manufactured for scrubbing windows from the outside with the use of a hose.

What is Window Wonder?

Window Wonder is a glass cleaner for outdoor use that attaches to the garden hose. Its rapid hose end technology and Window Wonder’s highly concentrated formula allows for a single application, no scrubbing required.

Highlights:

• Suitable for Medium and Large Houses

• Access to Upper Level windows

• Three-mode nozzle (Cleans, Rinse, Off)

• Single layer application

• No scrubbing needed

For the products needed, Bunnings has 30 seconds Window Wonder readily available.

Steps to follow:

1. Connect Window Wonder to your garden hose.

2. Set to CLEAN mode and ensure windows get product coverage.

3. Off mode to pause product at windows and CLEAN mode will need to be stopped to shift between windows to reduce wastage. OFF mode in between windows helps.

4. RINSE mode when complete to ensure no streaks remain.

This technique is great for removing the glass from security screens, other barriers, or high windows.

Window Cleaning for Professionals

Professional services are best suited for windows that are high or difficult to reach in a safe manner. Such services are a great alternative for people who do not wish to put in the effort. Cleaners equipped with experience and tools, along with insurance to cover potential damages, are a good option.

For people from Perth in Western Australia, window cleaning saves time and provides a guarantee for windows cleaned without streaks.