How To Clean Windows

How To Clean Windows

Cleaning Windows with a Squeegee

This is the method used by most professional window cleaners, and results in streak-free, spotless windows.

What you will need:

• Dish soap
• Squeegee
• Clean Sponge
• 2 buckets of water

Instructions:

1. Mix your cleaning solution, using 4 to 6 drops  of dish soap to 2 gallons of warm water. You can also use 1 cup of vinegar  to 1 quart of water, or 1 cap full of ammonia per 2 gallons of water. The solutions  work equally well, and it is really just a matter of personal preference.
2. Wet your sponge with the cleaning solution and  wipe the window using broad circular motions. Pay close attention to corners and edges where dirt and grime tend to accumulate.
3. Dip squeegee in clean water and then starting  from the very top of the window pull it vertically down (from top to  bottom) stopping an inch or two from the bottom.
4. Wipe the squeegee, dip in clean water, and  repeat on the next section of the window.
5. When the entire window has been cleaned, wipe  the squeegee and run it horizontally along the bottom of the window to  remove any remaining water.
6. Using a clean paper towel or lint-free cloth,  wipe up areas missed by the squeegee (i.e. along the edges and in the  corners).
7. Wipe up any excess water on the window sill.

TIP: For stubborn residue or spots (i.e. paint or stuck-on bird droppings) gently scrape with a new razor blade. Careful though; always handle razor blades with extreme care. It is advised that you wear work gloves or use a scraper tool made for this purpose.

Spray and Wipe

This method is not as effective and is a little more difficult than the squeegee method, but is useful for smaller window panes where a squeegee won’t fit.

What you will need:

• Commercial Spray cleaner for windows (The foaming kind works best as it does not drip)
• Paper Towels, newspaper, or lint-free cloths

Instructions:

1. Spray on cleaner in an “S” pattern zigzagging  across the entire window pane.
2. Using a clean paper towel, wipe the window in  a circular motion. Discard paper towel
3. Using another clean paper towel, wipe the remaining residue from the window using a smooth circular motion.

TIP:To save money and prevent lint from being left on the windows, newspaper may be used instead of paper towels.

How to Clean Elevated Exterior Windows

Unless you have casement windows which can be opened and cleaned from inside the house, second story windows can be a challenge. Ultimately the best way to reach the outside of those windows for cleaning is to use a ladder. NEVER hang out or dangle from an open window for cleaning or any other purpose!

• Inspect your ladder thoroughly before use for  any defects or problems. NEVER use a ladder that appears damaged or  unstable.
• Make sure your ladder is tall enough to safely reach the windows without standing on the top two rungs. .
• Position the ladder beside the house so that  it is leaning on solid surface. .
• NEVER lean your ladder up against a gutter for  support. The gutter is not strong enough to safely support the ladder or  you. .
• NEVER lean your ladder up against the window  glass. .
• ALWAYS work with a partner or someone nearby  in the event of an emergency. .
• Make sure your ladder is placed securely on  the ground and is as even as possible. Many hardware stores sell ladder stabilizers. It is also helpful have someone stand at the bottom to hold  the ladder for extra support. .

Cleaning Windows From a Ladder:

1. Place your ladder in a location where you can  comfortably reach the window you are cleaning without leaning to one side  or the other. TIP: If your house has aluminum siding, wrap a rag around  the part of the ladder leaning against the building so that it’s less  likely to scratch the siding. Secure it with a rubber band.
2. Carry as little as possible when climbing the  ladder, making extra trips if you have to. TIP: Rest your cleaning  supplies on the window ledge, or hang them in a bucket from the ladder  (many hardware stores sell tools designed for this purpose). You could  also wear a workman’s apron or tool belt to help hold your supplies as you  work.
3. Keep your weight evenly centered.
4. Use either cleaning method described above,  working on only one window at a time. Pass cleaning materials from hand to hand behind your back so that you are not tempted to lean back and also to  avoid scratching or damaging the siding on your house.