Windows look into your living area and out onto the outside world. Window cleaning makes your home look great and lets natural light flood in. But streak-free, spotless windows can seem like an impossible goal. Staining, smudging and water spots quickly ruin even the best cleaned windows.
Good news: with a little elbow grease and some insider info, you can get your windows looking new without wasting hours scrubbing. Be it for a special occasion or just wishing to see things clearly at home, this guide will tell you how to produce professional results at home.
We cover six key areas to help you master window cleaning. How to make windows shine – from choosing the right tools and solutions to fighting tough stains and preventing streaks. Let’s dive in!
1. The Right Tools & Supplies Are Available
All window cleaning projects start with the right tools and supplies. You can grab a paper towel and some glass cleaner but investing in some special tools can make all the difference in the quality of your results.
First use an excellent squeegee. For removing cleaning solution without streaks you need a squeege with rubber blade. Pick a comfortable handle and a blade size that matches your windows ‘width.
The other essential is microfiber cloths. These super absorbent cloths will wipe down edges and frames with no lint/residue. For larger windows, buy a microfiber mopping with an extendable handle for reaching high or difficult areas.
You don’t need expensive commercial products for cleaning solutions. A simple solution of equal parts water & white vinegar cuts through dirt and grime. A couple drops of dish soap will give the solution shine.
And finally, grab a bucket for the cleaning solution and a scrubber or sponge to apply to the glass. You’ll have the tools to tackle even tough window cleaning jobs.
2. Learn Squeegee Technique
Squeegee use is easy – but mastering the technique will yield streak-free windows. Start by wiping the window with the cleaning solution with a scrubber o sponge. Work from top of window downward until entire surface is covered.
Then take the squeagee at the top of the window and bring it across in a horizontal straight line. Wipe the blade clean between passes to prevent streaks. Continue to overlap each stroke slightly until you cover the entire window.
Wipe away any remaining solution with a microfiber cloth for edges and corners. This prevents drips & gives a polished finish.
With this technique, you can scrub your windows clean easily and streak free.
3. Tough Stains & Buildup – Get Rid Of It
Windows can take a beating with regular cleaning – and buildup can happen. Paint splatters and adhesive residue are other common windows stains. There are though, effective ways to deal with these stubborn problems.
Pour equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle to remove hard water stains. Squirt solution onto affected areas and let sit for a while. Scrub with a soft sponge or brush and rinse under warm water. For especially stubborn stains, scrub the stain with a baking soda and water paste and rinse.
For stubborn paint splatters, use a razor blade angled at 45 degrees to scrape off the paint. Use a flat blade against the glass to avoid scratching it. In order to remove adhesive residue: Slather a little bit of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a cloth and run till the residue has gone.
You’ll get rid of tough stains & buildup and get your windows back to how they were – clear and shine.
4. Clean Window Frames & Tracks
While the glass is the most visible part of your windows, the frames and tracks add interest too. Dirty frames and tracks ruin the look of your windows – and sometimes they are functional as well.
Vacuuming the tracks first will get loose dirt and debris off. Pick up a small brush attachment and work into the corners and crannies. Next spray the tracks with warm water and dish soap. Old toothbrush or track cleaning brush can be scrubbed to remove tough grime.
For frames, use a damp cloth and mild cleaning solution. Watch especially for dirt at corners and edges. If you have wood frames use a wood cleaner.
By cleaning the frames and tracks, your windows will look and work better than ever.
5. Stop Streaks & Water Spots
And the worst part about window cleaning – streaks and water spots! Such imperfections make your windows look dirty even after thorough cleaning. They can be prevented, though.
Avoid cleaning your windows in direct sunlight first. Heated cleaning solution may dry too quickly in the heat and leave streaks and spots. Select a cloudy day, or maybe clean your windows in late afternoon or early morning when the sunshine is less intense.
Second, use distilled rather than tap water. Tap water may contain minerals that dry into spots. These minerals are removed in distilled water.
Also, always dry your windows completely after cleaning. Wipe down edges and frames using a microfiber cloth so no moisture is left behind.
You’ll have streak-free, spotless windows every time you use these tips.
6. Maintain Your Windows Between Cleanings
Keep your windows clean without being a once-a-season chore. A few easy habits will keep their sparkle between deep cleanings.
Starting with regularly dusting your windows. Use a microfiber duster or cloth to sweep dust and grime from glass, frames and sills. This prevents buildup and makes next cleaning session easier.
Then deal with spills and splatters when they happen. Fingerprints, smudges along with other small marks can be removed with a damp cloth to prevent becoming persistent stains.
Finally, spray a daily shower on your windows. Water and rubbing alcohol in equal parts can prevent water spots on your windows.
Conclusion
Using these habits will keep your windows looking their best with little effort required.
Getting sparkling, streak-free windows need not be a chore. Gathering the right tools, learning the squeegee technique, stain removal, cleaning frames and tracks, avoiding streaks and maintaining your windows between cleanings will give you clear views and a brighter home.
With the suggestions and tricks in this guidebook, you can turn your windows into showstopper showcases for your home. Get out the squeegee, make some cleaner and get those windows sparkling like new!
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