Unclean windows can block sunlight and develop hazardous mold. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to wash windows, which makes the process time-consuming and largely ineffective.
Below, we will look at how to wash your windows properly.
Common Mistakes People Make When Washing
Window washing is one of the essential household chores for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, either because of the time commitment or minimal results mentioned above, many people choose to skip this task altogether and therefore suffer the aesthetic and health consequences.
Nevertheless, cleaning windows is so burdensome for many people because they simply don’t know the best way to wash windows. Though it sounds like a straightforward task, proper window washing requires tricks and tools that make the entire process quicker and more effective.
The most common misstep amateur window washers make is using the wrong cleaning solution. This mistake is especially detrimental for cleaning moldy window tracks, where you’ll need far more than a damp rag and elbow grease to kill pesky mold spores. Without a robust cleaning solution, mold will begin regrowing the second you stop scrubbing, making the entire cleaning process moot.
Many people also bring improper cleaning tools to wash their home windows, along with ineffective cleaning solutions. Though it’s popular to grab the first towel within sight for wiping dirt and dust off windows, cleaning with a rough cloth will leave streaks and stains that are impossible to remove.
Additionally, washing and drying your windows at the wrong angle, speed, or even time of day are minor missteps that make a significant difference. Below, we will examine the best ways to combat all these mistakes.
Best Window Track Cleaning Tool List
Those who know how to wash windows like a pro understand that it’s essential to clean the tracks properly. And with a few of the tools and cleaning solutions below, you will make short work of any dirty window track, keeping it cleaner for longer than ever before.
Tools
- Scrubbers: You need a scrubber tough enough to eliminate dirt, mold spores, and stubborn stains, but also something flexible enough to get into the tiny grooves of a window track. Some of the best options which many people already have at home are sponges, old toothbrushes, and clean microfiber cloths.
- Cloths: It’s essential to own a proper cloth that absorbs water and residue leftover from scrubbing. You can use a standard paper towel, a lint-free rag, or a microfiber cloth for window track cleaning.
Solutions
- Organic: Mixing warm water with a few drops of white vinegar or dish soap can be as effective as a store-bought solution. Similarly, water with a small amount of chlorine bleach can eliminate mold, but read the manufacturer’s instructions before mixing, as bleach can be dangerous with improper use.
- Premade: If you don’t have any of the necessary ingredients or are uncomfortable using bleach, plenty of premade window cleaners are available at chain stores.
- Industrial solutions (for tough stains): Homemade or store-bought cleaning solutions are often ineffective against tough stains. You can resort to industrial cleaning solutions for these problems, but they are difficult to find.
How To Wash Windows with a Squeegee Like a Pro
With this simple seven-step guide, you will learn how to clean windows with a squeegee in a few short minutes.
Step 1: Gather the Materials Needed
The most vital tool you’ll need for window cleaning service is a squeegee. A squeegee with a strong rubber blade will cut through the toughest stains with help from these essential cleaning materials.
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Window scrubber
- Paper towels or microfiber cloth
Step 2: Prepare Solution
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to start mixing your cleaning solution. A gallon of warm water and two or three drops of dish soap do wonders. Skip this step if you’ve opted for a premade commercial or industrial solution.
Step 3: Scrub the Glass with Scrubber
Dampen the scrubber with the cleaning solution and wash the window in horizontal strokes, covering the entire surface, not just the heavily soiled parts.
Step 4: Starting with Cleaning Strip
Tilt your squeegee so that only the corner is touching your window, and slowly wipe the soapy mixture away from a narrow strip of the glass. Starting with the small strip ensures you won’t miss the edges when washing the rest of the window.
Step 5: Squeegee from Top to Bottom
Use your squeegee to wash away the rest of the soapy mixture, beginning at the top of the window and using horizontal strokes.
Step 6: Wipe Down Water with Squeegee
Work your way down the window with the squeegee until you’ve wiped down all the glass. For best results, slightly angle your squeegee to keep water from dripping and begin each stroke a couple of inches above where the last one ended.
Step 7: Wipe Excess Water
Use your microfiber cloth or paper towels to wipe away excess water and prevent water spots.
How to Wash Special Windows
Of course, not every window is the same. So even if you know how to wash house windows made from standard glass, you might not be as adept at cleaning special windows and all their included parts.
A “special” window can be anything as simple as one taller and wider than most others. Though tall windows contain the same materials as standard ones, the cleaning tools and techniques to wash them differ slightly.
For example, you can use the same cleaning solutions for a tall window as you would a standard one, but if you wash both windows at a similar pace, the taller ones will form streaks from water dripping and settling into the glass. For these windows, you must clean quickly; bring a stepladder, and use a long squeegee and scrubber to cover more surface area.
The exact cleaning tools, techniques, and solutions needed will change depending on the window size. However, nothing causes more variance than the different types of window frames.
Different Types of Window Frames
The most common materials for household window frames include:
- Wood
- Vinyl
- Fiberglass
- Aluminum
- Wood-clad
- Composite
You must wash each frame carefully, as specific cleaning solutions might damage them. For example, vinyl, fiberglass, and wood frames are incompatible with vinegar-based solutions and will stain or discolor if in contact with the solution.
To avoid accidental damage, research which materials and cleaning methods are compatible with specific frames and window sizes.
Pro Window Washing Tips
Start with Cleaning Inside First
Since many window stains come from interior dust and debris, you might need to wash only the window interiors to achieve your desired result. Remove all dust from the blinds and clean the interior glass before moving to the outside—you might save a couple of hours.
Wipe Your Squeegee Regularly
Your squeegee has the dirty job of wiping dusty residue off your windows. If you use it too much without wiping the blade, it might smear dirt across the window rather than cleaning it. Wiping your squeegee every five strokes prevents it from leaving unsightly streaks.
Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Windows
The less you let mold and water residue build up, the easier your windows will be to clean later. Applying a water-protection agent like Rain-X to your windows’ exterior will keep water from settling onto the glass and leaving annoying water spots.
Remove Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains are common causes of dirty windows, so if you can master removing them, the glass will stay cleaner longer. Washing your windows with a mixture of vinegar, dish soap, and lemon juice and allowing the solution to sit for 15 minutes before wiping will eliminate these unsightly stains.
Clean During Cloudy Weather
Cleaning windows during warm, sunny weather will cause the water to dry quicker, leaving stains before you’ve finished washing. The best way to combat the elements is to clean on a cloudy day.
Why Do You Need Professional Help?
The most effective way to keep your windows clean is to call for professional help, even when you know the best window washing techniques. Washing crews with years of experience have more than the most powerful tools and cleaning solutions available; they know how to use them all effectively.
With specialized knowledge and robust materials, professionals know how to wash windows quicker and more effectively than beginners working with a homemade cleaning solution. Additionally, a professional cleaner will cut hours off your monthly cleaning cycle by taking on these tough chores for you.
Evergreen Window Cleaning—Schedule Now
Evergreen Window Cleaning is your solution for window washing in the Greater Seattle area. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve learned how to wash windows better than anyone. We bring that world-class quality to your home today for an affordable rate.
Contact Evergreen Window Cleaning at 206-309-4349 to schedule an appointment.
