The idea of spending the weekend cleaning windows is not too exciting. But with a few tips and techniques can become a breeze of a job. And the clarity will amaze once those smog shaded windows become as clear as can be.
The trick is in knowing the secrets the pros use. It's not always a fancy cleaner concoction either. The cleaning supply window washers use is often just Soapy warm water, which can clean a window as well as expensive products can. The best trick is to make life easier by cleaning smarter.
A tool belt is a great way to ease the load. You can buy one at the local hardware store, or even fashion one on your own. Instead of breaking your back to bend over for one tool after the other, your tool belt keeps everything within easy reach in an instant.
Any homeowner can make this job a breeze. Quality tools make a big difference. A squeegee with stainless steel or brass channel is desirable. And means of disposable rubber blades are a requirement. Cheep squeegees are disposable, and cost more in the long run. If you clean your windows only once a year - a quality squeegee with replaceable rubber blades will make the job much easier.
A squeegee with a blade between 12 and 18 inches wide is preferred. Make sure a supply of rubber blades for your preferred brand of squeegee is readily available at a local store. One with a telescoping handle is desirable, particularly if you have a two story home with windows that need cleaning for the first time in a long time.
The weather can be a factor when achieving good results. If the weather is too hot or dry, your cleaning solution can dry, leaving streaks. Pending rain would not be good either. Cool weather is the best condition for good window cleaning results.
The cleaning supply window cleaners use most is ammonia based. Ammonia will dry quickly leaving no films to streak. If your squeegee includes a scrubber, it can help tell you when areas that need scrubbing are clean because you can feel the texture go from coarse to smooth as you scrub.
Before starting your window washing project, make sure to dust away dead bugs, dust, or cobwebs. Grit from these things can scratch windows or leave mud streaks leading to extra work.
It's best to develop a squeegee strategy. Whether you use horizontal strokes or vertical ones, make sure you go in the same direction with each stroke. Make sure to overlap the previous stroke by an inch or two. Use a clean, lint free rag to wipe the squeegee dry after each stroke so you don't drip dirty water onto an area you've already squeegeed.
It's really simple once you get the hang of it. As with most things, the preparation is the most important part in making a tiresome task easy - and you into a window cleaning pro with clear, streak free windows.
Whether you like it or not, house cleaning is a necessary evil that most people have to endure. Just one of those tasks is window cleaning. However, unlike the interior of your house, your windows need to be cleaned both inside and outside which can often prove difficult. The best solution is to hire professionals to clean the outside windows - particularly on upper floors of your house - but if you want to clean the interior windows yourself, here are some top tips to make them shine.
1) First of all, make sure to use your vacuum cleaner to clean around the edges and to remove any loose dust, dirt or even cobwebs in the corners. The more of the loose dirt you can remove now means that there is less chance to get unwanted residues smudged or smeared on the glass when you are washing it. Don't forget to vacuum around the sills also. If you have blinds installed, it is often useful to use a feather duster to remove any dust from these before you clean the actual pane.
2) Cleaning any exterior screens. Again, you can use a vacuum to clean these mesh screens. If possible, try to remove them from the window and clean them over a sink or in the bathroom so that any loose dirt will not make too much of a mess. For any heavier dirt that may be crusted onto the screen, take the screen outside and use a brush to remove it.
3) When cleaning the actual panes, make sure to start at the top of the window and work your way gradually down - this will help ensure that you don't have any drips or streaks running down parts of the window that have already been cleaned.
4) Try to use a soft cotton cloth that doesn't leave any threads when you wipe. There are also plenty of good household window cleaning detergents that you can use. However, you can achieve very good results with just soap, warm water and a soft, clean cloth.
5) Take your time when washing. Rushing the job will mean you are likely to make a mistake, miss a spot, or end up with streaking on the windows. Allow time for the windows to dry and then clean them again with a dry cloth to polish them and remove any excess water that may still be there.
Don't forget to clean the whole window as well as the frame. For "French windows" you should clean each pane individually for the best results. It may require extra time and energy but they will end up looking much better.
If your house has very tall windows you can use extendable tools with a cloth on the end to reach the high places. Alternatively you can use a stable step ladder but be sure it is secured and safe before climbing it. Don't over-reach when cleaning at a height as it can lead to a fall.
As for the outside windows, it's oftentimes best to leave that to the experts!
Both Scott Hares & Richard Legg are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Scott Hares has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Kitchen Remodeling Ideas and Home Management. Scott Hares writes for A free informational resource for anyone considering a new double page vinyl windows in their home.. Scott Hares's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Richard Legg has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Internet Marketing and Cars. Northwest Window Maintenance, INC is a company specialising in window and gutter cleaning for both commercial and residential buildings. G. Richard Legg's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.