Windows and Glass in your home poses a special challenge for the typical cleaning routine. Many people end up paying for a service to have their windows cleaned when they have a multi-story home or a lot of large windows and doors, but this can become expensive. Cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass around your home on your own doesn’t have to be a difficult or annoying task. Getting window cleaning done efficiently and streak-free can be a challenge but is certainly manageable on your own. The most common complaint we come across is from homemakers who spend hours spraying and wiping only to be left with dirty or streak-laden windows that might look slightly clean, but slightly off-putting as well. We have compiled a few pro tips in an effort to help make this dreaded task simpler, leave your glass surfaces clear and pristine, and also save you money in the long run.
Getting the right tools for the job is more than half the battle when it comes to windows and glass in particular. There are many different products to choose from and try out, and many of them interact differently in different situations. In our article on cleaning gadgets, we covered the window Roomba robot and although these do work many people still prefer or need to clean some windows by hand. There are some super important items you will need for any job and some side items you’ll want to consider for special circumstances.
The first thing you will need is a quality bucket that you will be comfortable working with. It should be sized to your other cleaning tools that we will go over shortly, but essentially this means the bucket needs to have a wider opening to accommodate tools, Next is the squeegee and the variations in quality are tremendous. There a lot of different types but the “wagtail” reigns supreme among the pros. It’s a usually a three-piece squeegee with a handle, the channel and the rubber for the channel all set on a pivot to the handle. A good rule to follow is to purchase from a hardware store rather than your common gas station or quick smart because you’ll tend to get that little extra quality which will make a difference. In addition to the squeegee, you’ll want to grab the same type handled bar only with a mop head or scrubber instead of the rubber squeegee. This is good for the pre-scrub and removal of debris. For more intense debris removal a pocket or medium-sized bladed scraper is good to have on hand as well.
When it comes to detergent and your cleaning solution the internet and pros don’t always agree. There are a huge array of secret formulas and advice to take into consideration. After some time looking into commercial window cleaning solutions, residential ones, and natural ones, it seems that most people agree that any combination of white vinegar is best for not leaving streaks, Palmolive or morning fresh soaps for suds, and cool water will do the trick.
Some other tools for keeping close by when dealing with windows and glass include rags, extension poles, ladders, and tool belts. With the right tools assembled all you need to do to finish the job is to employ some practice and technique. Fill your bucket about halfway with a few squirts of detergent. Next, wet the mop and soak the window while scrubbing it down for debris. Next up is the squeegee, you will use it for two things here; first to remove the soap, second to remove the water — finally, a rag to wipe down the edges.
Handling your glass and window needs is easy if you have the time and interest in handling it yourself as long as you have the right tools and a general idea of the technique to practice.
