How To: Clean Your Windows

Getting the windows on your property clean is probably the least thing you're looking forward to while planning a spring-cleaning. At the same time, it’s unbearable to look at the windows and, instead of enjoying a lovely view, staring at dirt, dust, raindrops’ marks, stains and even cobweb ruining the entire scenery. Although you don’t have to do it that often (maybe four or five times a year), washing windows may get quite hard and annoying. But when you actually get that done, it feels so good, as if you couldn’t see very well and your sight was magically fixed. It also reminds me of wiping the lenses of your glasses – you are always too lazy to do it, but once you step over yourself and wipe the lenses till they’re perfectly transparent, you instantly seem to be able to see much better. All colors become much brighter, all objects can be seen much more clearly. 

The same applies to the windows of your house, but as they’re much bigger and get much dirtier, the cleaning process takes more time, effort and patience. The frustration levels go up insanely, when you’re trying to remove stains, or, especially, when you just can’t get rid of those stubborn streaks. You spent hours doing that, and, convinced that they’re gone, you were almost ready to sigh with a relief. But as you stepped back, you still could notice cheeky little streaks ruining your job. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Cleaning the windows can be also tricky if you live in an apartment. It is too dangerous to hang out of a fifth floor window just to get to the top corner and at least slightly wash it. So, if you don’t want to face those problems, then it’s possible to hire professional window cleaners. Fancy Window Cleaners Ltd are fully insured professionals and already have all necessary tools and cleaning supplies, they know what works best and they do the job quickly and efficiently. They leave your windows shining and sparkling. Besides, you can afford their services, as the need to wash windows doesn’t emerge every week or even month. It’s possible to spare some money on window cleaning three times a year and get them cleaned and polished by someone, who knows his business. Actually, it even saves your time and money you would have to spend on cleaning tools and supplies. And, of course, results are far better. But, if you’re still determined to wash your windows by yourself or carry out an additional wash between the times the cleaners are supposed to come, then here's some tips that will help you save time and nerves while doing the job and achieve better results at the same time. So, if you’re interested in that, let’s dive right into it. 

1. Proper equipment to clean windows 

Perfect finish may be achieved only if you use right tools. Of course, you may spend hours trying to get rid of stains and streaks only on one window, but do you really want that? I don’t think so. Then, the first must-have is a good squeegee with an adjustable handle and extension poles. Remember, that rubber insets tend to wear out and then they don’t work as good as new ones. So, it’s necessary to replace them after several washes. A squeegee that has a swiveling handle may be even better, as it’s easier to maneuver (which is particularly useful in case you have tall windows). Anyway, a good quality squeegee will save you hours of rubbing and wiping in desperate attempts to wash the window immaculately without leaving any streaks or marks. Detergent is the next thing you’ll have to think of. Some people recommend using the mixture of water and vinegar, but you might not like it, as it doesn’t foam. You won’t be able to see clearly, what parts you’ve already washed and if there’re any streaks left. So, it’s better to use all-purpose detergent or even hand dishwashing liquid, as it’s softer on your hands and doesn’t ruin the squeegee’s rubber insert. Obviously, you’ll need a bucket, a sponge and several microfiber cloths or just regular towels. You may also use a pad (window cleaning handtool) instead. If you there’re any paint or varnish spots, dried-up insect marks and birds’ you-know-what on your windows, then you might need a scraper to get rid of them. Rubber gloves (you may take your old dishwashing ones) and window-cleaning spray may also come in handy. 

2. Choose the right washing day 

As funny as it may seem, it’s better to clean your windows on a cloudy day, as the sun doesn’t allow you to notice all streaks and also makes your cleaning mixture dry up much faster, so it may result in more streaks and even marks of water on windows. 

3. Preparations 

Take a brush with soft bristles and remove all the dust, cobwebs and other rubbish that got stuck to your windows, windowsills and window frames. Cover your indoors’ windowsills with a cloth, so that it will absorb any drips. Dust or even wash the blinds. 

4. Start washing 

Fill the bucket with water up to its half and pour a few drops of detergent in it. That’s your cleaning solution. We say it’s better to use cold water rather than warm, as the latter evaporates faster and leaves drop marks before you actually get to wipe all water off. Wet your rag, sponge or a pad in the mixture, remove the excess water so that it doesn’t drip and start washing the window in rubbing motions to clean off the dirt. Now you may also scrape the marks off the window. Move your blade up and down in one direction in order to avoid scratching. 

5. Squeegee time

Grab a squeegee, wet it a little and begin removing the cleaning solution from the window. Start from the top corner of the window and work your way down in a straight line. Repeat the steps as many times as necessary to clean the whole window. Overlap each previous stroke not to miss anything. Don’t forget to wipe the water of the squeegee every time you reach the window’s bottom. When you’re done, perform a final horizontal stroke along the bottom frame of the window. 

6. Correction is perfection 

Although squeegee provides perfect results, there might be some streaks left. Remove them using a dry microfiber cloth. 

7. Reaching the finish line 

Wipe the water off the sills and frame, step back and enjoy your perfectly clean windows. Nice job! If you follow these steps, it won’t be too hard for you to get windows cleaned nicely and relatively fast. But, if you’re not sure if you want to go through this process on each window you have, then visit www.FancyWindowCleaners.com and let professionals do their job and leave your windows sparkling! 

Thanks for reading!

-M