In search of the greatest window cleaning options? Follow our DIY window cleaning tips.
Windows should ideally be washed twice a year, but this is a chore that few people enjoy doing. DIY window cleaning may be a hassle because homeowners insistence on using newspaper or wadded-up paper towels, spray cleaner, and a lot of effort.
FOR PICTURE WINDOWS
Step 1: Use a strip applicator to clean
Large tools are required for picture windows. A strip applicator’s large cloth head soaks up a lot of soapy water and loosens dirt without damaging the glass. Weingard employs a small amount of dishwashing liquid in a pail of warm water as a cleaning solution—the less suds, the better.
Step 2: Clean up using a squeegee.
Move the squeegee in a reverse-S pattern over the soapy window, beginning at the top left (left-handers would start at the top right). Wipe the squeegee’s blade clean with a lint-free cloth after each stroke. This activity is ideal for using cloth diapers or used linen napkins.
Step 3: Remove any remaining drips.
Remove any residual water from the glass’s edges using a damp, wrung-dry chamois, which absorbs moisture without leaving streaks. Using a rag, dry the windowsill.
FOR MULTI PANE WINDOWS
Step 1: Customize the squeegee
A squeegee that fits the panes is required to clean a divided-light window. You can cut one to size using a hacksaw. files the cut edges clean after trimming the metal channel 14 inch thinner than the window pane. Then, using a tool knife, cut the rubber blade to the width of the window and insert it into the channel so that it projects 1/8 inch at either end.
Step 2: Clean the panes.
On multi pane windows, a handheld sponge or hog-bristle brush works well. Weingard favors organic sponges. Wipe each pane from left to right, top to bottom, with the same solution of a drop of liquid soap in water, pressing the sponge edges or brush bristles into the corners to dislodge grime.
Step 3: Clean using a squeegee.
Pull the squeegee down each pane from top to bottom in a single stroke. Clean the blade with a cloth after each stroke to avoid stains. (If the squeegee squeaks excessively, add a small amount of soap to the water.) Remove any stains on the glass with a chamois and dry the muntins and sill with a rag, as described previously.
THINGS TO DO WHEN CLEANING WINDOWS:
- DON’T hesitate to use distilled water when you can. Because of the minerals in tap water, windows can get more filthy more quickly. Although not essential to the goal, this might nevertheless be significant.
- DO stand back and see the window from a fresh perspective. Often, doing this allows you to notice areas that you would have overlooked when cleaning. Using a tiny, dry portion of your microfiber towel, you may easily wipe away the dirty spot.
- If you can, clean your windows in the spring. The water and detergent solution may evaporate considerably more quickly during the summer, leaving streaks and making window washing much more challenging.
- If the intricacy of the action prevents you from squeegeeing the glass in a “rainbow” pattern, DO squeegee windows horizontally from top to bottom. To prevent unneeded streaks, you might also want to think about wiping the squeegee blade dry in between strokes.
THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN CLEANING WINDOWS:
- Avoid using ammonia and other strong chemicals that might ruin your property forever. As was already said in this post, my personal favorite cleaning product is Blue Dawn dish soap. To properly combat hard water stains, you may add a few teaspoons of vinegar to the mixture.
- NEVER scrape inside windows with a razor. The razor will easily cut through inside window tinting, which may cost you a lot of money, time, and frustration. It’s soooo not worth it, I promise! Use a bristles brush or toothbrush on the tough-to-clean portions of an inside window if you need to scrape the glass vigorously.
- Despite whatever “hacks” you may have seen on Pinterest, spare yourself the trouble and use microfiber cloths to clean your windows. Newspapers, you read that correctly. Newspapers shouldn’t be used on windows since they might damage them and leave ink smudges, undermining the purpose of cleaning them!
