How To Clean Windows Like A Real Pro
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Windows Like a Pro
Welcome to the definitive guide to window cleaning, where we’ll cover the basics and dive deep into the techniques and strategies that professionals use to achieve that immaculate, streak-free shine.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to elevate your window cleaning game or someone aiming to turn window cleaning into a professional service, this comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with expert-level insights and tips.
How To Clean Windows?
If you were to Google how to clean windows, you would get generic articles/blogs from people who have never cleaned windows professionally telling you to get out a cloth, spray the windows with vinegar, and wipe your life away.
Our blog doesn’t just offer advice, it provides practical, efficient methods for cleaning windows. After reading, you’ll be equipped to tackle any windows you encounter.
So, let’s get started with some of the basics.
Window Cleaning Supplies
- Window Cleaning Kit:
- Squeegee: A high-quality squeegee with a rubber blade is essential for a streak-free finish.
- T Bar and microfibre Sleeve: Several sizes of T bars are available; choose the length that suits the window size.
- Window Cleaning Bucket: Use a sturdy rectangular bucket to hold your window cleaning solution.
- Spray Bottle: We recommend spray bottles for spot-cleaning windows rather than full window cleaning.
- Microfiber Cloths: These are perfect for wiping down your edges and drying spots without leaving lint behind.
- Towel: An old towel works perfectly for wiping your squeegee after each swipe.
- Scraper: High quality scraper (for stubborn stains).
- Cleaning Solution: You can use a commercial window cleaner or make your own with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap or white vinegar.
- Pure Water Window Cleaning Kit (optional): An extension pole and pure water can be a lifesaver for faster outside window cleaning and hard-to-reach windows. We recommend the kiwi made Pure Wash starter kit. (We’ll discuss how to use this in more detail later).
Best Window Cleaning Solution
The best window cleaning products don’t need to cost a lot!
- Dishwashing Liquid: You can use either eco-friendly or standard dishwashing liquid. Eco-friendly dishwashing liquid requires a little more.
- Vinegar: Distilled white vinegar.
- Commercial Window Cleaner: We recommend Jantex window cleaner as this is what we use at Spruce for our window cleaning services.
- Leaves a streak-free finish on all glass, window and stainless steel surfaces
- Fast-acting and fast-drying to deliver rapid results with minimum effort
- Concentrated solution makes each bottle go further for a better cost-per-use
- Easy to create a custom dilution with varying strengths to suit any task
- Non-corrosive, non-hazardous and non-abrasive
TIP: Jantex window cleaner is also great for polishing up stainless steel around the home from taps to appliances.
Preparing Window Cleaning Solution
- Dishwashing Liquid Window Cleaning Method:
- For cleaning windows with a window kit, fill the window cleaning bucket halfway with warm water and squirt some dishwashing liquid into the bucket. Mix the solution with your hands gently to avoid excessive foam.
- Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the spray bottle. (for window spot cleaning)
- Vinegar Window Cleaning Method:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in the spray bottle.
- You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water in the window cleaning bucket, but in our experience, the dishwasher is more effective using this method.
- Commercial Window Cleaners: Follow the instructions on the label. For example, with the Jantex window cleaner, you mix 100ml per litre of water. We recommend using commercial cleaners in spray bottles only.
Window Cleaning: Using a T-Bar & Squeegee
Cleaning windows with a T-bar and squeegee is an efficient and professional method, ensuring streak-free, spotless results. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
- Pre-Clean the Window Frame and Sill:
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and loose dirt from the window frame and sill. This prevents debris from being dragged across the glass during cleaning.
- Wet the Window with the T-Bar:
- Soak the microfiber sleeve on the T-bar in the cleaning solution, squeezing out excess liquid.
- Wash the window by gently scrubbing the glass in circular or horizontal motions, ensuring that all areas are covered with the cleaning solution.
- Focus on areas with fingerprints, smudges, or tough stains.
- Scrape Off Stubborn Stains (if necessary):
- Use a scraper to remove stuck-on dirt or paint spots.
- Keep the glass wet to avoid scratching.
- Only use the scraper on smooth, non-tempered glass surfaces. TIP: Never use a scraper on tinted windows or glass, as you will scratch the tint.
- Squeegee the Window:
- Starting at the top left corner of the window (for right-handed people) or the top right corner (for left-handed people).
- Angle the squeegee slightly, keeping one side slightly higher than the other.
- Pull the squeegee horizontally across the glass with even pressure.
- Wipe the blade with the towel after each stroke to avoid leaving streaks. Using a towel also prevents the use of too many microfibre cloths.
- Continue making overlapping strokes until the entire window is cleaned.
- Starting at the top left corner of the window (for right-handed people) or the top right corner (for left-handed people).
- Vertical Squeegee Technique (Optional):
- Alternatively, you can start from the top and pull the squeegee straight down. This technique is easier for beginners.
- Be sure to overlap each stroke slightly to prevent streaking.
- Wipe the window’s edges and frame:
- Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to remove excess water and solution.
- Buff for a Spot-Free Finish:
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff any remaining streaks or spots, especially around the window edges.
Finishing Up
- Check for Streaks:
- Inspect the Window from different angles in natural light to ensure no streaks or water spots remain.
- Clean the Tools: Rinse the T-bar, microfiber sleeve, and squeegee thoroughly in clean water. Wring out excess water from the sleeve and let it air dry.
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Clean windows in the shade or when the sun isn’t directly shining on them, as this can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks.
- Change water Frequently: If the water in your bucket becomes dirty, replace it with fresh water to avoid smearing dirt back onto the window.
- Squeegee Blade Maintenance: Check the rubber blade for nicks or wear before each use. Replace the blade regularly for optimal results.
By following this step-by-step process, your windows will remain crystal clear and streak-free!
How To Clean Outside Windows
Pure water window cleaning is the best way to wash outside windows. It’s an efficient, eco-friendly method often used by professionals. It involves using purified water (free from minerals and impurities) to clean windows without leaving spots or streaks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean outside windows:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Pure Water Window Cleaning System
- Water purification unit and water-fed pole with brush.
- Hose (to connect to the purification unit).
- TDS meter (to make sure the water is pure).
Preparation:
- Set Up the Pure Water System:
- Connect the water purification unit to a water source (hose or tap). This unit filters out minerals and impurities from the water, making it “pure.”
- Attach the water-fed pole to the purification system. The pole will deliver pure water directly to the windows.
- Ensure the brush head is securely attached to the top of the pole.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
- Rinse the Window with Pure Water:
- Using the water-fed pole, gently spray the window with pure water. This helps to loosen dirt and particles on the glass.
- Scrub with the Water-Fed Brush:
- Use the brush attached to the pole to scrub the window. Move the brush in vertical or circular motions, covering the entire glass surface.
- The bristles of the brush will help agitate dirt and grime while the pure water flowing through the brush rinses it away.
- Focus on corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
- Rinse Again with Pure Water:
- After scrubbing, use the water-fed pole to rinse the window thoroughly. The continuous flow of pure water will wash away any remaining dirt and cleaning solution.
- Leave to Air Dry:
- One of the advantages of using pure water is that it dries spot-free without needing to be wiped down. Simply let the windows air dry.
Finishing Up:
- Inspect the Window:
- Once the windows have dried, inspect them for any missed spots or streaks. If needed, repeat the process on areas that need extra attention.
- Clean the Tools:
- Flush out the water-fed pole and brush with clean water. If your purification unit uses filters, check and maintain them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tips for Best Results:
- Clean from Top to Bottom: Work from the top of the window downwards to prevent dirty water from running over freshly cleaned areas.
- Maintenance: Regularly check the resin in your water purification system to ensure it produces high-quality, mineral-free water.
It really is easy to clean your outside windows with a pure water cleaning kit, and your outside window cleaning will be cut into a third of the time it usually takes. Following this step-by-step guide, you’ll achieve crystal-clear, streak-free results on your outside windows.
Spot Cleaning Windows With A Spray Bottle
Spot cleaning your windows with a spray bottle is quick and effective, especially for small smudges, handprints, and dirt. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to spot clean windows.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Spray Bottle: filled with window cleaning solution, vinegar-water mix, dishwashing liquid or a commercial glass cleaner.
- Microfiber Cloth: Lint-free cloth.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
- Spray the Dirty Area:
- Lightly spray the solution onto the spots or smudges that need cleaning.
- Avoid oversaturating the glass; just enough solution to cover the dirty spot is sufficient.
- Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth:
- Using a lint-free microfiber cloth, gently wipe the sprayed area in a circular motion.
- For stubborn spots like fingerprints or grease, let the solution sit for a minute before wiping.
- Buff the Glass:
- Use a dry section of the microfiber cloth to buff the glass for a streak-free shine.
Tips for Best Results:
- Work in Sections: For larger windows, work in small sections to prevent the solution from drying before you can wipe it off.
- Use Clean Cloths: Always use a clean, dry cloth to buff the window to ensure no lint or dirt is left behind.
This method is perfect for quickly addressing spots and smudges, leaving your windows looking clear and spotless!
Conclusion
Cleaning windows like a professional doesn’t require expensive equipment or complex techniques—it’s all about using the right tools, methods, and attention to detail. By following expert techniques like using a squeegee for streak-free results, employing pure water for an eco-friendly shine, or simply spot cleaning with vinegar, you can achieve crystal-clear windows every time.
The key is preparation, patience, and the right technique for each type of window and level of dirt. Whether you’re tackling outside grime or indoor smudges, mastering these steps will leave your windows looking spotless and your home feeling brighter. So next time you’re cleaning, channel your inner pro and enjoy the gleaming results!
Spruce has years of experience cleaning inside and outside windows if you would like to know more about our windows cleaning service please contact us!
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Spruce is a family-owned and operated cleaning company. Voted the #1 cleaning service by Top Reviews NZ in 2024.
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