A squeegee is an essential tool for a window cleaner. It is a rubber blade that wipes off the water and cleaning solution from a window surface.
Start at one upper corner of a pane and pull the squeegee down straightly, wiping the blade clean after each pass. Dry windows immediately after cleaning to prevent streaks. Contact Window Cleaning Ladera Ranch for professional help.
The low-tech cleaning solution that washed away soap scum and streaks for generations has become an eco-friendly alternative to commercial window cleaners. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks down dirt, grease, and mineral deposits on glass surfaces. The acetic acid also kills some bacteria. When used in combination with water, vinegar is an effective way to clean windows.
The ideal solution is one part white vinegar to 10 parts warm water. Mix it in a spray bottle, and use the cleaning solution to wipe down your windows. For best results, use distilled vinegar, as it will not leave mineral residues on the glass. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh, pleasing scent. Tea tree oil is an excellent choice because it has natural degreasing and antifungal properties.
Before you begin cleaning your windows, it is important to prepare the surface by removing any loose dirt and dust with a soft-bristled brush. This will prevent scratching and make the cleaning process smoother. If you have large windows, a squeegee can help you cover more surface area more quickly. Before using your squeegee, make sure that it is dry by wiping it with a microfibre cloth after each stroke.
When you are ready to start cleaning, it is best to work on a cloudy day or when the sun is not directly shining on the windows. This will keep the vinegar solution from evaporating too quickly, which can cause streaks. It is also a good idea to use a high-quality microfiber cloth or lint-free paper towels. Avoid using regular rags, as they can hold onto residue and lint and may cause streaking.
Apply the vinegar solution evenly across the window. You can scrub at tough spots with a sponge, or simply rub the solution in circular motions with your fingertips. Then, carefully rinse the windows with warm water. If you have a window screen, you can also wash it with the same solution. Once the windows are completely dry, reinstall the window screens. If you find that the windows are still streaking, try buffing with a dry microfiber cloth or lint-free piece of paper towel.
Liquid Soap and Warm Water
We know, this isn’t exactly a thrilling household chore. But it pays off big time with a beautiful window that’s free of streaks and residue. Plus, it’s super affordable and environmentally friendly—especially when compared to store-bought cleaners. To clean your windows to perfection, follow these simple steps:
1. Remove any drapes and blinds. This will make the job much easier, and it’s also a great opportunity to wash them. 2. Sweep away any cobwebs and debris using a broom. This will help prevent the soap solution from scratching your glass surface while you’re washing it.
3. Mix your cleaning solution in a spray bottle. This is the best way to ensure that all areas are getting evenly cleaned. Use equal parts water and powdered dishwasher soap. You can also use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water for an even stronger solution. 4. Apply the solution to your window panes using a microfiber cloth. Start with the top section first, so that the solution doesn’t trickle down, and work your way around each panel. As the cloth becomes saturated, turn it over and use a dry section to wipe off the remaining soap solution.
5. Rinse thoroughly with your hose. This will remove all traces of soap and dirt and prevent streaking. If you’re having trouble reaching an area with a hose, place an old bath towel at the base of the window to catch any runoff.
6. Dry your windows with a squeegee or piece of newspaper. It’s important to dry your windows completely to avoid any spots and streaks, especially if you’ve used a liquid cleaning solution. Once you’re finished, be sure to rinse the window with your hose once again to remove any last traces of soap or dirt.
It’s recommended to wash your windows at least twice a year, but you might need to scrub them more often in some cases, such as when you live near the coast, where salt glazes the glass. If you don’t have the time to wash your own windows, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
Windex
There’s no denying that Windex is one of the best products for cleaning glass. The popular brand’s key ingredient is ammonia, which helps dissolve dirt and grime to make it easier to wipe away. When used as directed, the product is safe for windows, mirrors and other surfaces in your home. However, you can still get great results without the chemicals when cleaning your windows with the right technique.
To clean your windows without the use of chemicals, start by removing any visible debris with a damp cloth or broom. Wipe the windowsills as well, removing any cobwebs or dirt build-up. If your windows are particularly dirty or stained, you can use a homemade cleaning solution made with baking soda. To make your own, mix equal parts water with a pinch of baking soda. Then apply the paste to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft cloth. This simple but effective method will leave your windows looking spotless and streak-free.
After scrubbing the windows, wash them with soapy water and a squeegee. If you don’t have a squeegee, try a dry towel or paper sheet (never crumbled newspaper because it leaves lint), explains cleaning expert Mrs Hinch. For the best results, wet a squeegee before using it (a dry squeegee will skim over the window instead of sliding across).
When you’re ready to finish up with the squeegee, start at the top of the window and work down in an “S” pattern. Avoid wiping the edges and non-glass surfaces, as they may be damaged by over-spraying. When the last stroke of the squeegee is finished, dry the windows with a clean, lint-free towel or microfiber cloth to prevent drips and streaks.
Alternatively, you can use a gadget like the Vileda Windomatic or the £70 Squeegee Pro, recommends Anglian Home Improvements. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can still achieve good results with soapy water, a squeegee and a clean, lint-free cloth or sheet. Just make sure to only use purified water, since regular tap water can contain minerals that leave unsightly marks on glass surfaces.
Glass Cleaner
The tried and true method of using distilled vinegar to clean windows is still the go-to solution for many homeowners. Vinegar’s acidic composition is quick at breaking down the thin layer of grime that collects on glass surfaces. It’s also a natural product that won’t cause allergic reactions or health problems if it is ingested or inhaled. To use the vinegar cleaning method, fill a spray bottle with water and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar. Then, shake and spritz onto the window surface. Wipe down in long, even swirls starting from the top.
If you prefer to skip the spray bottle, use a bucket of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap to wash your windows. This method works just as well to remove grease from glass and provides a great cleaning solution that won’t damage or scratch surfaces like chrome, painted walls or floors. Just be sure to rinse off the soap residue afterward to prevent water spots and streaks.
After rinsing your windows, be sure to dry them with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. Avoid paper towels, as they will leave lint behind and make your clean windows look sloppy.
A few drops of rubbing alcohol can help to lift stubborn dirt and smudges from glass surfaces. You can also add a few drops of liquid dishwasher detergent to your vinegar and water cleaning solution for an extra powerful cleaning effect. The sodium lauryl sulfate in the dish detergent helps to cut through grease and grime and will give your windows that spotless, sparkling shine.
You may want to use a squeegee to dry your glass after you’ve finished washing them. This tool can make it easy to get a streak-free finish on large picture windows. Start at one of the upper corners and pull the squeegee horizontally across the window, wiping the blade clean between swipes.
When choosing a cloth for cleaning glass surfaces, choose a lint-free microfiber or terry cloth towel instead of paper towels. Paper towels will leave lint behind and can actually scratch glass surfaces. If you must use paper towels, choose a brand that is designed for home and automotive use, as these are more likely to stand up to moisture. You can even use old t-shirts as a reusable alternative.