One of the best ways to give your home or business an instant facelift is by giving the windows a good cleaning. Shiny windows that are free of dirt and grime allow natural sunlight to pour in, making the interior space seem fresher and sometimes, even bigger. But when it’s time to give these window panes a good scrub, many of us resort to the good old rag-and-Windex routine. Although a bit of elbow grease seems effective, this technique is not the best when getting rid of the outdoor film that cars and pollution leave behind.
Hiring a professional cleaner to get the job done right is often the best way to go. However, it is very possible to clean your own windows like a pro. So check out our handy tips and you’ll have squeaky-clean, streak-free windows in no time!
Never use sponges and rags
As mentioned earlier, many of us think using some sort of cloth and spray-on solution will do the trick. But that is one of the worst ways to clean windows. Sponges and rags (no matter how clean) leave tons of moisture behind. Residual moisture is bad for windows because it will most definitely leave behind a noticeable film even long after it dries. This film will not be as visible in low light, but is glaringly obviously in the direct sun.
The less suds the better
The notion that more suds mean cleaner windows is a myth. Excessive suds leave behind a greasy film that is impossible to wipe away. Many experts recommend a small amount of dishwashing liquid in a warm bucket of water. Use a horizontal sponge applicator with a comfortable handle to soak the caked-on dirt and knock it loose.
Always use a squeegee
A high-quality squeegee is absolutely necessary if you want your windows to look as if they were cleaned by a pro. This handy tool is the best way to avoid all that residual moisture. After cleaning the windows with warm water and detergent, use a squeegee to wipe it all away. The experts always squeegee side-to-side, as opposed to up and down. That’s because it’s easier to maintain the same squeegee pressure when going in this direction.
Starting at the top, pull the squeegee straight across from left to right. At the end of each stroke, wipe the blade clean with a dry rag. Make sure this rag is lint-free, or else your squeegee will leave behind small dust particles on your panes. Cloth diapers or linen napkins are great for this type of work.
Even though cleaning your own windows is a simple task, you may still want to hire the professionals. Happy window cleaning.