If your windows have stubborn stains or mineral deposits, make a paste from water and cleaner containing oxalic acid. Alternatively, use a clean cloth or the end of your squeegee to create a dry edge along the top of the window and wipe it down vertically.
This will remove the dirt that would otherwise get smeared around during Window Cleaning Bradenton FL process.
Apply the Cleaning Solution
Professional window cleaners usually apply their cleaning solution with a special soft tool, a squeegee-like sponge or scrubber. If you don’t have this equipment, use a soft microfiber cloth or kitchen sponge dampened with your solution. Dunk the scrubber or sponge into your cleaning solution, wring out excess liquid and then gently rub across the surface of the windows in a circular motion. Make sure the entire glass is covered with a thin coat of cleaner and don’t use too much or you may run into streaking.
If the weather is nice, hose off the windows before you begin washing them. This loosens any dirt, pollen, and dust that has settled on the glass and gives you a clean starting point. If you don’t have a hose, simply wipe down the window frames, grids, and hardware with a soft cloth, such as a feather duster, to remove as much dust and dirt as possible without scratching the glass.
Depending on the condition of the windows, you might need to scrub them with a soft brush or a rubber scraper. This will remove any stubborn stains or deposits that won’t come off with a simple squeegee. If the stains are very stubborn, spray them with a water-based cleaner and allow to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.
When washing the windows, it’s a good idea to work during the day when sun exposure isn’t an issue. Sunshine speeds up the drying process and can cause noticeable streaking on the windows.
Before wiping the windows with a squeegee, wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth or lint-free paper towels to eliminate any remaining moisture that might create noticeable streaks. Start at the top of the window and work down, always ensuring that a fresh section of dry cloth is touching the windowsill, and wiping the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after each pass.
If you notice any noticeable streaks after wiping the windows, dampen a clean section of the squeegee with your cleaning solution and use it to buff the area. Repeat this step until all noticeable streaks are eliminated. When you’re finished, use a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the windowsill and any hardware on the frame.
Scrub the Windows
Clean your window frames, tracks and sills with a brush, cloth or duster. Remove any curtains or blinds and wash them following the care instructions.
Then scrub the windows using a soft sponge or non-scratch pad, scrubbing away any mild stains and dirt. If your windows are really dirty, a wire-bristled window scrubber may be necessary to break down stuck-on grime. Scrub with gentle, circular motions to avoid scratching the glass. Rinse the sponge or microfiber head regularly as you work to ensure you’re not creating a residue on the window.
When your windows are free of stubborn marks and stains, you’ll have a much easier time washing them and removing excess water. To do this, dip the sponge in the cleaning solution or apply a small amount of detergent directly to the wet mop and rub the window with it. Keep rinsing and squeezing the sponge to reduce the amount of detergent you’re applying to the window.
If you’re using a ready-made cleaner, follow the instructions on the label. If you prefer a natural option, white vinegar can be used in place of chemical sprays as it doesn’t fill your home with fumes and is environmentally friendly. To make a vinegar solution, add two or three tablespoons to a bucket of warm water and give it a stir.
You can also use soap and water if that’s what you have on hand, although too many soap suds can leave streaks on the glass. If you’re going to use liquid soap, aim for a 1:1 solution with cold water and be sure to wear rubber gloves.
Before you start squeegeing, wipe down the window frame and tracks with a dry lint-free cloth or duster to remove any residual moisture that could leave streaks on the glass. This step is particularly important if your windows are in a humid environment or by a river, as mineral deposits from the water can often leave unsightly marks on your glass.
Once you’ve wiped down the frames and sill, rinse the windows again to ensure all of the cleaning solution is removed from the surface. If you’re having trouble reaching the top of your windows, consider investing in an extendable pole with a microfibre mop or squeegee attachment.
Wipe the Windows with a Squeegee
If you’re using a squeegee, apply more cleaning solution to your brush and wipe the surface of each window pane (one at a time). This will remove any mild stains that can’t be removed with a simple dusting. Be sure to use a soft “scrubbie” sponge, like these non-scratch ones, for this step; hard scrubbing can scratch glass surfaces and leave streaks. This step can also be used to clean the window sills and corner edges of the glass, if necessary.
When the windows are wet, wipe away any excess cleaner with a dry microfiber cloth (or even newspaper pages). You can also wipe down the window frames and sills at this point, if needed. Leaving too much cleaner on the windows will cause drips and water spots.
A common mistake people make when washing their own windows is applying too much cleaning solution. This causes the squeegee to streak because it takes too long for the solution to evaporate. It is best to use just a few spritzes of your cleaning solution per window, and change out your cleaning towels frequently.
Once you’re ready to squeegee, start at the top of the window and work your way down. When you get to the bottom, use a smooth, side-to-side motion without lifting the squeegee from the window. Wipe the squeegee blade clean with a dry, lint-free cloth after each swipe.
If you’re having trouble getting your windows to be as smooth and streak-free as the professionals, you may need to focus on the base distance of the squeegee blade. This refers to the distance between the blade and the edge of the rubber. It is important to keep the same distance across each pass; otherwise, it will take longer to complete your window and will probably result in streaks.
It is also a good idea to avoid cleaning your windows on a sunny day. The sun’s heat will evaporate the water before you can wipe it off, and this can result in streaky results. Instead, clean your windows on a cloudy or overcast day to ensure that the cleaning results you want are achieved.
Dry the Windows
Once all the cleaning solution is removed, it’s time to rinse the windows. Professionals spray water or a clean solution onto the window, working from top to bottom to avoid drips and over-spraying. Then they use a squeegee to wipe away the excess moisture. This process removes streaks and enables the glass to dry quickly, making it look like new again. Homeowners can use a squeegee or a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to dry their windows. Paper towels aren’t recommended, as they leave lint streaks on the glass.
If you’re cleaning large windows, it’s best to work in sections. This way, you don’t risk getting the cleaner on non-glass surfaces or getting the solution into corners and crevices where it can’t reach. Professionals also take care not to get any cleaning solution on the sill, frames or tracks, as this can damage them.
After the windows are washed and rinsed, professionals inspect them for spots that need to be spot cleaned. They may scrub them again with the brush or spray a clean cleaning solution on the window and then squeegee it to dry it. This ensures that they haven’t missed any areas of dirt or grime.
It’s important to look at the windows from different angles as you rinse and dry them. This allows you to see any areas that need extra attention and makes sure that the window is completely clean from every angle. Many people overlook this step and find that their windows look dirty when they’re finished.
If you’re using a commercial window cleaner or homemade vinegar mix, it’s a good idea to spray the surface of the glass with a lint-free microfiber cloth. This will prevent the cleaner from sticking to the glass and causing streaks or water spots. After the windows are wiped, you can finish up by removing any dust from the frame, track or sill using a vacuum, duster or cloth. And don’t forget to clean your blinds or shades as well, following their care instructions if necessary. Then you’re ready to enjoy your sparkling windows!