Getting windows washed is probably the least thing people are looking forward to while planning a spring-cleaning. At the same time, it’s unbearable to look at the windows and, instead of enjoying a lovely view, notice dirt, dust, raindrops’ marks, stains and even cobweb ruining the entire scenery.
Although you don’t have to do it that often (maybe twice or three times a year), washing windows may get quite hard and annoying. But when you actually get that done, it feels so good, as if you couldn’t see very well and your sight was magically fixed. It also reminds me of wiping the lenses of your glasses – you are always too lazy to do it, but once you step over yourself and wipe the lenses till they’re perfectly transparent, you instantly seem to be able to see much better. All colors become much brighter, all objects can be seen much more clearly.
The same applies to the windows of your house, but as they’re much bigger and get much dirtier, the cleaning process takes more time, effort and patience. The frustration levels go up insanely, when you’re trying to remove stains, or, especially, when you just can’t get rid of those stubborn streaks. You spent hours doing that, and, convinced that they’re gone, you were almost ready to sigh with a relief. But as you stepped back, you still could notice cheeky little streaks ruining your job. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Washing windows can be also tricky if you live in an apartment. No one wants to hang out even of the fifth floor window in order to get to its top corner and at least slightly wash it. So, if you don’t want to face those problems, then it’s possible to hire professional window cleaners. Go to Hire.Rush.com, scroll through the window cleaners ads and choose the one that suits your circumstances and offers adequate prices. Professionals already have all necessary tools and cleaning supplies, they know what works best and they do the job quickly and efficiently. They leave your windows shining and sparkling. Besides, you can afford their services, as the need to wash windows doesn’t emerge every week or even month. It’s possible to spare some money on window cleaning twice a year and get them cleared out and polished by someone, who knows his business. Actually, it even saves your time and money you would have to spend on cleaning tools and supplies. And, of course, results are far better.
But, if you’re still determined to wash your windows by yourself or carry out an additional wash between the times the cleaners are supposed to come, then there’re some tips that will help you save time and nerves while doing that job and achieve better results at the same time.
So, if you’re interested in that, let’s dive right into it.
1. Proper equipment to clean windows
Perfect finish may be achieved only if you use right tools. Of course, you may spend hours trying to get rid of stains and streaks only on one window, but do you really want that? I don’t think so.
Then, the first must-have is a good squeegee with an adjustable handle and extension poles. Remember, that rubber insets tend to wear out and then they don’t work as good as new ones. So, it’s necessary to replace them after several washes. A squeegee that has a swiveling handle may be even better, as it’s easier to maneuver (which is particularly useful in case you have tall windows).
Anyway, a good quality squeegee will save you hours of rubbing and wiping in desperate attempts to wash the window immaculately without leaving any streaks or marks.
Detergent is the next thing you’ll have to think of. Some people recommend using the mixture of water and vinegar, but you might not like it, as it doesn’t foam. You won’t be able to see clearly, what parts you’ve already washed and if there’re any streaks left. So, it’s better to use all-purpose detergent or even hand dishwashing liquid, as it’s softer on your hands and doesn’t ruin the squeegee’s rubber insert.
Obviously, you’ll need a bucket, a sponge and several microfiber cloths or just regular towels. You may also use a mop (window washer) instead. If you there’re any paint or varnish spots, dried-up insect marks and birds’ you-know-what on your windows, then you might need a scraper to get rid of them. Rubber gloves (you may take your old dishwashing ones) and window-cleaning spray may also come in handy.
2. Choose the right washing day
As funny as it may seem, but it’s better to clean your windows on a cloudy day, as the sun doesn’t allow you to notice all streaks and also makes your cleaning mixture dry up much faster, so it may result in more streaks and even marks of water on windows.
3. Preparations
Take a brush with soft bristles and remove all the dust, cobwebs and other rubbish that got stuck to your windows, windowsills and window frames. Cover your indoors’ windowsills with a cloth, so that it will absorb any drips. Dust or even wash the shutters.
4. Start washing
Fill the bucket with water up to its half and pour a few drops of detergent in it. That’s your cleaning solution. Professionals say that it’s better to use cold water rather than warm, as the latter evaporates faster and leaves drop marks before you actually get to wipe all water off.
Wet your rag, sponge or a mop in the mixture, remove the excess water so that it doesn’t drip and start washing the window in rubbing motions to clean out the dirt. Now you may also scrape the marks off the window. Move your blade in up-to-down direction in order to avoid scratching.
5. Squeegee time
Grab a squeegee, wet it a little and begin removing the cleaning solution from the window. Start from the top corner of the window and work your way down in a straight line. Repeat the steps as many times as necessary to clean the whole window. Overlap each previous stroke not to miss anything. Don’t forget to wipe the water of the squeegee every time you reach the window’s bottom. Also, avoid cleaning solution’s contact with the windows’ frames, especially if they’re wooden. When you’re done, perform a final horizontal stroke along the bottom frame of the window.
6. Correction is perfection
Although squeegee provides perfect results, there might be some streaks left. Remove them using a dry microfiber cloth and window cleaning spray.
7. Reaching the finish line
Wipe the water off the sills and frame, step back and enjoy your perfectly clean windows. Nice job!
If you follow these steps, it won’t be too hard for you to get windows washed nicely and relatively fast. But, if you’re not sure if you want to go through this process on each window you have, then visit Hire.Rush.com and let professionals do their job.
Cleaning windows can be difficult. You have to make sure that it cleaned thoroughly. I had no idea that you had to get the right tools to clean the windows.
Nice tip. Here is my own concoction of cleaning solution. Just to share. Mix equal parts white vinegar with warm water. Alternate: one teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid to several gallons of water. If cleaning in very low temperatures, adding 1/4 cup denatured alcohol to a quart of cleaner will keep the cleaner from freezing.
Joel
Thanks for sharing, Joel! Your tip sounds quite effective.
My windows are very dirty, and I need to get them clean. You make a good point about how it is important to make sure you have the right materials and equipment. I didn’t realize that the wrong squeegee can cause you hours of work. I might hire a professional who has access to all of the right tools, so I know my windows are done right.
I really like your advice to take a look at all of the options that you have. I think that many people don’t understand the reason why you would want to explore all of your options. However, we all have different needs. You want to be sure that you go with the window cleaner that specifically works for your unique situation.
I really like your tip about choosing the right washing day because washing in the sun doesn’t let you see those streaks! My husband and I have been wanting to get our windows cleaned while we prepare our home to be sold. I think that would be a great way to up our curb appeal. We will have to keep these tips in mind, thanks for sharing!
Great article related to window cleaning. I follow these steps and I must admit – I just can’t remember the last time I came across such a helpful post. Thanks!
I want to make sure that I clean everything for spring cleaning. I didn’t even think about what I would do for my windows! They could definitely use a good cleaning. I don’t know if I have all the proper materials to do it myself, so it might be best for me to hire a professional. They would ensure that it gets cleaned as good as possible!
I like that you talked about correcting any streaks that are left. I’m thinking about buying new windows soon, but I want to be sure I’ll clean them correctly. My current windows always seem to have streaks left on them. I’ll get a better cloth and make sure the streaks don’t stay. Thanks for the tips!
You’re absolutely welcome! We highly appreciate your kind words.
You got my attention when you said that it’s important for you to have the right window cleaning tools to achieve perfect finish windows. To be honest, my windows at home need to be deeply cleaned because of how visible the stains on them. I don’t think that buying cleaning tools for my windows is going to be wise for me since I don’t have the time to clean my windows, so I will make sure to hire a professional instead.