Professionally Clean Windows: What You’ll Need
Cleaning your windows truly is simple once you know the best way of going about it but you are going to need the right tools. Below you’ll find a short list with a brief description of some items that will make your window cleaning a snap. We intentionally selected products that are easily available to consumers. At the end of this post, we’ll include links to where you can find them.
Bucket
If you have a longer mop like the one seen in the video, you could get a special bucket designed to fit the entire length of the mop, but it really isn’t necessary. We like the dual basin because you’ll want to rinse the mop with clean water occasionally and this bucket allows for you to have one side soapy and the other clean for rinsing. Of course, you could always rinse your mop with a hose if you have one handy and use both sides for your cleaning solution.
Mop & Squeegee
A soft mop is essential for scrubbing the glass and breaking loose all of the dirt and grime that have accumulated on your window. As it builds up and gets baked on the squeegee alone just won’t do the job. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can just spritz and squeegee the window but it’s going to take some elbow grease to get it done right. The soft mop is going to lift away that abrasive sand that can end up scratching your glass and you don’t want that!
Rags
You have a couple of options here; either pick up a package of the microfiber towels (as seen in the video) or a box of t-shirt rags from your local hardware or paint store. What we’re looking for here is rags that are lint-free and both of these options are; paper towels will leave your windows covered in lint. The microfiber towels are going to absorb more and last longer as you clean your windows while the t-shirt rags get saturated pretty quickly and you’ll go through more as you clean your windows.
Belt & Holster
If there’s anything on our list that is optional it would be the belt and holster. You could carry an additional tote to keep your other tools handy but your definitely not going to regret that investment in a belt and holster that’s going to keep your hands free and prevent you from having to repeatedly bend over throughout the window cleaning process.
Before You Begin: Pro Tip
While there are plenty of products out there which are marketed as window-cleaning solutions in our fifteen years of experience we’ve found that dish soap, specifically Dawn dish soap, is going to deliver results that are as good (if not better) than other commercially available products.
You don’t need much! We use 1/3 tsp per 1 gallon of water.
Clean Windows In Five Easy Steps
Before you get started on the cleaning of the windows themselves remove all of your screens. I like to lean them up against a wall and hose them all off, this is usually all of the cleaning that they’ll need. While you’re cleaning your windows they’ll be drying and will likely be ready to reinstall once all of the windows are finished.
Step 1: Wipe Frames
Using a damp rag, wipe down the window frames to remove built up dust, pollen, and cobwebs.
Step 2: Scrub The Glass
Scrub the glass with your mop. Start at the top and work your way down. If your home is two story you’ll want to begin with the top floor so you don’t have dirty water dripping on to the clean windows below.
Step 3: Squeegee
Again, starting at the top squeegee excess water horizontally wiping the blade of the squeegee after each pass.
Step 4: Wipe Up The Excess
All of the dirty water will have accumulated at the bottom of the window. Use a rag to wipe up the excess water.
Step 5: Dry Edges & Detail
With your cleanest, driest rag wipe edge where the glass meets the frame around the perimeter of the window and spot clean any blemishes that still remain on the glass.
Links To Supplies
The Window Experts
It is our sincere hope that you have found this video and post helpful. If you’d like to learn more about windows and doors you can find videos here. We have hundreds of videos that we’ve produced all with the intent of educating you!
If you’re looking to replace the windows in your home check out The Window Experts and maybe we can connect you with a window replacement company near you. If you’re in the Greater Houston are come to see us at Houston Window Experts, we’d love to help you out.
