How to Wash Your Windows Like A Pro
Spring is around the corner and that means it’s time for you to deep clean your home. One of the many jobs on your to-do list is to wash your windows. After all, the grime left over from snow and other elements can be thick, making it look unseemly.
Washing your windows is something you need to do and, ideally, should be done at least twice per year.
However, it’s not a fun job and people think washing involves getting some paper towels, cleaner, and rubbing your windows.
Actually, there’s a proper way to clean your windows that all the pros use. What is it your ask? Well, you’re about to find out.
Ditch the Rubbing and the Towels
Rubbing cleaner with towels to wash your window is the main offense that people tend to do.
First of all, rubbing doesn’t work because you’re literally just taking the dirt from one spot and moving it to another. You’re creating static charge too, which will create more dirt and dust.
Ideally, you should use a squeegee to clean your windows. It’s how the pros do it, and it’s the best way to make them look spotless. After all, that’s what you’re going for, right?
What You Need
There are a couple of things that you’ll need in order to clean your windows like a pro, and they’re as follows:
- A squeegee
- A strip washer
- A bucket of warm water that isn’t super sudsy
- Chamois
- A rag
- A utility knife for cutting the squeegee so it fits
- Hog bristle brush for multipaned windows
- Steel wool
We’ll go into greater detail about when you’ll use each of these tools so you’re not running around confused.
Cleaning a Single Sash Window
Now, let’s discuss how you clean a single sash window. How do you do it? It’s actually quite simple.
First, you need a strip washer which you can use on the window. You need to put a small bit of dish washing soap into the bucket, put the applicator in and apply it to your windows. This will get rid of any soapy water and loose dirt.
Next, grab your squeegee. Pull the water and grime down. Wipe the blade clean with a rag after each pass.
From here, you can remove any water spots with the chamois. Since it’ll soak the water up without leaving streaks, it’s the perfect option for washing windows. You can dry your windows with a rag if you’d like. Otherwise, you can allow them to air dry.
That’s all there is to it! You’ll have beautiful windows that look great.
Cleaning a Window with Multiple Sashes
Let’s discuss windows with multiple sashes. These differ from windows with one sash because of the extra sashes.
People think they’re supposed to clean their windows with a cloth, but there’s a better way. This section will discuss how you clean the windows with multiple sashes so they look great.
First, you’ll need to adjust the squeegee to make sure it’s the right size. Windows with multiple sashes come in many different sizes and are typically bigger than your average squeegee.
Then, scrub each of the sashes. Use a hog bristled brush, since they do work the best. If you want to use a sponge because they’re absorbant that works too.
Put some soap in the water. Then clean your windows from left to right and top to bottom. This will clean out the corners really well.
That’s all there is to it! Even though the windows with multiple sashes can be more troublesome, they tend to look pretty great once you’re finished.
Cleaning Trouble Spots
Finally, let’s discuss trouble spots. These are usually the metal screens. You might notice that there are mineral stains, and while you’ve tried washing them, they just won’t go away. You can scrub them, but you’ll probably need to try something else.
You can gently wet the glass and scrub it with steel wool if you’ve got small sashes. You can also use Barkeeper’s Friend which contains oxalic acid. Oxalic acid keeps your glass nice and pretty by removing tough stains.
You can mix oxalic acid with water to create a paste which is strong enough to remove even the most stubborn stains.
Learning How to Wash Your Windows is Easy
As you can see from this, cleaning your windows isn’t that hard. In fact, it’s quite easy, and requires just a bit of time and a few tools. If your windows are looking dirty, you should clean them using these tips. You’ll marvel in the miraculous changes that this creates, and the difference it makes in their overall look.
Do you live in Rockford and need new windows? Then you should get a free quote from Feldco. We’ve been serving the Midwest with our premium windows for over 40 years. Don’t wait, start your home improvement project today with Feldco.