We know that window cleaning isn’t part of your everyday routine, so we’d like to make it as easy as possible for when it’s required. Whether you’re a commercial window cleaner, or just cleaning your own house’s windows, these tips will always be useful.
To do that, we’ve written this article as an overview of some do’s and don’ts in the world of window cleaning; we hope you find this as helpful as we do!
Get Your Tools
Before you can follow our do’s and don’ts you will need to make sure you have the right equipment ready to go! Check out the supplies below to make sure you are ready to go:
- A squeegee (10 or 12 inches in width is ideal)
- A scrubber or sponge
- A bucket (aim for 5 gallons or larger)
- Dish soap or window cleaning solution
- Microfibre towels
- Ladder or step stool (only needed if you are trying to reach high windows)
Now, you have your equipment together you can move on to the next step and follow our window cleaning do’s and don’ts for the perfect clean.
The Do‘s:
- Make sure to use a cleaning solution specifically designed for windows (if you like, you can make your own with soap and water).
- Use a squeegee to remove excess water; this will also help to prevent streaks! Remember to use a bucket of clean water to rinse your squeegee and cloth frequently to avoid spreading dirt and grime.
- Use a clean cloth or squeegee blade for each window to prevent cross-contamination.
- Start by cleaning your windows from the top and work your way down as this will also help to prevent streaks and drips.
- We recommend using a microfibre cloth or newspaper to dry your windows.
- We recommend some time preferences when cleaning your windows, whether on a cloudy day, early morning or late afternoon; we advise these times as the Sun will not be shining directly on them. To aid with this, check the weather forecast first!
- Use a ladder or step stool to reach high windows safely, and for further safety reasons, make sure the ladder is on a level surface and secure before climbing.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt or debris from window frames and sills.
- Finally, try and clean your windows regularly to maintain their appearance and prevent damage from dirt, grime or pollution.
The Don’ts
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean your windows; they can damage the glass or frames. This also includes not using hot water to clean your windows as this can cause the glass to break or shatter.
- Don’t use abrasive tools such as steel wool or scrapers on your windows, as they can scratch or damage the glass.
- Don’t use paper towels because they can leave lint and fibres on the windows.
- Don’t clean your windows in direct sunlight, as the heat can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, resulting in streaks.
- Don’t use a pressure washer to clean your windows; the force of the water can break the glass or damage the frames.
- Don’t lean on the windows or put excessive pressure on them while cleaning, as this can cause them to crack or break.
- Don’t clean your windows whilst wearing jewellery or clothing with buttons or zippers that could cause damage to the glass.
- Don’t forget to clean your windows completely after cleaning so that you can prevent water spots or streaks.
- Lastly, wear gloves and protective eyewear when using cleaning solutions to protect your skin and eyes.
Here’s a final top tip for you! If you are cleaning windows with tinted films or coatings, don’t use vinegar or acidic cleaners as they can damage and discolour the film.
