Exterior Window Cleaning Tips
Cleaning your windows helps to keep them looking squeaky clean and allows sunlight to flow in. To avoid streaks, wipe your squeegee dry with a lint-free towel or newspaper pages between strokes. Learn more by clicking here.
The best time to wash exterior windows is on a cool day. If the windows are hot to the touch, a cleaner can evaporate too quickly, leaving hard-to-remove streaks.
1. Use a Clean Squeegee
When washing windows with a squeegee, you want to make sure that the rubber blade is in good condition. This will minimize streaking and leave you with a clean window. The best way to keep your squeegee in good working order is by wiping it down with a clean cloth after every stroke.
This will ensure that there is no dirt stuck to the squeegee. You can also use a cleaning solution made for windows to help maintain the squeegee’s effectiveness.
Many people choose to use a squeegee instead of rags or newspaper because it gets the job done faster and leaves fewer streaks. However, there are many different types of squeegees on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for you. If you’re not sure which squeegee is right for you, you can ask your local window cleaner for advice. They can explain the benefits of each type and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
2. Clean Your Tools
It’s important to keep your cleaning tools clean. A dirty sponge or squeegee can leave streaks on the window. In addition, a dirty rag or towel can scratch the surface of the glass.
Having the right tools can make it easier to clean hard-to-reach windows. Invest in quality tools that will last many years and be safe to use for extended periods. For example, a cleaning tool with a longer handle is more comfortable to hold for long periods than one with a shorter handle.
If you need to use a ladder to wash the windows, be sure it’s stable and secure before climbing on it. Also, be sure to never lean out a window or climb on the ledge. This is dangerous and puts your life at risk.
To clean exterior windows, start by spraying them with a cleaner using your hose. Then, dip a brush or sponge on an extension pole into the cleaning solution and scrub the window until the dirt is gone.
3. Clean the Glass
After you wipe the frames and screens, it’s time to tackle the glass. Start by spraying the windows thoroughly with a cleaning solution. You can use a homemade vinegar and water solution or a commercial product like Zep or Windex (both available on Amazon).
Once the windows are damp, add some soap or cleaner to your mop bucket and saturate a clean sponge or microfiber head. Soak the head in the soapy water for a few seconds, then squeeze out the excess moisture.
If you’re struggling with sticky residue from labels or tape, soak the area in a solution of warm water and dish soap before scraping it off with a plastic scraper or putty knife. You may need to repeat this step a few times to completely remove the residue. Avoid using metal scrapers, which can scratch the window and cause damage. When you’re ready to clean, start at one corner of the window and work your way down.
4. Rinse
Rinsing your equipment will ensure that no soap remains on the glass when you wipe it. A soap residue will cause streaks.
Using a hose, rinse your cleaning solution and the sponges to remove all traces of soap. This prevents muddy residue when you clean your windows later.
Before you start wiping, dust the frame of the window. Over time, the frames collect dirt, which can get onto the surface of your windows and leave streaks.
Then, mix your cleaning solution in a bucket. You can use a simple solution of water and vinegar, or any commercial window cleaner. Fully saturate the sponge in the solution and wring it out so that it’s damp but not dripping wet. Start at the top of the window and work your way down. After each swipe, tuck the blade of your squeegee partially into your pocket to get rid of excess water. This makes it easier to see where you’ve already cleaned and avoid streaking. Check out this webpage.
