The first step to a streak-free finish is to take down any curtains or blinds. This allows the cleaner to reach the glass without being blocked by window treatments.

Begin by washing the windows with a lint-free cloth. Use light pressure to remove dirt and grime. Then rinse the window and dry it with a squeegee or clean, lint-free cloth. Click the Window Cleaning Sarasota to know more.

Many people try to clean windows on their own but end up with smudges and streaks that they can’t seem to get rid of. Professional window cleaners understand that there are specific steps to take for a spotless result, and they are prepared with the right tools and cleaning solutions to ensure that their work is of high quality.

The first thing that a professional does is to clear away spiderwebs and debris with a vacuum or a hand-held brush, then wipe down the sill with a cloth. They will also use a hose to rinse the outside of the window and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated. If the window is especially dirty, a sponge with a scrubby side or a scrub brush can be used to remove tough stains and dirt buildup.

Minerals in tap water are the primary cause of unsightly streaks on a freshly-cleaned window, so it’s best to start with distilled or bottled water instead of tap when mixing a cleaning solution. This will prevent the cleaning solution from drying on the glass and leaving behind unattractive, hard-to-remove streaks.

A good window cleaner will test the windows to make sure they’re completely dry before starting on the actual cleaning. This is particularly important for windows that are affixed to doors or windowsills, as they can be damaged by moisture that doesn’t dry immediately.

Once the window is completely dry, a squeegee can be used to remove any excess water and cleaning solution from the surface of the glass. It’s important that a smooth, even swipe is made across the entire surface of the window, so there are no smudges or spots left behind.

A squeegee should be wiped clean between swipes, to avoid trapping lint and scratching the surface of the glass. If there are still spots of residue on the glass, a non-abrasive solvent like acetone can be used to remove it. Using a solvent on windows is generally a last resort for professional window cleaners, as it can damage the glass and the frame.

Use a Squeegee

While washing windows without a squeegee is possible, using one makes the task much easier and faster. A squeegee is simply a rubber-edged tool that wipes water off of window glass, leaving the surface smooth and dry. It’s a bit of an art to learn how to use a squeegee, but it’s well worth the effort. You can find squeegees in many shapes, sizes and materials, so take the time to test out a few to see which ones feel good in your hand and work with your technique.

For example, some squeegees are designed with a long handle for reaching higher areas and for cleaning windows that require a greater degree of physical exertion. Others feature a shorter, more ergonomic design for residential and commercial jobs that call for a less strenuous effort. Whether you choose a short or long squeegee, make sure the grip feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to maneuver. It may take a little practice to figure out the right amount of pressure to apply when using the squeegee, but once you get it down, you’ll find that the squeegee glides effortlessly across the window.

When using a squeegee, always start at the top of the window and move down to the bottom. This prevents streaks from forming in the middle of the window. It’s also helpful to dry the squeegee with a clean cloth between passes to keep it from dripping.

In addition to preventing streaking, a clean squeegee can help remove any remaining dirt from the window sills and frames. A microfiber cleaning cloth is perfect for this; it can absorb up to six times its weight in water, making quick work of drying the corners, window sills and frame.

If you notice that your squeegee is leaving streaks, it may be time to change out the rubber blade. A nicked or rounded rubber will cause them, so be sure to switch it out as soon as you notice that it isn’t working as well. In general, squeegee rubber lasts for about 15 hours of constant use, but you may need to replace it sooner than that depending on how much you use it.

Don’t Let the Cleaner Dry

Leaving cleaner on the window after squeegeing can lead to streaks and spots. When cleaning windows, it is best to use a fresh cloth with each pass. This will ensure that you don’t transfer smudges or streaks from the previous clean section of the glass to the new one. This also helps to avoid damaging the glass surface or hardware with too much cleaner.

While there are many commercial window cleaners on the market, a vinegar dilution is often just as effective and much cheaper. You can make a solution of one part water and one part white distilled vinegar and mix it in a spray bottle. Rubbing alcohol can be added to this mixture if you need a stronger cleanser for grimy or oily windows. It is important to remember that rubbing alcohol is highly flammable, so be sure to store it in a safe place and use it sparingly.

A lint-free microfiber cloth should always be used for wiping glass. Paper towels tend to leave behind lint which can make your windows appear dirty even after they have been cleaned. Microfiber cloths are the best choice because they are reusable and won’t leave any unwanted smudges or streaks on your windows.

It is also a good idea to remove and wash window screens on a regular basis to avoid mold growth. Mold thrives in dark and moist areas, such as the cracks of your windows. Cleaning the screen allows you to clean off any grit and dirt that can be a breeding ground for mold and then prevents it from returning in the future.

Keeping your windows clean is essential for the longevity of the glass. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your windows and the view through them for years to come. It is also a great idea to have professional window cleaning done on a regular basis to keep your windows looking their best and functioning properly. Window cleaning should be at the top of your home maintenance to-do list. When you hire a professional window cleaner, they will know the proper techniques and tools for getting your windows looking their best.

Use a Telescoping Pole

A telescoping pole allows you to reach more areas of your windows and glass than would be possible with a ladder. This is particularly important when cleaning high-rise windows or other hard-to-reach locations. A telescoping pole can also allow you to wash a window from the inside out. This is an especially effective technique when washing glass that has a lot of dirt on it, such as windows in direct sunlight or windows with lots of car grime.

Using the right telescoping pole for your job can help you avoid common mistakes that lead to RSI (repetitive stress injuries). When selecting a telescoping pole, consider factors such as its weight, flex, and length. Also take into account the height of the windows you need to clean. A shorter pole is best for ground-level windows, while a longer pole can be used to clean second- and third-story windows.

One of the most common mistakes made by new window washers, or facility managers on a tight budget, is to select a pole based on price alone. This can result in a floppy, heavy pole that requires more physical effort to maneuver, and increases the likelihood of RSIs.

There is a wide variety of window washing and squeegeeing extension poles available on the market, from traditional poles to water fed poles. If you want to minimize the risk of RSIs, choose a lightweight telescoping pole that is durable and offers some degree of flex.

For instance, the Unger nLITE Carbon Telescoping Window Cleaning Pole features a lightweight design and a variety of extensions that allow you to tackle any size window. It also includes a wide variety of accessories that can help you efficiently clean hard-to-reach areas of your windows, solar panels, and roofs.