Regular window cleaning only remove the unsightly buildup of dust on the inner side and other debris on the outside. It also allows the light to come in. Window washing is difficult and time-consuming and it is best to develop a plan for cleaning.
Good window cleaning is more than a quick swipe of a paper towel across the surface of the window. Use of good cleaning solution, paper towels for wiping the window and a window squeegee for drying without streaking are some of the basic requirements in window cleaning.
Washing
While washing, remember the aim is to remove the dirt and not smear it all over the window. Work from the top down and from the inside out. Begin with cleaning the highest windows and working downward.
- Wash the inside of the windows first. Starting indoors will make it easier when washing the outside.
- Anything remaining on the window after cleaning the outside will likely be something missed on the inside and can be easily revisited when returning indoors.
- When cleaning the outside, work from the top of the building downward. This will eliminate the hassle of re-washing the lower windows if anything splashes on them while working from above.
Cleaning
There are several methods for cleaning windows with a squeegee.
- Start with a dry rubber squeegee – 10-6 inches across and made of stainless steel or brass.
- Wet the windows thoroughly with a window scrubber and ensure all dirt or spots are scrubbed out. Use a scraper to remove stubborn spots.
- Begin at the top left corner of the window, place the squeegee sideways, pull from left to right all the way down the window. After each stroke, wipe the squeegee off with a dry rag.
- Try using techniques by starting at the upper left corner of the window and pulling the squeegee from top to bottom, wiping the squeegee off after each stroke and working the way from left to right across the window.
- Use a microfibre cloth to remove any excess moisture from the corners or sides of the window.
- Swirling technique leaves too many streaks on the windows. Start with the squeegee at an angle to the upper left side of the window and pull it in a rounded swirl pattern back and forth across the window in the form of “S”. It takes practice to make sure not to miss any spots.
- Wipe any excess moisture from the edges of the window using a microfibre cloth so as to not leave any lint.
Drying
- Once the washing is finished, proper drying is necessary for thoroughly cleaned windows.
- Run a clean squeegee down the window vertically to remove water and excess cleaner.
- Use a clean cotton towel to rid the window corners of water.
- Wipe down the window panes to dry them. Run newspaper or paper (withour print) either in vertical or horizontal motions to thoroughly dry windows and leave a streak-free shine.
- Use a clean, lint-free microfibre cloth to dry each window if a squeegee is not available. Dry the inside of the window vertically in an up & down motion and a right to left motion to dry the outside of the window. Any streaks left in the inside or outside of the window will be clearly visible.