How to Wash Windows

I don't blame you if you don't like cleaning your windows, But window washing really should be done at least twice during the year. Having clean windows will transform your living space, you'll be amazed at how much bigger a room can look with fresh light coming through the glass.

The Best Time to Wash Your Windows:

The best time to wash windows is on a cloudy or overcast day. Although you might be thinking you can work on your tan, cleaning windows on a sunny day will only dry the cleaning solution quicker and cause streaking.

Cleaning Solution To Use:

Fill a gallon bucket with warm water and add 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.

If you feel the amount of dishwashing liquid is not enough, don't use more than 2 squirts as anymore will create too many suds leaving you with streaky windows. The additional soap will also leave a soapy residue on the glass, so believe me, use just as little as possible.

Tools To Help You Wash Your Windows:

At a bare minimum, you'll need a cloth to wash, a green scrubby to remove debris, and a squeegee.

There are professional extension poles to reach super high windows, regular window can usually get by with something smaller like this: clean and reach tool.

A microfiber cleaning cloth is helpful, (but not absolutely required). Microfiber is made from a synthetic blend that does not shed. Cotton towels are soft and absorbent, but they shed lint fibers constantly, which ends up marring the look of a newly washed window. Professionals use microfiber, but if you don't have one available, don't worry about it.

Picture Windows:

The best way to tackle the job is to find the quickest, most efficient method possible. Mix the solution above, and use a squeegee and a scrubber. This is the fastest way and it renders the best results when used properly. You should have extension handles for both items so you can clean the hard to reach spots. There are differing qualities in squeegees and extension tools, and buying a cheap one will only result in a job that is not up to par.

Washing:

You will need a squeegee for this in order to avoid streaking. Wash the window with your cleaning cloth and apply to the window using large figure eight motions across the window working from top to bottom. Small debris that does not come off easily can be removed with a pre-wetted green scrubby. Green scrubber's won't damage or scratch glass.

Drying the Glass:

Use the squeegee to remove the cleaning solution and dry the window. Start at the top of the window and work in a reverse "S" way (depending whether you are left or right handed, will depend on which corner you start in). When you come to the end of a stroke wipe the squeegee blade. There might be some water left on the edges of the window glass, wipe this with a chamois, microfiber or damp cotton towel to avoid streaking then dry the windowsill.

Using a Pressure Washer:

Cleaning windows with a pressure washer, while very fast, does a poor job at best. This method is okay for the person who is not critical of the window cleaning results they get. There are no magic ways to clean windows quickly and still end up with a decent finished job. If you are going to try this method for a quick clean, be careful not to spray to close to the window as older glass could possibly break under the water pressure.

Window Washing Tips:

1. The scrubber can stay in the bucket of water when not in use so the liquid can soak out all the dirt removed from the windows.
2. Work the scrubber at angles across the glass. This usually cleans the windows better than just going in one direction.
3. The use of a scrubber can be messy, and you might want to only use this method on the exteriors of windows. Inside glass might work better with window cleaner, newspaper, a soft clean rags, and a squeegee to finish the job.
4. When using the squeegee, squeegee at angles (left to right) on the outside of windows and up and down on the inside windows. This will help you tell where any streaking is occurring, especially if you're cleaning by yourself.
5. If you are window washing in pairs. One person can clean the inside of the windows while another works on the exterior glass. This works nice when areas are missed, just tell the person who's inside or outside where to rewash.
6. The squeegee should to be wiped off after each stroke to prevent streaking. Cloth diapers work great for this.
7. Even using a squeegee to clean the residue off the glass may not get everything. Always carry clean chamois to catch the small spots that have to be touched up.