Window Cleaning Do’s and Dont’s

Cleaning windows can be a daunting task. Below we provide several do’s and don’ts to help make your window cleaning easier.

Do’s:

• Do make your own cleaning solution out of warm water and dish soap. Not only does it cost less than store bought chemical cleaners, it also actually cleans your glass more thoroughly.
• Do use a squeegee, soft sponge or microfiber cloth to clean your windows. A squeegee is the absolute best tool in your window-cleaning arsenal. If you cannot find one, a soft sponge or microfiber cloth can also be used.
• Do clean your windows from top to bottom. This ensures that any dirt that drips down from the squeegee does not run back over clean glass. It lessens the time you have to spend re-cleaning areas you have already washed.
• Do channel your inner Karate Kid if you are using a microfiber cloth to clean your windows. Using one cloth to wipe on your cleaner and another to wipe it off ensures your clothes are not just smearing dirt around.
• Do invest in a professional glass scraper if you need to remove any paint from around your windows. Razor blades can accidentally scratch your glass surface. Professional glass scrapers help to prevent this from occurring.

Don’ts:

• Don’t wash your windows in the sun. Direct sunlight causes window cleaners to dry quickly. This increases the risk of streaks. If you are using a squeegee or glass scraper, make sure to keep the work surface wet to prevent accidental scratches.
• Don’t use crumpled up newspapers or paper towels. These items just push dirt around on the surface of your glass. In addition to this, it creates a static charge on your window surface which will only attract dust faster. Additionally, newspaper contains its own set of chemicals, such as inks and dyes, that can transfer to the glass surface while attempting to clean it.
• Don’t clean your windows with dirty tools. Always make sure you clean your squeegee between swipes. Wiping off any excess water and dirt between each pass will keep from transferring dirt as you work. Clean microfiber clothes or sponges and prevent adding dirt as well.
• Don’t leave left over water or cleaner sitting on the rubber, frames and sills of your window. These areas will make future cleaning harder. Additionally, any dirt left sitting on a wet frame can actually stain over time.