Window Cleaning Tips – Free Advice

The best window cleaning solution is a simple yet effective mixture of water and detergent. Here's why: 

• • Water can be either warm or cold, as it doesn't significantly impact the cleaning process.

  • Detergent used is the same household variety commonly used for cleaning kitchen dishes.

  • When combined, water and detergent create a soapy solution that works exceptionally well to remove common contaminants found on dirty windows, including environmental dirt, dust, and handprints' grease.

  • Fancy additives like vinegar, methylated spirits, or newspaper are unnecessary and may even worsen the glass's appearance. Most professional window cleaners rely on the simplicity of water and a good detergent.

  • Recommended Brands:

    • Earth Choice Environmentally friendly version

    • Morning Fresh

Using a straightforward water and detergent solution is not only effective but also avoids unnecessary complications, providing a streak-free and clear finish for your windows.

Here's a breakdown of the essential equipment needed for effective window cleaning:

• Bucket:

  • Any bucket will suffice, but a proper window cleaner's bucket should be long enough to fully immerse the squeegee and washing pad.

• Washer/Applicator:

  • The washer or applicator should be of a size similar to the squeegee.

  • Opt for a squeegee with a new rubber blade, sharp edges, and no damage. For basic household window cleaning, sizes ranging from 12 to 18 inches are suitable.

  • Popular brands among professionals include Sorbo and Wagtail, but for occasional household cleaning, generic models are sufficient.

• Rags:

  • Ideally, use lint-free rags for edging, but any rag can be used to wipe up excess water from window sills.

  • Microfiber rags are a reliable choice.

• Scraper (optional):

  • A scraper is used for removing solid debris, although it's optional for regular window cleaning.

  • Note: Detailed information on scraper usage can be found on our page dedicated to Post-Construction Builders Clean.

Having these essential tools on hand ensures that you can tackle window cleaning efficiently and effectively, achieving streak-free and sparkling results.

Always keep in mind that it is that the washing pad/applicator that cleans the glass. The better and more thoroughly you scrub the glass, the easier it is to use the rubber squeegee afterward and the better the result! 

Prepare the window washer/applicator by dipping it into the bucket of water so that it is thoroughly immersed, allowing excess water to drip back into the bucket.

Now run two or three lines of detergent from one end to the other

Using your fingers, work the detergent into the washer until thoroughly dispersed.

Scrub the glass thoroughly. covering all sections. But pay special attention to those areas that my be worse such as the door handles.

The squeegee is used to collect and remove the excess dirty water once the window has been cleaned by the washer. You are basically guiding all the water away from the surface of the glass without letting any escape back to where it has already been removed. 

So, using the rag, pre-wipe the top edge of the glass to a width of about 1-2 centimetres from one edge right across to the other edge.

Place the squeegee right at the top of the now dry top edge with the rubber at a 45-degree angle.

Pull down right to the bottom edge of the glass applying consistent light-moderate pressure throughout the motion and maintaining the 45-degree angle.

Wipe off excess water from the squeegee rubber using a rag and repeat for remaining sections of the pane until complete. Make sure the squeegee overlaps onto the dry section by about 5cm (too much overlap and the rubber may grip the glass making it hard to pull down, too little and some water may run to the side leaving a vertical streak mark.)

Once you have finished removing the excess with the squeegee grab the lint-free cloth and wipe the side and bottom edges or the glass.

Use a rag to wipe any drips from the surrounding window frame or from off the ground.