Window Cleaning: Professional Tips for a Perfect Finish
Want sparkling windows without the hard work? With the right household helpers and a few professional tips, you can clean windows without streaks - even from the couch!
The Secret to Streak-Free Windows
To clean like a professional, don’t just scrub at random. Follow this systematic approach:
- Frame First: Always start with the windowsill and frame. Use warm water with a squeeze of washing-up liquid and a soft sponge. Dry the frame with a cotton cloth.
- The Panes: Clear away coarse dirt with a damp sponge.
- The Squeegee Technique: Working from top to bottom, pull your squeegee horizontally across the glass. After every pass, wipe the blade with a lint-free cloth.
- The Finishing Touch: Dry the corners with a microfibre cloth. For a high-gloss finish, polish the glass with chamois leather or—an old-fashioned favourite—crumpled newspaper.
Eco-Friendly Household Remedies
You don’t need harsh chemicals for a professional result. These cupboard staples are effective and budget-friendly:
- Vinegar: A dash of white vinegar in your water neutralises limescale—perfect for bathroom windows.
- Methylated Spirits: Excellent for stubborn grime. Note: Wear gloves, as spirits can dry out your skin and perish rubber window seals.
- Fabric Softener: Surprisingly, a tiny drop in your cleaning water prevents dirt from sticking to the glass as easily in the future.
- Ceramic Hob Scraper: Use this to gently lift bird droppings or dried paint without scratching the glass.
Using a Window Vacuum
A window vacuum is a game-changer; it suctions away dirty water in seconds, leaving the glass bone-dry and streak-free.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prep the Frame: Brush away loose dust and wipe the frame clean.
2. Mix Your Solution: Fill a spray bottle with water and a window-cleaning concentrate or a drop of washing-up liquid.
3. Lather Up: Spray the pane and agitate the dirt using a microfibre applicator.
4. Vacuum: Switch on the device and place the rubber lip against the top-left corner.
5. Glide: Pull the vacuum down in straight, steady vertical lines. The dirty water is collected instantly in the tank.
6. Maintenance: Wipe the rubber lip every few passes and empty the tank once finished.
7. Empty the drip tray: After cleaning the windows, you can empty and rinse the drip tray over the sink.
Professional Tip: Never use glass cleaner on marble windowsills. The acid or alcohol can etch the stone, causing permanent dull spots. Use a pH-neutral cleaner instead.
Window Cleaning Robots: The Ultimate Life-Hack
Why do it yourself? A cleaning robot uses a vacuum to stay attached to the glass, systematically spraying and polishing as it goes.
- Power: Opt for a model with a long cable for safety; most have an emergency backup battery to prevent them from falling if the power cuts out.
- Manoeuvrability: Smaller robots are better for standard windows with tight corners, while larger models are ideal for conservatories or floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass.
4 Golden Rules for Success
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never clean windows in the heat of the sun. The water dries too quickly, leaving behind unsightly smears.
- Winter Care: If cleaning in freezing temperatures, add a little antifreeze to your bucket to stop the water from turning to ice on the pane.
- Don’t Ignore the Frames: If the frames are dirty, the next rain shower will simply wash that grime straight back onto your clean glass.
- Clean Your Cloths: Rinse cloths thoroughly after use. Never wash your microfibre window cloths with fabric softener, as it leaves a greasy residue that causes streaks next time.
