No one looks forward to window cleaning because let’s face it, it can be a huge task if you have big windows across multiple stories without easy accessibility. But don’t worry we’ve got some great window cleaning tips to help you make it as painless as possible.
Before we get into the tips though, let’s chat about how often you should give your windows a good clean. Depending on usage cleaning frequency could differ, for instance a sliding door with dirty hand marks might need to be cleaned fortnightly. I always like to think of a new season being a great excuse to give the whole house, including windows inside and out, a thorough clean.
Below are some of the easiest window cleaning tips:
1. Squeegee vs newspaper
Using newspaper with window cleaner has been a household tradition; this cleaning hack is great for streak-free window cleaning.
However, some newspaper inks can leave a trail of hard-to-clean black smudges. And with the decrease in newspaper circulation, it may not be the most practical cleaning material.
A squeegee on the other hand is easier and more effective. To start use a soft wash cloth to soak up the washing liquid and then remove dirt by washing over the window. Then grab the squeegee and starting at the top, work your way down in an s-shape. Make sure you clean the squeegee with a lint-free cloth as you clean.
2. Chamois
It can be hard to get into the corners to get the excess water so get the chamois out of the car and use it to soak up the water against the window frame.
3. Blinds
It doesn’t matter what sort of blinds you have, they all attract dust and dirt.To prevent any build up, use an antistatic spray after you clean them and it should mean over time less dust will gather.
4. Windowsills
Before you start cleaning use a brush to get rid of dirt along the sill and after you’ve washed the windows put a layer of floor wax on the outside windowsill to prevent dust and dirt build up.
5. Timing
This is key – don’t clean the windows when the sun is directly shinning on the glass. This will cause the washing liquid to dry quickly and leave unwanted water marks on your freshly cleaned windows
My mum always cleaned her windows with nothing but water and newspaper, followed by a chamois cloth to dry and polish them. Her windows always sparkled. However, that was 40+ years ago and modern newspapers don’t use the same sort of printers’ ink.
You can use anything you like to get the dirt off – I use Spray and Wipe (the best window cleaner I ever had used Morning Fresh dishwasher liquid and he made my lead light windows sparkle). However, whatever product you use, it is very important to thoroughly remove it. You don’t want product smears on the glass.
Sorry – I hadn’t finished my comment.
I never use “window cleaning products” as they all leave smears on the glass. After removing all traces of detergent, I use Kleenex Viva cleaning cloths. If your windows aren’t very dirty, you can just use these, without previous detergent. There are 2 cloths – one you just use with plain water and the other you use to dry and polish. The best result I’ve ever had.
Hi everyone!! I clean up to 12 large Bayside homes a fortnight all have a zillion bathrooms, glass, shower screens and mirrors! After trying everything to not leave any streaks or soap scum the best on the market is Windex surface and glass or just Windex glass but the clearer fluid streaks less than the blue coloured Windex. I always, always use a dry hand washer or face washer..has to be towelling cloth..great on stainless steel too :))
Thank you so much for the wonderful tips. I really appreciate it, window cleaning must be cleaned regularly. Windows is where the fresh air comes in and out, it is dangerous if your window is dirty because it may harm your body.
I really appreciate your concern regarding Window Cleaning. I have been using conventional methods for cleaning windows as taught by my mother, but now they don’t work due to excessive pollution, so now I use detergent water and Squeegee to clean windows. To avoid the spots left after use of Squeegee, i use a Dry Cotton Cloth at the cleaned area. This method prevent Spots!!. So I think this is the cheapest way for shining windows..
When I was little, my Army dad would make me scrub the windows with vinegar and newspaper…according to him, that’s the way the Army did it.
Good read ! Thanks for the tips..
I never considered that the sun might have an affect on cleaning the windows but it makes a lot of sense. Thanks!
I’m happy to have read this article, since I had questioned whether or not using a newspaper to wipe windows was in fact effective, which the article claims it isn’t. It always seemed like a questionable method, but it seems to be a very prominent belief that it does work. I would imagine that it must work well enough that some people keep doing it, but that if they were to inspect more closely they’d learn it’s not very effective.
Nice blog!
I work as a window cleaner for a James franchise owner.
The best way to clean a window is the squeegee method.
But there is no need to do the fancy ” S ” motion, just start at the top and do
horizontal strokes overlapping a few inches each time.
If the glass is hot use lots of water. After the squeegee use a really dry cloth
and go around the edges.
Okay, so I’ve tried everything on my dirty window! Soapy water, vinegar solution, methylated spirits, news paper etc. and still it was spotty and streaky! So I brought out the big guns. Bug Off, car cutting compound (not too harsh), sugar soap and finally tried hydrochloric acid! And yet, still my window appears greasy and spotty looking! Trust me I’ve tried all the tips suggested and now don’t know what to do. It’s seems the grease and spots are within the glass itself! Has anybody got any advice? I would really, really appreciate it.