Having clean windows makes a home or business look attractive. It also protects occupants from airborne pollutants and allergens.
Start with the frames, using a cleaning spray or soapy water and a damp rag. Then, wipe the window panes horizontally and vertically to make it easier to spot streaks. Contact Window Cleaning Sarasota now!
A few simple tips can help you clean your windows like a pro. Begin by clearing a path and moving items out of the way, such as outdoor furniture, potted plants or kids’ toys. You should also sweep away loose dirt and cobwebs, especially around window frames and hinges. You may want to use a mild wood cleaner on wooden frames or an uPVC solvent on uPVC doors and windows. Be sure to apply a small amount of cleaner or solvent to a dry lint-free cloth, and never spray it directly on the frame, as this can discolor it.
A microfiber towel is an essential tool for removing water spots and smudges from glass surfaces, but it’s important to choose one that will not scratch the surface. You can find special cleaning towels made for windows and mirrors, or a standard kitchen towel should work just fine. Look for one that has a honeycomb texture and is made of soft, high-density fibers. This type of cloth is the best at absorbing water and grime without leaving streaks or scratches on glass.
Professional window cleaners typically use a long-handled squeegee to polish the windows dry, but it’s also possible to do so by hand using a clean lint-free cloth or newspaper pages. To avoid smearing the glass and leaving streaks, make sure to wipe off the rubber blade between each pass with the squeegee.
Don’t forget to wipe down the frames and sills, too. Many homeowners overlook the frames, but they can be as dirty as the windows and can cause unsightly drips. You can wipe down the frames with a damp cloth, or use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad on a telescoping window washer to gently remove any buildup.
If you have hard water, mineral deposits will likely remain on the windows even after they’ve been cleaned. A simple way to reduce this is by spraying the windows with a distilled water solution or using a bottled water rinse in between each window wash. The distilled water will help to eliminate the minerals and leave the windows sparkling clean.
Window Cleaning Equipment
If you want your windows to sparkle, invest in professional window cleaning equipment. These tools remove grease, grime, and airborne contaminants from glass. They also clean sills and edges. Choose a set that includes brushes and squeegees in a variety of sizes, along with extension poles for those hard-to-reach spots. A vacuum attachment is an option that traps dust in a microfiber pad and eliminates the need for paper towels.
You need to use the right tools for each step of the window cleaning process. If you have a basic set of household cleaning supplies, it may be enough for most projects. However, you will need a few additional items to achieve the best results.
A bucket is essential for holding soapy water and directing the squeegee. A sturdy bucket with accurate measurements is a must, and you should look for one that can fit your widest squeegee channel. A durable plastic or aluminum bucket will hold up to the job and is lighter than metal buckets.
Once you’ve scrubbed and rinsed the windows, you need a squeegee to remove the remaining soapy water. Look for a high-quality squeegee with a durable rubber that won’t leave streaks. A squeegee holster can keep your squeegee and blades organized, making them easy to find when you need them.
Some window cleaners recommend using a cleaning solution that contains a mild detergent. You can make your own cleaning solution with water, or buy a commercial product like Dawn or Palmolive. For more difficult stains, you can add a bit of baking soda to the water. You’ll also need a cleaning brush, microfiber cloths, and a towel to avoid leaving lint on the window.
You can also purchase a window cleaning kit that comes with a combination scrubber and squeegee. This tool is perfect for tackling multiple windows at once. It has a scrubber on the front that won’t scratch the surface, while the back of the tool features a squeegee that removes the dirt and wet windows. This tool also comes with a four-section, 61-inch extension pole and a squeegee holder.
Window Cleaning Chemicals
Window cleaning chemicals are used to dissolve dirt, debris and other contaminants that build up on windows and glass surfaces. These chemicals may be added to water or a cleaning solution. Generally, professional window cleaners use a scrubbing brush or scrubber sleeve that is dipped into the cleaning solution and then sluiced off with a squeegee. They also apply a variety of window cleaning wipes and cloths to remove the remaining debris and dirt.
Many commercial and residential window cleaning solutions contain chemicals that are toxic to people and pets. To avoid harmful exposure, select nontoxic window cleaning products that are free of synthetic fragrances, bleach, ammonia and phenol. Products that meet the Environmental Working Group (EWG) rating system for safe window cleaning may display an EWG seal on the product label.
Vinegar is a common ingredient in natural window cleaning solutions that perform just as well as traditional ammonia-based cleaners. It’s less prone to streaking and doesn’t have the pungent smell of ammonia. Dish soap is another effective, affordable natural cleaning agent that’s easy on glass surfaces. It’s especially good for grease and grime on windows, glass and chrome fixtures.
Commercial and industrial glass cleaning requires a more powerful chemical action to cut through tougher dirt and mineral buildup, such as hard water residue. These chemicals typically include surfactants and solvents to dissolve dirt, debris and other contaminants. They’re also often formulated to reduce static and prevent fogging.
After using chemical cleaners, rinse the windows with clean water from a hose or bucket. This removes any lingering chemical residue and protects the window washing tools from corrosion. It’s essential for window washers to rinse their tools thoroughly, as corroded parts can cause smudges or streaks on the glass surface.
Jon-Don offers a wide range of cleaning chemicals and supplies for commercial, industrial and institutional applications. These include glass and window cleaning solutions, floor polishers, concrete and stone cleaners, sanitizer sprays, pail systems and more. Our selection includes trusted brand names that deliver high-quality results and outstanding value. We also carry a large assortment of microfiber cleaning cloths that absorb moisture without leaving behind streaks or lint.
Window Cleaning Techniques
Professional window cleaners use several methods to achieve sparkling, streak-free results. These techniques include squeegeeing, buffing with a chamois or microfiber cloth, rubbing and wiping in circular motions, and cleaning the window frames, grids, and hardware. They also remove stubborn stains with a solution of water and oxalic acid, such as Zuld or Bar Keepers Friend.
Prior to spraying, window cleaners wipe the frames and glass to remove loose dirt and cobwebs. They also wipe down the window sill and track to remove any traces of dust and debris.
To ensure the best possible finish, they start at the top of the window and work down. When using a scrubber or sponge, they work in an S pattern and rinse frequently to prevent the cleaning solution from drying on the glass surface. If they’re working from a ladder or suspended platform, they clean the glass as they move down, taking care to not leave any spots where the cleaning solution could re-drip.
For exterior upper-floor windows, they’ll often use a tool that holds the bucket and extends their reach to these areas of the building. This is sometimes called a man-lift or scaffolding, but it may be referred to by other names depending on the country. If the worker needs to stay on the platform for extended periods of time, a harness is used to hold them in place.
Before spraying, they wipe down the frame with a terrycloth towel to absorb any excess water and prevent drips. If the windows are heavily soiled, they may need to use an abrasive pad before squeegeeing off. The type of abrasive pad they choose is dictated by the level of grime present: bronze wool for medium grime, and new 0000 steel wool for severely dirty sections.
Using a sponge or soft cloth, they then apply the cleaning solution and agitate it with a circular motion to dislodge any dirt that’s embedded in the glass. After scrubbing the surface, they use a squeegee to wipe the remaining liquid from the glass’s surface. They work in an S pattern to avoid noticeable streaks, and they regularly wipe the squeegee blade on a lint-free cloth to keep it from leaving behind any lint particles.