Invest in a rubber-edged squeegee with a screw-on extension to reach high spots. A professional squeegee is quick, easy and leaves no streaks.
Avoid using soaps, as they cause suds that leave streaky residue on glass surfaces. A simple vinegar and water solution works just as well. And a lint-free cloth is the best way to dry windows. For more details, click https://www.martinipressurewashing.com/orange-county-window-cleaning.
You can clean your windows with just a little water, but it’s usually better to add a small amount of cleaning solution. This helps to cut grease and dirt that may be stuck on the glass, and it also makes it easier to remove stubborn water stains from showers or windows that are often misted with cleaner. Vinegar works well for this, as it can cut oily buildup and doesn’t streak. Other good choices are lemon juice or a non-ammoniated all-purpose cleaner.
If your windows have heavy buildup, wipe it away first with a cloth or sponge dampened with a mild soap mixture or water. Next, apply a clean squeegee to the window, starting at one of the upper corners and pulling horizontally across the glass. Finish with a dry lint-free cloth to avoid leaving stretch marks. This is the method preferred by professionals to eliminate streaks.
When you’re cleaning multipane windows, Weingard recommends using a sponge or hog-bristle brush on the edges and corners of each pane to loosen gunk. He also advises spraying the glass with a diluted vinegar and water solution, or a commercial cleaner. When spraying, be careful not to over-spray, as it can damage non-glass surfaces, like sills and frames.
Be sure to use a clean, lint-free towel or microfiber cloth to dry the glass. Paper towels tend to leave behind lint, and non-microfiber cloths can deposit even more on the glass. If you’re using a spray, apply it to the cloth or sponge, rather than directly onto the glass, as this reduces the chance of scratching.
Once the glass is dry, it’s a good idea to rinse your squeegee before starting. This helps to ensure that no residue is left behind, and it will help to extend the life of your squeegee. When you’re done, put a clean, lint-free cloth on your hand or on the squeegee handle to wipe off any cleaner that may have pooled.
To prevent streaks, it’s important to work quickly and thoroughly. Work one section at a time, and always keep the blade of the squeegee in contact with the window, says Fisk.
Using a Squeegee
The squeegee is a flat rubber tool used to scrape loose dirt and excess cleaning fluid off a window. It’s a faster and more effective method for washing windows than paper towels or rags, and it helps eliminate streaking. It can be a bit messy, however, so it’s important to know how to use one properly.
When using a squeegee, make sure to wipe the entire surface of the glass before you begin. A little residue can leave behind unsightly streaks that will take forever to buff away. Also, be sure to clean the frame and sill around the window before you start cleaning the panes. And be sure to use a microfiber cloth when wiping the glass, as regular cotton towels can leave streaks.
If you’re having trouble removing stubborn watermarks, try using the rough side of a sponge instead of the smooth side. Be careful not to be too aggressive, as you don’t want to scratch the windows, but scrub the mark gently until it disappears. After scrubbing, rinse with a damp microfiber cloth. If the stain persists, white distilled vinegar may be able to help. Mix it with a small amount of water in a spray bottle and apply to the window. Let it sit for a minute or two before wiping. Then rinse the windows with a damp microfiber cloth again.
Another way to get streak-free windows is by using a specialized cleaning product. There are a number of different brands on the market, but be careful which you choose, as some can contain abrasive materials that could scratch the windows or leave marks. Look for a cleaning product that is labeled safe to use on tinted windows, and follow the instructions.
Besides using the right cleaner, there are other tricks to getting streak-free windows. For example, try cleaning your windows on a cool, cloudy day rather than a hot one. The hot sun will cause the cleaning solution to dry more quickly, which can lead to streaking.
Also, be sure to apply the cleaning solution directly to the microfiber cloth, rather than the windows themselves. This will prevent the cleaner from drying on the windows, and it will also ensure that your windows are completely dry, which can also help prevent streaks.
Using a Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning windows, as they absorb liquid quickly, leaving them streak free. They are also very soft and pose no risk of scratching the window glass, unlike paper towels that may leave lint or fibers behind. They can be washed and reused multiple times, which helps to save money on cleaning solutions.
The best kind of microfiber towel for cleaning windows is a high-quality, lint-free one. Check the GSM (grams per square meter) and nap of the towel to ensure that it is designed for window cleaning. A higher GSM and nap will mean that the microfiber is more dense, which reduces lint and spreads cleaner evenly. The towel should also be labeled as a ‘glass microfiber towel’ and have a distinct weave, texture and color. Avoid microfibers that feel rough or grabby, as they may leave lint behind and are not suitable for lenses.
When using a microfiber window cleaning cloth, it is important to apply the cleaner directly to the cloth, rather than spraying it on the windows themselves. This will prevent the chemical from getting on any window frames, which could leave a streaky residue or cause the windows to look dirty after cleaning.
It is also important to work in small sections when using the microfiber cloth. This will allow you to flip the towel frequently and use a clean side when needed. Changing the sides of the microfiber can help to keep it from becoming too saturated with water and losing its effectiveness.
Glide the microfiber cloth along the surface of the window, concentrating on areas where there is dirt or build-up. When the surface is dry, buff it out with a dry microfiber cloth to eliminate any remaining streaks and give the glass a brilliant shine.
There are many different types of glass cleaners available on the market, but a homemade solution made with white vinegar and rubbing alcohol can be just as effective. It is easy to make and costs much less than store-bought cleaners. The vinegar and rubbing alcohol also contain ingredients that are safe to use around kids, pets and plants.
Using a Dry Cloth
Cleaning windows takes a lot of elbow grease, especially when it comes to removing stubborn watermarks and other marks that won’t buff away. While there are many commercial products that promise a streak-free shine, white vinegar is a simple, inexpensive alternative that works just as well. When used regularly, it keeps windows clean and shiny and prevents stains.
Whether using a commercial product or homemade solution, prepare your work area before beginning to minimize mess and spills. Place a large bath towel on the window sill or, if working inside, place it in front of each window you’re washing. This will catch drips of cleaner, water or dirt you’re wiping from the glass and keep it from getting on the floor.
If you’re unable to reach all of the panes, use a hose or spray bottle with plain water to lightly mist the surface before and after washing. Doing so will help prevent streaks, and it may also reduce the amount of soap you need to apply.
After wetting the window glass, scrub the surface with your T-bar scrubber and soapy water, rubbing up-and-down and side-to-side with light to moderate pressure. After scrubbing, wipe off the solution with a dry cloth and squeegee the windows, starting at one top corner and angling your squeegee as you work to break the bead of water.
Once your windows are squeegeed, don’t forget about the window screens. For stubborn stains, rub them with the rough side of a sponge, being careful not to scratch them. If necessary, let the solution sit for a minute or two before wiping. Then, rinse and dry the screens before replacing them in the windows.
Invest in a good set of microfiber cloths. These soft cloths have tiny strands that create dense rows of split fibers, making them very absorbent. A quality cloth will also pick up dust and other small particles without transferring them to the window. You can also use cotton washcloths, which are inexpensive and work well for removing dirt and grit before applying a microfiber cloth to give the windows a final polish. Alternatively, choose paper towels that are made from recycled materials and won’t shred or leave behind lint.