Window cleaning helps maintain the appearance of your home or business from the outside, and it’s good for the occupants’ mental health on the inside. Clean windows allow natural light to enter a space which makes for brighter and more inviting interiors. Custodia is a market leader in this space and does window cleaning in twelve cities across Ontario.
Cleaner windows can be challenging especially if you have large or hard-to-reach glass panes. It’s important to use the right techniques and tools to get the job done safely and effectively. If you’re about to start this task, consider these helpful tips on choosing the right equipment, preparing the areas, and how to safely remove dirt and grime from your windows.
Window Cleaning Starts with Choosing the Right Equipment.
The first step in window cleaning is to gather the necessary tools and supplies. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
- A bucket: You’ll need a bucket to mix your cleaning solution and carry it to the windows. A five-gallon bucket is ideal for larger jobs, while a smaller bucket is sufficient for smaller spaces.
- A squeegee: A squeegee is a long, rubber-edged tool that is used to remove water and cleaning solution from the windows. Squeegees come in various sizes, so choose one that is appropriate for the size of your windows.
- A scrubber: A scrubber is a tool used to loosen and remove dirt and grime from the windows. There are several types of scrubbers to choose from, including scrub brushes, microfiber scrubbers, and blade-style scrubbers. Choose a scrubber that is gentle enough to not damage the windows, yet effective at removing dirt and grime.
- A scraper: A scraper is a tool used to remove stubborn dirt and debris, such as stickers or paint, from the windows. There are several types of scrapers available, including manual scrapers, powered scrapers, and single-edged razor blades. Choose a scraper that is appropriate for the type of debris you need to remove.
- Cleaning solution: You’ll need a cleaning solution to help loosen and remove dirt and grime from the windows. There are several types of window cleaning solutions available, including commercial products and homemade solutions. Some popular homemade solutions include a mixture of water, vinegar, and dish soap, or a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.
- Ladder: If you have high or hard-to-reach windows, you’ll need a ladder to safely reach them. Choose a ladder that is sturdy and tall enough to reach the windows, and be sure to follow proper ladder safety guidelines.
Prepare both Windows and the Surrounding Area for Cleaning
Before you begin cleaning your windows, it’s important to prepare the area around the job site to ensure the best possible results. Here are some steps to follow:
- Remove any furniture or decorations that may be in the way. This will give you easy access to the windows and allow you to clean them thoroughly.
- Close the windows. This will prevent any cleaning solution or water from getting inside the building.
- Lay down drop cloths or old towels to protect the floor and surrounding areas. This will help to catch any spills or drips and make cleanup easier.
- Clear away any cobwebs or debris from the windows and surrounding areas. This will help to prevent dirt and debris from being redistributed onto the windows during the cleaning process.
- Wet the windows. This will help to loosen any dirt or grime that may be stuck to the windows. You can do this by spraying the windows with a hose.
Professional Tips for Cleaning Windows
- Begin by mixing your cleaning solution in the bucket according to the instructions on the product or recipe. Be sure to use the appropriate amount of cleaning solution for the size of your windows and the level of dirt and grime.
- Dip your scrubber into the cleaning solution and use it to gently scrub the windows in a circular motion. Start at the top of the window and work your way down to the bottom, being careful not to apply too much pressure, which could damage the windows.
- Use the scraper to remove any stubborn dirt or debris that the scrubber couldn’t remove. Be sure to use the appropriate scraper for the type of debris you’re removing, and be gentle to avoid damaging the windows.
- Rinse the windows with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and dirt. You can do this using a hose or a bucket of clean water and a sponge.
- Wipe the edges of the windows with a dry cloth to remove any excess water.
- Use the squeegee to remove the water from the windows. Start at the top of the window and pull the squeegee down in a straight line, wiping the blade with a dry cloth after each pass. Be sure to use even pressure and move the squeegee in a consistent direction to avoid streaks.
- Repeat the process on the other side of the windows, if necessary.
Additional Tips for Window Cleaning
- Use a lint-free cloth or newspaper to dry the windows. This will help to avoid streaks and leave the windows looking crystal clear.
- Clean the windows on a cloudy day. The sun’s rays can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, which can result in streaks.
- Avoid cleaning the windows in direct sunlight. The sun’s rays can cause the cleaning solution to evaporate too quickly, which can result in streaks.
- Don’t use too much cleaning solution. A little goes a long way, and using too much can result in streaks and a longer drying time.
- Don’t let the cleaning solution dry on the windows. This can result in streaks and make the windows more difficult to clean.
- Use a ladder safely. Follow proper ladder safety guidelines, including using a sturdy ladder and having a helper hold the base steady.
- Hire a professional for difficult or hard-to-reach windows. If you have high or hard-to-reach windows, or if you just don’t feel comfortable scrubbing them yourself, consider hiring a professional window cleaner services. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
Window cleaning is an important task that helps to maintain the appearance and value of your home or business. By following the right techniques and using the appropriate tools and cleaning solutions, you can effectively and safely remove dirt, grime, and streaks from your windows. By taking the time to properly prepare the windows and surrounding areas and using a little elbow grease, you can enjoy crystal clear windows that allow natural light to enter your space and improve the energy efficiency of your building. If you need professional window cleaning, please contact Custodia.