Professional window cleaners use a variety of chemicals and solutions to remove dirt and reduce streaking. These include clear ammonia, white vinegar, and liquid dishwashing detergent. Click here for more info.
Using too many solutions can cause streaking. It is important to only apply a small amount of cleaner to the glass at one time.
1. Squeegee
A squeegee is a handheld tool with a rubber blade used to wipe away water and cleaning solution from the window surface. Professionals use a variety of squeegee sizes depending on the size and type of windows they are washing.
Before applying the squeegee, professionals will wet the window by spritzing it with a hose or bucket of soapy water. They will also rinse the squeegee with a clean microfiber cloth between strokes to remove any excess water from the blade.
After they are done squeegeeing, the pros will often apply a fresh microfiber towel and wipe the edges of the windows to remove any streaks. They will also swap out the towel regularly to avoid re-contaminating it with dirt and debris.
2. Scrubber
A professional window cleaner uses a scrubber in combination with the squeegee to remove hard water deposits from windows. This step is incredibly important for a perfect finish on the glass.
Use a scrubber pad that is specifically designed for window cleaning to ensure it will not scratch the glass. Using a regular razor (or one of those “hacks” you see on Pinterest) can leave scratches and ink marks that will completely defeat the purpose of cleaning the windows.
Dip the scrubber in a bucket of professional window cleaning solution or water mixed with liquid dishwashing detergent. Once it is thoroughly wet, scrub the outside of each window using all angles to ensure all sides are cleaned. Wipe away any excess water with a lint-free rag.
3. Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is the go-to supply for cleaning windows and mirrors. It reaches deep into the cracks and crevices of glass surfaces and removes dirt, dust, and fingerprints without leaving lint or streaks.
Its positively-charged fibers attract the negatively-charged particles of grime-like magnets. This results in a faster, more thorough clean and leaves a streak-free shine.
Microfiber is also the ideal choice for a variety of other cleaning tasks, such as sanitizing stainless steel and shining chrome fixtures. It also works great for dusting because it actually picks up the dirt instead of pushing it around.
If you prefer a natural solution, white distilled vinegar is another effective way to get streak-free windows and glass. It is a non-toxic and affordable option that is also easy to use.
4. Scrubber Pad
Professionals use a scrubber tool mounted on a pole for cleaning first-story exterior windows. The scrubber has a soft brush that scrapes off heavy buildup on windows.
A bucket is also a must, especially one that can fit in the cradle of your ladder and be easily moved from window to window. It should be made of sturdy materials and have accurate dimensions to hold the cleaning solution. The Ettore Super Bucket is a good choice.
A good cleaning solution for windows is a combination of liquid dishwashing detergent and water mixed with vinegar. Some people like to add rubbing alcohol because of its lubricating properties and grease-defeating abilities. But never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar because it creates toxic chlorine gas that burns the skin and irritates the lungs.
5. Spray Bottle
Spray bottles are a great way to apply chemicals, water or other liquids. They are made of shatter-resistant, lightweight polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic and have a squeezable trigger for easy application. Spray bottle lids are usually made of stainless steel, which prevents rust and corrosion from exposure to harsh cleaning solutions.
The best time to clean windows is on an overcast day, as the sun causes the cleaning solution to evaporate too quickly, leaving behind streaks. If this isn’t possible, drape a canvas drop cloth over the window to catch any drips or runs of the cleaning solution.
To reduce the chance of spots or stains, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to your homemade cleaning solution. This will break down hard mineral deposits on the glass and make them easier to remove with a scraper or scrubber. Check this helpful information.
