As a homeowner wanting to clean your windows effectively, you might wonder where to begin. The key is understanding how professional window cleaners work and using their tools and techniques.
Cleaning windows at home seems simple but often results in streaks and smudges. This guide will teach professional cleaners techniques, tools, and solutions for a spotless finish.
What tools and solutions do they use, and can the right tools help you achieve professional results? Like the pros, let’s look at their tools and techniques to ensure you get beautiful, clean windows!
Cleaning Solutions for Window Cleaning That Professionals Use
Professional window cleaners trust specialized cleaning solutions to clean windows. While household cleaners work for basic home window cleaning, professionals require higher-performance products. Pros need solutions that can remove tough grime and grease without streaking.
The solutions also need practical packaging, such as spray bottles, for easy application during busy cleaning routes.
Popular choices include ammonia-free glass cleaners, vinegar-based all-purpose cleaners and degreasers. These are formulated to dissolve dirt and oils on windows in offices, stores and apartment buildings.
Vinegar Solution
Professional window cleaners use a vinegar-based cleaning solution mixed with liquid dish soap and water to remove streaks from hard water mineral deposits, tough oil, and grime. The solution combines one gallon of water, one cup of white distilled vinegar, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. After gently shaking to combine, the solution is used to scrub windows with a squeegee or gentle scrub pad before drying them. According to Henry, this vinegar dilution is a cost-effective and underutilized solution for window cleaning.
Dish Soap Solution
Professionals also use dish soap and water as an effective window-cleaning solution. Mix one gallon of water with 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Apply the solution to windows using a sponge and tackle tough spots with a scratch-free scrubby pad or a grade #0000 fine steel wool pad. Avoid using a coarser steel wool pad to prevent scratching the glass. Henry, a professional window cleaner, says,” A dish soap solution is the most cost-effective and efficient way to remove dirt and grime from windows without leaving streaks behind.”
Commercial Cleaning Solution
Professional window cleaners sometimes use commercial window cleaning solutions to eliminate dirt and minimize streaks. Popular choices include ammonia-free glass cleaners, vinegar-based all-purpose cleaners and degreasers. These are formulated to dissolve dirt and oils on windows in offices, stores and apartment buildings.
Tools for Window Cleaning That Professionals Use
Professional window cleaners use specialized tools to safely clean the windows of all types of buildings. Some of the most common tools used are squeegees, gentle scrub pads, steel wool, and cotton towels or microfiber cloths.
Squeegee
A squeegee is essential for professional-looking, clean windows. Its rubber piece removes moisture as you drag it across the surface, resulting in a streak-free shine. It is used to push water off the window surface after cleaning. Rubber squeegees are best for glass as they don’t scratch.
Gentle Scrub Pads
A sponge with a scrubby side or a scrub brush removes tough stains from windows. It easily tackles insects, bird poop, tree debris, construction debris, and caked-on dirt. Soft pads prevent scratches on glass.
Steel Wool
Use a #0000-grade steel wool pad to remove stubborn debris, but be careful not to scratch the window or frame. Professionals use steel wool pads or scrub brushes to clean window screens. It helps remove stubborn stains or dirt.
Cotton Towel or Microfiber Cloth
I was used to dry the window surface streak-free after cleaning. Absorbs water well without lint or scratches.
Effective Cleaning Methods That Professionals Use
The price for professional window cleaning is determined by the quantity and size of windows and the number of stories in your home. Professional window cleaners employ various methods and tips that you can imitate to achieve a professional appearance.
Use Distilled or Bottled Water
Use distilled or bottled water. Don’t use water from the tap. Tap water has minerals that can cause streaks on windows. Distilled or bottled water helps prevent streaks.
Wipe Your Glass with Old Newspaper
Crumple up old Newspaper and use it to wipe the glass. Newspaper soaks up water, oils, and cleaning products very well, helping to get the glass clean without streaks.
Clean With Cotton Towels and Dry
If you don’t have a squeegee or Newspaper, use a clean cotton towel to wipe the glass after using vinegar or homemade window cleaner. Flip the towel over to the dry side to remove any leftover moisture.
Wipe in Figure Eight
Wipe in Figure eight to avoid streaks. Instead of wiping in small circles, wipe the glass using a side-to-side motion that forms the number 8 shape. This method covers more surface area with each wipe and helps prevent streaks.
Let the glass air dry.
After cleaning and wiping the glass, let it dry in the air. This allows any leftover moisture to evaporate, leaving the windows clean without streaks.
Do It Yourself Vs Hiring a Professional
You can clean your windows yourself if you have the right tools and cleaning solutions. But if you want a professionally cleaned and streak-free appearance, consider investing in a squeegee and distilled or bottled water. Hiring a window cleaning service is okay if you want to avoid buying professional supplies or getting the desired results. Cleaning second- or third-story windows can be challenging and dangerous, so hiring a professional to clean them is best.
FAQs
How Do Professional Window Washers Clean Windows?
Professional window washers use professional tools and a proven cleaning solution to achieve perfect results when cleaning windows in residential and commercial buildings, both inside and outside.
What Is the effective method to Clean Windows without Streaking?
Clean interior windows with a professional squeegee and scrubber for a streak-free finish. Clean Exterior windows with a water-fed pole for streak-free results.
What Do Window Washers Use for Tall Buildings?
Professional window cleaners use water-fed pole cleaners or squeegee and scrubber tools on poles to easily clean hard-to-reach outside windows. If windows are opened wide enough, some can be cleaned from inside.
Do Cleaners Use the Same Process for Outside and Inside Windows?
While some steps are the same, cleaners typically use different equipment and solutions for inside versus outside windows. Interior windows require gentle cleaning to avoid scratches, while exterior cleaning addresses elements and dirt buildup.
What do window cleaners use for hard water stains?
Professional window cleaners use a vinegar-based solution to safely and effectively remove hard water stains from glass.