Window Cleaning Austin can seem daunting, but it is easy enough to tackle with the right tools. Here are some tips for cleaning your windows without leaving streaks.
Start with a clean, lint-free towel and dampen it. Wipe the window, working from top to bottom, and dry it with a clean cloth between passes.
- Use a Squeegee
Like many other cringe-worthy household chores, washing the windows can become a hassle. Wiping a window with cloths or paper towels can leave residue and streaks, especially on high windows. But when a squeegee is used correctly, the task becomes much easier and faster.
Developed as a tool for window cleaners, the squeegee has a long history and is even mentioned in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Ettore Steccone, a window washer in Oakland, California, created the first squeegee in the 1890s. The squeegee has a handle like a push broom, and the rubber blade slides across the window to remove soapy water and create a streak-free finish.
To use a squeegee, start by sponging the windows with warm, soapy water. Then dip the sponge or foam part of the squeegee into the water and squeeze out the excess.
Pull the squeegee across the soapy pane in a S-shaped motion (left-handers should start at the top left of the window). When the blade is dry, wipe it clean with a damp rag. The rag should be lint-free to prevent leaving streaks on the glass. Once the squeegee is dry, wipe off any remaining soap on the edges of the window and sill with a chamois or other absorbent cloth.
Using a squeegee takes a little practice, but it’s worth the effort for streak-free windows. A squeegee is more efficient than a cloth or paper towel and requires less liquid to be effective. To get the best results, try to wash your windows on a cloudy day. The bright sun dries cleaning solution and water on the window before you can wipe it, making it difficult to achieve a streak-free finish.
If you’re unable to wait for a cloudy day, choose a high-quality squeegee that can be easily adjusted in height. This will help you reach high and low windows without straining. And make sure the rubber blade is in good condition. If it’s nicked or rounded, replace it to keep your windows looking their best. You can also use a piece of newspaper instead of a squeegee, although it won’t be as smooth or as durable.
- Use a Microfiber Cloth
A clean, lint-free microfiber cloth is essential when washing your windows. This type of cloth is great for removing dust and fingerprints without creating streaks. It also helps remove 99 percent of germs and grime. Microfiber cloths can be found at many home goods stores and are a must-have for cleaning glass surfaces. Avoid paper towels, which are known to leave lint streaks.
Wash your window frames first, using plenty of clean water. Then move onto the window panes themselves, says Anglian Home Improvements. It’s a good idea to drape a bath towel or beach towel underneath the window before you start cleaning, as this will catch any drips and spills that may occur.
You can use either soapy water or a specialist uPVC cleaner. Make sure to read the instructions on the product you’re using carefully, as different products require different methods of application. If you’re cleaning uPVC, remember to avoid over-wetting as this can lead to mould build-up. After you’ve washed your windows and rinsed off the suds, it’s a good idea to wipe down the window sill and frames with a dry microfiber cloth, again to prevent mould and rust from developing.
When you’re ready to get started, make sure your squeegee is clean by wiping it down with your lint-free cloth in between swipes. Also, it’s best to wash your windows on a cloudy day rather than in direct sunlight as the sun will cause the window cleaning solution to dry too quickly and create streaks.
If your windows are particularly dirty, try using a specialty spray product that acts as a rain repellent. This will make your windows easier to wipe clean and will help keep them looking bright and fresh for longer. If you’d prefer not to do this yourself, there are many professional services that will spray your windows for you and then leave them dry and spotless. Just be sure to choose a reputable service, as the quality of your window cleaning will reflect on the rest of your property. A professional service will also use the latest tools and techniques to get your windows looking their best.
- Use Vinegar
Vinegar, which is made by fermenting grain alcohol, contains acetic acid that makes it a powerful cleaning agent. Combined with water, it is an effective way to remove grease and grime from windows without using harmful chemicals. Using vinegar when cleaning your windows also helps prevent the mineral buildup that can cause streaks.
To use vinegar when washing your windows, mix a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to ten parts warm water in a spray bottle and apply it to the window surface. It is important to use distilled white vinegar instead of regular household vinegar, which contains additives that can leave residues.
Use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel to wipe the window, making sure that you do not get the vinegar solution on the window frames. If necessary, use a toothbrush to scrub tough areas of dirt or grime. When you have finished wiping the window, dry it with a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel.
Using vinegar when cleaning your windows can be an effective way to get sparkling results without the need for chemical cleaners, which are harmful to the environment and to the people who live in the home. It is also cheaper than buying commercial window cleaning products. Vinegar can be found in most households and is easy to purchase from many stores.
The disadvantage of using vinegar when cleaning windows is that it has a pungent smell, which some people may find unpleasant. It is important to open a window or door in the room where you are cleaning to allow the fumes to escape and disperse quickly. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the solution to help reduce the odor.
It is best to use vinegar when cleaning your windows on a cool day. Hot and sunny weather can cause the cleaning solution to evaporate before it has had a chance to clean the windows, which can lead to unsightly streaks. Also, vinegar can damage some types of window frames, so it is advisable to avoid applying the solution directly to them.
- Use Water
Water is an essential part of any cleaning process, and it’s important to remember to use water when cleaning windows. Clean water binds to dirt and grime and washes it away without leaving behind streaks or residue. It also helps to remove calcium and limescale deposits, which can build up on the glass surface over time.
Pure water window cleaning (also known as reach and wash) is a modern technique that uses purified water to clean windows. This method eliminates the need for a ladder and bucket, and it’s much safer to use than traditional window cleaning methods. It’s also eco-friendly and effective, as it can be used to remove a range of contaminants from the glass surface.
In order to get the best results from pure water window cleaning, it’s important to follow a few simple steps. First, it’s a good idea to place a towel underneath the window to catch any drips or spills. Then, fill a bucket with a solution of one cup of vinegar and two cups of warm water. Dip a sponge into the solution and scrub the glass surface, paying special attention to any stubborn areas. Once the window has been scrubbed, rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
Once the windows have been cleaned, it’s important to wipe them down with a lint-free cloth or sponge. Then, use a squeegee to remove any remaining moisture and dirt from the windows. Finally, use a lint-free cloth to buff the windows until they are completely dry.
While it may seem tempting to save money by using tap water when cleaning your windows, this can actually damage the windows and leave them with unsightly streaks. Tap water contains salt and mineral content that can scratch the glass, as well as high pH levels that can cause the windows to streak and leave a film on them. If you want to use water when cleaning your windows, it’s best to purchase a bag of purified water from a store or online retailer.