The Big Window Cleaning Guide
Have your tools ready before you start cleaning your windows
It is important that you have the right equipment ready before you start cleaning your windows. There are several things you need:
- First, you need a bucket. This makes it easy to keep the soap and water mixture close at hand. The bucket must be large enough to hold the soap and water mixture, but it should be easy to handle so you can move it around.
- You also need a window squeegee. A window squeegee plays a crucial role in preventing streaks on the windows. It is important to choose a good quality window squeegee with a good rubber strip.
- You also need a sponge. You need the sponge to apply the soapy water to the windows. If you don’t have a sponge, you can use a soft brush – such as a car brush.
- Last but not least, you should also have a towel to wipe the window squeegee.
The right equipment will make the job easier for you and ensure that your windows are sparkling clean.
Things you should use for window cleaning
There are several different products for window cleaning. You can choose a traditional window cleaner, but you can also make your own homemade blend. Do you know that the type of water you use makes a difference?
Window cleaners
There are many different cleaners to choose from for window cleaning, but some are more effective than others. It is important that you do not use abrasive or powder-based cleaners on windows, as both can scratch the windows.
Mix your own
You don’t have to use traditional cleaners for window cleaning. You can create a natural mixture that gives your windows a beautiful shine. For the mixture, you will need:
- Water
- Washing-up liquid
- Spirit vinegar
You can experiment with how much washing-up liquid and vinegar you add to the water. A good rule of thumb, however, is 1 tablespoon of washing-up liquid and a little vinegar per 5 litres of water. This homemade blend is usually cheaper than ready-to-use products, and it is often also gentler on your windows.
Use a special type of water for your window cleaning
Did you know that the type of water you use affects the result? Tap water often contains calcium carbonate (limescale) and other minerals, which can leave streaks or stains on your windows after washing. Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem.
One method is to use water from a rainwater barrel. Rainwater is naturally soft and therefore does not contain calcium carbonate particles that can cause streaks on your windows. Another method is to use water from a condenser tumble dryer. This water is also soft and therefore ideal for window cleaning.
If you do use tap water, you should add 100 ml spirit vinegar to the mix. The vinegar binds the calcium carbonate in the water so that it does not leave streaks or stains on your windows.
Learn the right technique for clean windows
Window cleaning is an art, and the technique you use is just as important as the equipment. Read below for some tips on how to get shiny clean windows.
Prevent streaks on windows
When cleaning our windows, we don’t want streaks on the glass, since these do not look very nice. It is therefore important to ensure that your window squeegee is always in good condition. The squeegee is your most important tool when cleaning windows, and it must be in good condition for the best possible results. After each wipe with the squeegee, wipe it with a clean cloth to remove dirt and soap residue.
Clean dirty windows twice
If your windows are very dirty, you should clean them twice. It may sound like unnecessary extra work, but it will be difficult to get the windows completely clean if you only clean them once.
Start by cleaning the window thoroughly using your soapy water mixture. Use a sponge or soft brush to evenly distribute the soapy water across the window. After cleaning the window, wipe most of the water off with your window squeegee. Then clean the window again. The second clean is to remove any remaining dirt and soap residue. After the second clean, use the squeegee to clean the window thoroughly.
How to scrape
It takes a little practice to use the window squeegee properly. It is recommended that you hold the squeegee at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the window. Starting at the top left corner of the window, pull the squeegee evenly over the window using an S-shaped or needle-shaped motion. It is important that you overlap a little on the areas you have already used the squeegee. This produces a better result without streaks.
When and how often should windows be cleaned?
Window cleaning is a task that many people put off, but it is actually important to clean the windows regularly. Otherwise, there is a risk of dirt building up on the glass, making the windows even harder to clean next time. In general, it is recommended that you clean your windows at least twice a year – for example, in spring and autumn.
Weather plays a big role in window cleaning. It is best to clean windows on a cloudy day, since direct sunlight can cause the water to dry too quickly, leaving streaks on the windows. If it is really cold, the water may freeze on the window, which can also cause problems.
Remember to clean window frames and window sills when cleaning windows
When cleaning windows, it is important not to forget the window frames and sills. A lot of dirt and dust can accumulate on them. So, to get the best window cleaning results, make sure to include the window sills and frames in your cleaning routine. Fortunately, it is not very complicated. All you need is a cloth, a bucket of warm water. and multi-purpose cleaner.
Do the inside windows need to be cleaned?
Cleaning the inside windows is just as important as cleaning them outside. How often should the inside windows be cleaned?
In general, it is recommended that you clean the inside windows a few times a year. However, it can vary depending on how much dirt and dust accumulate on your windows. For example, if you have children or pets, you may need to clean dirty fingerprints and marks off your windows more frequently.
When cleaning the inside windows, you can do so exactly as when cleaning them outside. However, you can also choose to use window cleaners or glass cleaners for this. What you choose depends on how dirty the windows are.
Don’t forget about safety when window cleaning
It’s important to think about safety when cleaning windows – especially high windows. You may need to use a ladder. Before you start, make sure the ladder is on a firm, flat surface and at the right angle.
If you live in an apartment building, you may also need to use a ladder to clean the windows. But if you live on a high floor in the building, you may need to clean the windows from inside the apartment, if you have reversible windows. However, it is important to consider safety.
If you want to take good care of your hands, you can use gloves. Gloves prevent your skin from coming into contact with the cleaner and water.
