Washing your windows is no one’s idea of fun; however, many homeowners or business owners make it more difficult than it has to be. When they insist on using paper towels, wadded up newspaper, or some cheap sponge, they’re making the job less effective. Also, all of that rubbing will actually create a static charge on the glass. The charge will attract dust and dirt; it’s self-defeating. Instead, you need to stock up on the proper tools and do it right.
The Tools
First and foremost, you should think of washing your windows instead of just cleaning them. You can spot clean then with a store-bought spray and a paper towel. That’s how you clean off a spot of dirt. If you need to actually clean the whole window, you need to wash it. That means soap and water. Invest in some microfiber applicators of different sizes. If you have a picture window or a sliding glass window, you should consider a strip applicator. They cover a lot of space. If you have small windows or segmented windows, smaller applicators will be appropriate. Pick something microfiber so that it is soft and absorbent but won’t leave behind lint.
Then, you need to select a squeegee. Select squeegees of multiple sizes or buy multiple and cut them to fit. A squeegee will get your windows clean and dry very effectively. Drying them quickly is an integral part of the cleaning process. Unless you use distilled water, the water itself can leave behind deposits that are generally known as water spots.
The Chemicals
The other element to cleaning your windows effectively is the chemical you use. You should be using something that mixes with water. Some choose to plug the soap and water into a pressure washer that mixes as you spray. Others choose a bucket of soapy water. It’s just important that you pick the right cleaning solution. You need something that will cut grease and dirt without being harsh on your hands or on your window frame.
Many window washers will tell you that a squirt of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of water is very effective. It shouldn’t be so sudsy that they’re overflowing out of the bucket but it should be sudsy enough that you can work up a lather as you wash the window. You can also buy a dedicated window washing solution. They’re generally more concentrated, so you use less of them, and will eventually save you money in the long run.
