Window Cleaning Aliso Viejo is a time-consuming job, but it pays off with unobstructed views and sparkling glass. Start with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Avoid doing this job on a sunny day, as the cleaner will dry onto the windows before you can wipe it off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks. Use a microfiber cloth or even newspaper pages to dry the windows.
1. Clean the Frame First
When cleaning windows, it is important to clean the frames and window sills first. This will remove any dirt and debris that has collected over time. It will also make the glass a lot easier to clean later. Start by scrubbing the frames with soapy water or a non-detergent cleaner solution. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. After scrubbing, wipe down the frames with a dry cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue.
If the frames have a lot of oxidation, try using white vinegar to clean them. This will help break down the mineral buildup and leave the glass shiny and clear. If the oxidation is especially severe, you may need to scrub it down with a wire brush. Be very careful not to scratch the glass as this can cause permanent damage.
Once the frame and window sills are clean, you can begin to wash the glass itself. Start with a clean microfiber cloth and spray your cleaning solution directly onto it, rather than spritzing the window itself. This will prevent the cleaning solution from getting on the frames or windowsills, which could leave streaks. Work the microfiber cloth in a ‘S’ pattern to avoid smearing and cover as much of the window as possible.
While it might seem tempting to skip this step, it is important to wipe the frames and windowsills with a dry towel before you begin washing the glass. This will ensure that any remaining water is wiped away before it can begin to dry on the glass and leave streaks or water marks.
If you don’t have a towel, you can use a piece of newspaper. However, be careful as the ink from the newspaper can stain the glass. Finally, you should always remember to wipe the squeegee clean with a dry cloth before each stroke. This will keep the blade clean and ensure that no cleaning solution is being smeared across the glass. Also, it will allow you to see when the squeegee is starting to run out of water, so you can stop and refill it.
2. Use a Squeegee
Using a squeegee to remove the remaining water is a vital step for cleaning windows. Start from the top of the window and pull the squeegee down straight, wiping the blade clean after each stroke. Overlap each stroke slightly with the previous one to ensure you’re covering the entire window and eliminating water streaks. When you’re finished, wipe the wood muntins and sill with a soft rag to keep them dry and looking nice.
To avoid streaking, use a sharp, well-maintained rubber blade on your squeegee. Replace the squeegee rubber as soon as it begins to show signs of wear or you notice noticeable streaking. A sharp, clean blade will make a big difference in how quickly you can clean the windows and how clean the results are.
Another way to improve your squeegee cleaning is by changing the amount of pressure you apply when you push the squeegee across the glass. Experiment with different amounts of pressure, and you’ll likely find that less is more in terms of how much pressure you need to apply. This will allow you to clean the windows faster and with less effort without causing fatigue or causing the glass to bubble.
While it may take some practice to learn the proper techniques for using a large window squeegee, the results are well worth the time and effort. Cleaning the windows with a squeegee takes a fraction of the time and can help you achieve cleaner, better-looking results that will enhance the appearance of your home or business.
For example, to speed up the process and reduce fatigue, consider using a squeegee that has a quick-release feature and is mounted on an extension pole. This will enable you to reach high areas that are difficult to access and get the job done quickly and easily. Alternatively, you could try using a fanning technique to increase your speed and efficiency. The fanning method is a bit more advanced and requires some practice, but it’s well worth learning to speed up your squeegee cleaning and get great results every time.
3. Wipe the Glass
Whether they are on the inside of your home or in the exterior panes of your windows, clean glass is important. But smudges and streaks can mar even the cleanest of window surfaces. It’s critical to use the right cleaning products, tools and techniques when wiping windows so they stay clear and aesthetically pleasing.
First, drape a towel over the floor or table where you are working to catch any drips or spills from your cleaning solution. Next, remove window screens (labeling each one so you know which window it goes with) and wash them in a bucket with a mild soap and water solution (or just plain water). Rinse the screens well and let them dry completely before reinstalling them on the windows.
Finally, prepare your cleaner (using either distilled white vinegar or a commercial window cleaning product) and pour it into a spray bottle. Don’t hold back on the amount of solution; you need plenty to dissolve and suspend dirt so it can be wiped away without leaving streaks or other marks.
Wet a terrycloth rag or sponge with the cleaning solution, and wipe each surface of each window pane. Use a gentle touch to avoid scratching the surface. Once you’ve wiped down the entire window, rinse off your cloth or sponge with a bit of plain water to remove any remaining cleaner.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the glass is free of smudges and streaks. Be sure to clean the window frames and sills, as well.
If your windows are particularly dirty, try using a mineral deposit-removing cleaner such as CLR or Zud. Dampen a sponge with the cleaner, scrub the glass surface and rinse thoroughly. If your windows still have stubborn stains, you can also make a paste with water and an abrasive cleaner such as scouring powder or Bar Keepers Friend.
When you’ve gotten your windows as clean as possible, dry them with a soft lint-free cloth or chamois. Paper towels are convenient, but they tend to leave a lint-streaked finish. If you need to get up high, Fisk suggests using a long-handled squeegee with a rubber blade that can rotate and extend up to five feet or more. The squeegee can also be used to clean shower walls and mirrors, so it’s worth the investment.
4. Dry the Glass
A dry lint-free cloth is a key ingredient to a professional clean. Avoid paper towels that can shred or leave behind lint, and opt for a microfiber cloth or chamois instead. You can also use newspaper pages, which work well in a pinch and help eliminate streaks. If you don’t have either of these, a lint-free towel or rag will work just fine.
To get a truly streak-free finish, you need to work incrementally on each window. Spraying the entire surface at once is a common mistake, says Forte, which causes cleaner to dry on the windows before you can wipe them off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks. Work one pane at a time, and rinse your squeegee between passes. Keep the rubber blade of the squeegee dry between each stroke, too.
If your windows have a lot of soap residue or a sticky, dingy build-up, use a small amount of ammonia mixed in with your water to scrub away the dirt and grime. It may take a little extra elbow grease to rinse the suds off, but you’ll be left with crystal clear windows without any dingy streaks.
You can also use a mild household abrasive or mineral deposit remover, such as CLR or Bar Keepers Friend, to remove stubborn stains on your windows. Dampen a sponge with the solution, rub at the spot and rinse it clean before wiping it down again. Then, if necessary, wipe the frames with a rag or microfiber cloth to remove any lingering debris.
For windows that are particularly high or difficult to reach, a water-fed pole with microfiber pads at the head can help. The longest poles reach about 70 feet and are ideal for cleaning windows up to six stories. Be sure to choose a quality pole, as cheaper models tend to break easily. The best poles feature a water-only hose at the top of the pole and sprayers with microfiber pads that rotate and extend, making them easy to wipe and rinse. Also, be sure to wear proper safety gear when using a ladder or water-fed pole.