Domestic Window Cleaning Tips

The most commonly used cleaning solution for domestic windows is distilled white vinegar. It’s an affordable option that also works well.

The professionals then use a microfiber cloth or clean lint-free paper towels to dry the glass, working from the top down to ensure all areas are completely dry. They also inspect the window for any missed spots and streaks.

Clearing the Path

If you have window screens, remove them and give them a thorough cleaning. Use a brush vacuum attachment to clean away dust, and saturate a lambswool scrubber with soapy water or a mild chemical cleaner like distilled vinegar. Scrub the screens, then rinse them with a hose and allow to dry.

Before your domestic window cleaners arrive, clear a path to each window they will be cleaning. This means removing any small plants or decorative knick-knacks from the window sills, so they can get to all the corners and edges.

Make sure there is enough clean cold water in your bucket to thoroughly rinse your microfibre cloth and the windows post-cleaning. Leaving too much dirt or residue in the cloth can lead to further smudges on your windows once they’re dried. You can also sanitise your window panes by wiping them with crumpled up newspaper. It’s safe, effective and won’t damage your window glass or sills.

Preparing the Surface

Before breaking out the cleaning solution, vacuum (or sweep) the tracks, frame and windowsills to prevent dirt, dust and mineral deposits from smearing over the cleaned glass. This step is particularly important in coastal areas, where sand and salt can build up and scratch the surface of the window.

If you encounter stubborn stains that don’t come off with soap and water, apply a small amount of mineral spirits or acetone to a clean, lint-free cloth and rub the spot until it comes off. Be careful not to get cleaners or solvents on wood frames, as they can discolor the finish [source: Family Handyman].

White vinegar is a great natural option for removing streaks and grease; add two tablespoons to a bucket of warm water and scrub with a sponge. It’s also possible to make your own inexpensive DIY glass cleaner for touch-ups, using a mix of equal parts baking soda and isopropyl alcohol. Store in a plastic zip-top bag.

Cleaning the Glass

Professionals use a non-toxic, vinegar-based cleaning solution to wipe away marks, stains and other grime. Vinegar is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly cleanser that effectively breaks down dirt and residue on windows.

After washing, they squeegee the glass dry using a rubber-bladed squeegee. They begin at one corner of the window and work their way down, wiping down the squeegee in between swipes. They also squeegee the edges of the windows and sill, making sure to get any water or soapy residue left behind.

Instead of paper towels or newspapers, they use a clean microfiber cloth to buff the window for a streak-free shine. Another affordable, easy-to-find option is an old t-shirt or clean cloth diaper. Cotton swabs are also useful for removing hard-to-reach spots on windows and frames. They can even be used to remove sticky residue from window frames caused by adhesive stickers or labels, like those squeegeees often leave behind on rental homes.

Drying

When you’re done with your cleaning, the final step is to dry your windows. This helps prevent streaks, which can occur when the cleaner drips onto clean window glass as you squeegee it off. To avoid this, work incrementally – spraying one pane of a window at a time. This will keep your cleaner from drying on the window before you have a chance to wipe it off.

Using a lint-free microfiber cloth or chamois will help avoid leaving streaks and water spots. Some people like to use newspaper pages or old cotton rags, but they can leave behind a static charge that attracts dirt and dust. For a better alternative, try Casabella’s Microfiber Glass Cloths which are super absorbent and washable. They also have a special honeycomb texture that nabs water spots, smudges and dirt without scratching. They’re available at many hardware stores.

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