Although it may seem easy, properly cleaning windows has a significant impact. Not only do spotless windows enhance the appearance of your house, but they also allow in more natural light. Many people have trouble with smudges and streaks, but you can make your windows look like they were professionally cleaned by using the right methods.
Assemble the necessary supplies first. A bucket, squeegee, sponge, cloth, and cleaning solution are required. Although you can purchase a commercial window cleaner, a solution of water and dish soap is equally effective. Some like to add a tiny bit of vinegar for added luster.
Clear the window of any dust or loose dirt before starting to wash. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft brush. This keeps the glass from getting scratched and improves cleaning efficiency.
Next, give the window a coat of your cleaning solution. Spread it evenly with your sponge or cloth. To prevent the solution from drying on the glass, work in tiny sections. Use the squeegee to remove the solution after it has been applied. To avoid streaks, begin at the top and work your way down, wiping the squeegee blade with a fresh cloth after each pass.
To remove any leftover stains or smudges, buff the area with a microfiber cloth. Because it doesn’t leave lint behind, this kind of cloth is excellent for windows. For optimal effects, don’t forget to clean your windows on the inside as well as the outside.
Your windows can appear clear and spotless by following these easy steps. Your home will seem brighter and more presentable if you take the time to clean them correctly. Furthermore, once mastered, the task can be completed quickly and effortlessly.
Step | What to Do |
1 | Gather your supplies: a bucket, window cleaner, a squeegee, a sponge, and a cloth. |
2 | Mix window cleaner with water in the bucket according to the instructions on the cleaner"s label. |
3 | Dip the sponge into the solution and wash the window, starting from the top and working your way down. |
4 | Use the squeegee to remove the solution from the window. Start at the top and pull the squeegee down in a straight line. Wipe the blade with a cloth after each pass. |
5 | Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe any remaining streaks or drips from the window. |
6 | For exterior windows, repeat the process if needed, especially if they are very dirty. |
Although it may seem simple, properly cleaning windows has a significant impact on the outcome. A microfiber cloth, a bucket, a squeegee, and a mild cleaning solution are the essential first tools. To avoid streaks drying too quickly, avoid cleaning windows on a sunny day. Dust and clean the frames and sills first, then use a cloth or sponge to apply your solution. Working in a single, fluid motion from top to bottom, remove the solution with the squeegee. To finish, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down any drips and the edges. Maintaining a clean and orderly window cleaning schedule prolongs the life of your windows.
- When is the best time to wash windows?
- What is the best way to wash windows?
- Chemistry
- Folk remedies
- Which tool to use
- Steam cleaner
- Melamine sponge
- Squeegee
- Window cleaning mop
- Special brush for washing glass from the outside
- Magnetic brushes
- Window cleaning robots
- Preparatory work
- How to properly wash the frame and window sill
- Window cleaning instructions
- Private questions
- How to wash if there are grates
- How to clean on high floors
- How to clean sliding windows
- How to wash windows on the balcony
- How to prevent divorces
- What are the nuances of washing windows after renovation?
- A few tips from experienced housewives
- Video on the topic
- How to clean WINDOWS WITHOUT STREAKS – 5 easy and effective ways | 25 hours in a day
- "Eight" window cleaning technique
- How to properly wash windows.
When is the best time to wash windows?
Young housewives frequently don’t know when to wash windows in the spring and fall, which is a little surprising. The answer is obvious: overcast, windless days with above-freezing temperatures are the best times to wash windows. more challenging when cleaning in the summer. Both outside and inside the room, the sun, heat, and breeze—no matter how tiny—quickly dry the detergent. Furthermore, it is challenging to get rid of these stains. Furthermore, it is challenging to judge the quality of work in bright light since glare makes it difficult to see areas that have not been properly cleaned and polished.
What is the best way to wash windows?
More than a hundred different kinds of common household chemicals for window cleaning are available in the market. And all of them guarantee to remove stains quickly and effortlessly, leaving the glass looking so clear that it will be hard to notice any. You must realize that advertisements often make bold claims like "mountains of gold." Her job is, after all, to draw in customers. However, there are some genuinely excellent products available that let you wash windows streak-free and thoroughly. Here, what matters most is your own experience—good or bad—as well as recommendations from friends, neighbors, and family.
You can also make your own detergent. After all, the younger generation’s grandmothers used homemade methods to wash glass because they were oblivious to the array of "chemicals" that were displayed on the shelves of specialty shops and supermarkets. However, it’s not worse than well-known brands. This strategy has a lot of benefits:
- saving the family budget;
- absence of a strong odor, despite different fragrances, as well as substances that can cause allergies;
- The cleaning quality is no worse than that of purchased products.
Chemistry
The article "The best products for cleaning windows without streaks" rates the top detergents and lists their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a rundown of them:
- "Mr. Muscle" Professional – according to users, the best window cleaner;
- “Frosch Glass Cleaner” – quickly removes all types of dirt without streaks;
- “Clin” Windows and Mirrors – polishes glass well;
- CIF is an inexpensive but effective detergent;
- “Help” is the best fat remover;
- "KARCHER" RM 503 for window cleaning is a professional product for cleaning glazing with excellent consumer properties;
- “Cinderella” – makes it possible to wash windows with acceptable quality at a budget price.
Folk remedies
For centuries, housewives have found success with folk remedies. They cleaned effectively and streak-free, though maybe not as quickly as chemicals that are sold in stores. It only takes a few minutes to prepare; after mixing the ingredients, you can start working.
The most well-liked among older generation housewives were:
- soap solution;
- soda with vinegar;
- lemon;
- chalk;
- glycerol;
- starch;
- ammonia;
- fabric softener.
These parts are not hard to find and have long been available on store shelves. even during the Soviet Union’s periods of complete shortages.
Note: We would like to remind you once more that there is a separate work available at this link that contains methods for creating detergent compositions using the provided components.
Which tool to use
A few decades ago, a window cleaning kit was very basic:
- a basin or bucket of water, or even better two;
- a set of rags;
- a lot of newspapers (several were needed for one window).
These days, everything depends on how glass is cleaned. As a result, we offer a comprehensive toolkit. Housewives will have no trouble understanding what is expected of them at work.
1. Water containers (ideally two): one for clean water and one with a wiper. Buckets or basins will work.
2. Glass cleaning solution application equipment. This can be a sponge with two sides—one soft and the other hard—or a spray bottle. Lint-free cloths or rags are other options.
3. Materials for removing dirt. Helpful materials include linen rags, microfiber cloths, cotton, spandex, and other fabric pieces free of lint, as well as specialized tools like scrapers, car wipers, windshield wipers with a sponge on one side and a wisp on the other, etc.
4. Polishes for glass. There are numerous examples of them:
- microfiber cloths;
- paper towels;
- nylon tights or stockings;
- a piece of suede fabric;
- newspapers are the simplest but very effective means. The secret of perfect glass polishing is in the printing ink and the ability of the paper to quickly absorb moisture. The result of the work is so impressive to housewives that even today they use their grandmother’s glazing care kits.
5. Non-traditional techniques for cleaning glass. This:
- steam cleaner;
- melamine sponge.
Steam cleaner
The steam cleaner is a multipurpose household item. Almost any surface can be cleaned and disinfected with it, though polishing and paper are not recommended.
Superheated (above 100 o C) steam serves multiple purposes at once:
- wets glass, profile, fittings and window sill;
- softens dirt (traces of insects, soot, etc.).d.);
- corrodes the film of volatile fats;
- kills colonies of microorganisms (disinfects) on the frame, handles, glass, window sill.
It is different from the traditional cleaning method in that it eliminates the need for detergents, which eliminates the need to wash away any leftover solution and dirt and then polish the surface endlessly. Everything is much easier to do with steam: use a scraper or napkin to remove any leftover dirt after cleaning the surface.
Operating a steam generator is a straightforward process:
- wipe the surface to be cleaned with a dry cloth;
- put on the window cleaning attachment;
- pour water into the tank of the device;
- turn on the steam cleaner;
- treat the window opening. Movements are vertical, from top to bottom;
- wipe washed areas dry.
It is preferable to purchase a lightweight, compact device if the glass area is large. If not, your hand will tire out quickly. Although there are many steam generator manufacturers, the Karcher brand is the most popular in Russia.
Melamine sponge
A melamine sponge is another unusual window cleaning tool. White in hue and having a foam rubber-like appearance. It is composed of foamed melamine, a unique kind of resin. Consequently, there are numerous cavities where dirt gathers, representing the internal structure as a web of entwined fibers.
Because the threads are hard, the white bar has an abrasive quality to it. The resin ages while in use but does not dissolve in water. Removes effectively:
- hardened dust;
- grease and oil stains;
- soot;
- paint;
- ink;
- traces of pencils, markers and felt-tip pens;
- rust.
The sponge functions without the need of particular powders, gels, or cleaning agents. She becomes dirty while also erasing dirt, much like an eraser. For this reason, the sponge needs to be rinsed and wrung out or cleaned under running water.
The steps involved in cleaning glass with a sponge are as follows:
- prepare a container with warm water;
- put on rubber gloves;
- soak the sponge with water and then squeeze it out;
- wipe the glass. If the sponge is very dirty, rinse the sponge and then clean the window again;
- external glass is washed several times due to heavy soiling. In this case, the water changes more often.
Even though melamine resin has abrasive qualities, a sponge can be used to clean the plastic used in window profiles, slopes, and sills. All that’s needed is to avoid rubbing too hard. If not, you can achieve a matte glossy finish. Light motions should be used to rub heavily soiled areas with the sponge’s corner. Without a doubt, stains will be removed. additionally free of common household chemicals.
6. Equipment for cleaning confined spaces. They are numerous:
- scraper (squeegee);
- mop with a telescopic handle;
- squeegee for washing windows outside;
- magnetic brush;
- window washing robot.
Squeegee
The easiest tools to use to remove water and cleaning solutions from glass surfaces are squeegees with rubber inserts. To reach the top of a large window, you can purchase telescopic handles for them. The rubber band with the holder is fixed at any angle in more expensive models.
Using a scraper, you must work horizontally or top to bottom. However, in this instance, the scraper ought to be positioned at a nearly 45-degree angle with respect to the horizon. After scraping, the glass unit doesn’t need to be polished because there are no more streaks.
The price range for the gadget is 60–480 rubles.
You can use blade-equipped scrapers for tough stains. A tool like this is useful for getting rid of putty, paint, cement, and construction tape residue. One or both sides may have blades. In the latter instance, the blunt side removes putty and cement, while the sharp side eliminates tape, paint, and sticker residue. It costs only 30-90 rubles.
Window cleaning mop
Mops for cleaning windows are simple to use. Mechanism of action:
- set the desired length of the handle. Fix it;
- wet the nozzle in the detergent;
- wash off the dirt. You need to work smoothly, first from top to bottom, then at an angle;
- turn the mop over and use the nozzle to remove the remaining water and cleaning solution. You need to work in the same way as with a squeegee;
- wash the nozzle and move on to the second window.
Special brush for washing glass from the outside
If you buy an extra handle for a standard window washer mop, you can operate indoors from the street side. The method of washing is the same as when cleaning the interior.
Magnetic brushes
Magnetic brushes are a recent addition to the window cleaning equipment market. Its straightforward exterior design enables you to wash windows simultaneously and without leaving streaks on either side. Here are the device’s advantages and disadvantages, operating system, and a ranking of the top models.
Window cleaning robots
If your family’s finances were infinite, you could purchase a robotic window cleaner. You won’t have to go through the awkward process of cleaning the window opening. In the article "Robot for washing windows – is there any sense?"?, the best models available in Russia, their prices, and their pros and cons are all thoroughly explained.
Preparatory work
In an apartment, cleaning the windows starts with some prep work. Many housewives might be surprised by their list and order, but everything has been honed via practice. Thus:
- open the curtains, but it’s better to take them off and wash them. Cleaning, so cleaning;
- raise or remove blinds, if installed;
- free the windowsill – pots with flowers, rearrange decor items to another place;
- If there is a table next to the windowsill, it needs to be pushed back so that it is possible to put a stool. A strong table from which you can wash the window must be covered with an oilcloth or plastic film;
- Put a dry rag or film on the floor so that dirty streams from the window do not stain the flooring. It is especially necessary to protect the laminate – it is afraid of moisture;
- Wipe the double -glazed window with a dry rag from the inner and outer side. You can use a vacuum cleaner or wet rag moistened in warm water. But in the latter case, you need to wipe the window dry to continue cleaning. Such an operation will remove dust, and with it dirty streams (they will be, but not in such quantities) that it will allow you to cope with work faster;
- Wash the windowsill and frame. Many housewives do this part of the window care work last, believing that water and cleaning solution will contaminate the plastic. This is partly true. But if there is dirt on the frame, it is much more difficult to polish the glass – stains remain in the corners and in places where the glass adjoins the profile. And it’s easy to remove drips on clean plastic – just wipe with a dry cloth;
- prepare tools and detergent for work.
How to properly wash the frame and window sill
The frame and window sill can only be cleaned effectively with detergent that can remove stains from wood or plastic. They are adaptable:
- yellowness – appears mainly with pots of flowers on the windowsill after watering;
- drops of primer, paint, traces of masking tape are possible after repair work;
- volatile fats;
- dirt from a vent or half-open window;
- rust if metal objects have been lying on the window for some time.
The kind of stains on the kitchen window sill and frame are beyond the expertise of any specialist. As a result, it is hard to offer general guidance on dirt removal. You need to keep the following in mind as you begin to clean the window block and sill profiles:
- aggressive detergents can destroy plastic. Therefore, household chemicals must be compatible with polyvinyl chloride, from which the vast majority of windows and window sills are made;
- The presence of abrasive in the solutions used is not allowed.
The window sill and frame can be cleaned in a variety of ways. These are the most well-liked ones.
1. Laundry soap. Not a liquid, but rather a bar because it contains more alkali. Naturally, the smell is not a gift, but it cleans much more effectively. simultaneously safe and kind to the environment.
Rinse the window sill and frame with a sudsy, thick soap solution. If the old fat does not come off, a bar of soap is used to moisten and remove the stains. After thirty minutes, all of it has been cleaned. If stains are still present, you ought to apply the following guidance:.
2. Powder for washing. It will lighten the surface a little in addition to removing stains.
Pour some powdered detergent (a little extra for stains) onto the windowsill. Wipe the stains first with a wet sponge, and then the window sill. Water and dissolved powder are used to wash the frame. Everything is then dried off.
Take note: you must use the soft side of the sponge to remove any decorative film that may have been applied to the plastic. Hard can harm the interior design.
3. Window cleaner. With the exception of old, oily stains, the majority of these solutions are effective at removing dirt from the window sill and frame.
Applying glass cleaner is easy: just mist it on, then rinse it off with clean water. Rewetting the solution on stubborn dirt allows it to sit for a few minutes before wiping with a dry or thoroughly wrung-out cloth.
4. Wine. It thoroughly cleans the window sill and frame in addition to the glass. Simultaneously, it perfectly dissolves fat, removes rust, and makes plastic brighter.
The area that needs to be cleaned is well moisturized; in particular, old stains don’t require the use of vinegar. The window sill and frame are cleaned with clean water and dried after ten to fifteen minutes. The procedure can be carried out again if needed.
5. Sponge made of Melamine. As you can see, cleaning it correctly is shown above.
6. Chalk and toothpaste. The mixture brightens the window sill and frame’s surface and effectively removes stains. Use a damp, soft sponge and lightly rub it into the PVC.
Rinse with fresh water. dries with wipes. The process can be repeated if needed. Cleaning the corners completes the frame washing process. Use toothpicks or cotton swabs for this.
Window cleaning instructions
There are various methods for taking care of glass that are detailed in the window cleaning instructions.
Method No. 1: If the steps are followed precisely, Windows will shine:
- detergent is applied to the prepared glass unit from the inside;
- Use a sponge, rag or window cleaning mop to rub the glass cleaner onto the glass. It is necessary to wash from bottom to top in a circular motion – the amount of drips will be minimal;
- Dirt is removed from the window along with the cleaning solution. This can be done with water distiller or improvised means (rags, napkins, etc.).d.);
- the glass is wiped dry, after which it is polished with newspapers, suede, etc. devices. Polishing, firstly, removes stains, and secondly, gives the glass shine. When using a squeegee, there should be no streaks, but there will not be perfect transparency.
Once the first double-glazed window has been cleaned, move on to the second. Remove the window’s exterior once the inside of the glazing has been cleaned.
Note: It is useless to try to use toilet paper in place of newspapers. Even though the stains will be gone, the glass won’t shine.
Method No. 2: As previously mentioned in detail, the window is cleaned using a melamine sponge.
Technique No. 3. It includes grandma’s cleaning recipes for dirty windows. An extensive recipe for making glass cleaner at home can be found in the book "The best products for cleaning windows without streaks." We’ll explain how to use them correctly here.
Soapy mixture. Use a sponge, rag, or rag to apply to glass, moving in a circular motion from bottom to top. Use warm, clean water to rinse off after ten minutes. Several times will be needed to complete the process of removing the foam (since foam is hard to wash off and many housewives dislike using soap).
Glass polishing completes the procedure. No matter how much you rinse the glass, without it, stains will remain. The rainbow movie is still in existence.
Vinegar and soda. Using a napkin or sponge, the mixture is applied to the glass unit. The product is taken off the glass surface after a few minutes using a dry cloth—ideally microfiber or the firm side of a sponge. Shining and rinsing are not included.
Lemon. It’s just as simple to clean a window with lemon juice as it is with vinegar. The glass is sprayed with the solution. Use a gentle cloth to clean the glass unit’s surface after a few minutes. That’s it.
Write with chalk. And everything is easy to understand here:
- apply the paste to the glass;
- wait until it dries;
- wipe with a napkin or rag;
- wash off the residue.
Tooth powder can be used in place of chalk, but it costs more.
Glycerol. Let’s be clear right away that this is an additional tool to keep the window from fogging up. The glycerin composition is rubbed in until no remaining wet areas remain for it to dry naturally.
Starch. After applying the prepared mixture to the glass, it is allowed to dry completely. Following the removal of everything with a dry cloth, water is used to wash away the starch.
Ammonia (occasionally written incorrectly as ammonia; these are distinct chemicals). Using a cloth or sponge dipped in the mixture, clean the glass. If the window is high up, you can clean it that way by tying a rag around a basic mop. It is best to open the door a little to allow for adequate ventilation because of the strong odor.
Folk remedies, as opposed to household chemicals, let you wash windows without leaving streaks. A unique soap solution. The residual foam cannot be eliminated without polishing.
Private questions
Some specific issues that site visitors are concerned about were not included in the reviewed material.
How to wash if there are grates
Grilles appear to be a major source of trouble when it comes to window maintenance. However, that is untrue. The explanation is straightforward: they are often placed on the ground floor and first story of the home. For this reason, a telescopic mop or magnetic brushes will work well on the second floor while a stepladder will be useful for cleaning glass on the first. The standard procedure remains unchanged, as does the washing technology.
If there are swing bars, it’s even simpler. Here, there aren’t any issues at all.
How to clean on high floors
If one sash of a high-floor window opens into the apartment while the other is blind, cleaning the window from the outside can be quite difficult. In this case, safety takes precedence over washing quality. After all, there’s a very high chance of breaking if you fall from a height.
To address the issue, you can:
- hire a cleaning company;
- use magnetic brushes (how to use them here);
- buy a window cleaning robot (a way out of the situation, but not the best solution);
- use a mop with a special handle.
The above tips are good, but they do not allow you to remove dirt in the corners and near the profile. Therefore, the vast majority of housewives take a risk and stand on the windowsill, holding the frame with one hand and cleaning the glass with the other. The editors of the site categorically do not recommend climbing out of the window opening. But if desire exceeds reason, we advise you to become attached to the battery. The rope or cable must be able to withstand the weight of a person with a large margin. You need to fasten it around the waist and crosswise over the shoulders so as not to accidentally slip out of the belay.
How to clean sliding windows
The same cleaning techniques that apply to hinged windows also apply to sliding windows. Furthermore, they can typically be taken out of the guides, which streamlines the cleaning procedure to the greatest extent possible.
How to wash windows on the balcony
When there is side glazing and no opening sash, cleaning balcony windows becomes challenging. In this scenario, accessing the exterior of the glass from the balcony will be impossible. However, the issue isn’t always resolved by the current sash. Ultimately, getting to the side window remains challenging. Consider using magnetic brushes for washing. Here, you only need to attempt to deliver the tool to the work location and, when the magnets collapse, avoid shattering the glass. After all, it is very challenging to guarantee strict control over the device’s two halves.
Industrial climbers will assist in resolving the issue.
Because there is no side glazing, it is a little simpler with a loggia. Here, a telescopic handle mop will come in handy. Magnetic brushes work well, but they become problematic when transferring between double-glazed windows. The glass holding profile is too thick for the brush to pierce.
How to prevent divorces
Apartment window washing isn’t always possible without streaks. There are various causes:
- glass is poorly washed. There was dirt left on them that the detergent could not remove the first time. In this case, the procedure must be repeated. If the problem is not resolved after repeated washing, change the cleaning solution. After all, there could be dirt on the glass that the used glass cleaner is not able to wash off;
- window care work is carried out in sunny or windy weather, as a result of which the water quickly evaporates, leaving a thin film of chemical elements on the glass;
- the washed glazing was wiped with a poorly wrung out or dirty rag;
- removal of the cleaning solution was carried out using pendulum or circular movements, but from bottom to top (not to be confused with washing – it’s the other way around);
- the water turned out to be hard, resulting in a limescale deposit on the glass that is difficult to remove with a rag.
You can provide advice on averting divorces if you are aware of the problem areas.
- Wash plastic windows in cloudy, windless weather.
- Do not wash the entire window at once, but separately each glass unit. This will allow you to quickly carry out the work without allowing the cleaning solution to dry out.
- You need to wipe the glass dry with smooth circular movements, from top to bottom.
- At the final stage, polish the glass using newspapers, a suede cloth or nylon tights. These handy products can remove remaining stains without repeated washing with clean water.
- A solution of glycerin and water will help to consolidate the results of your work. It wipes the window glass, as a result of which it will not sweat.
Furthermore, stains may also come from the window unit’s unclean profile. It is therefore advised to wash it first.
What are the nuances of washing windows after renovation?
When cleaning is required after window repairs, there are some challenges. In these situations, experts recommend covering the window opening with plastic film; however, in reality, workers don’t always heed the advice of more seasoned colleagues. It happens that the owners use building materials to stain the double-glazed window because they think they are neat. Stain removal is simple if you know which product to use in each unique circumstance. Let us arrange them in a table.
Products for stain removal from construction materials are listed in Table 1.
Type of pollution | Stain remover |
---|---|
Polyurethane foam on a double-glazed window | "Solvent 646" |
Nitroenamel | Acetone |
Enamel | |
Adhesive from masking tape | Vegetable oil, turpentine, drying oil or isopropyl alcohol |
Cement | Orthophosphoric acid |
Acrylic paint | White alcohol, gasoline |
Chalk and lime whitewash | Cif for shiny surfaces |
There are two considerations to make when cleaning stains from construction materials:.
- When working with solvents, good ventilation must be ensured.
- Phosphoric acid instantly corrodes plastic. Therefore, all precautions must be taken to prevent acid from coming into contact with the PVC frame or window sill.
A few tips from experienced housewives
Many life hacks for cleaning windows can be found online. The most intriguing advice has been selected by the website’s editors.
- You can achieve the shine of window glass not only with vinegar and ammonia. Blue or copper sulfate gives an unusual shine with a bluish or green tint – they are added to the water when rinsing off the cleaning solution.
- Half a potato can replace starch. Use it to wipe the glass, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a napkin.
- Vinegar will protect against flies on glass. It is applied to a washed window and is not washed off.
- Saline solution helps with ice.
It’s not necessary to find cleaning your windows to be a chore. It can be a simple and fulfilling task if you have the right equipment and know how. Don’t forget to pick a cloudy day to clean in order to prevent streaks. To start, make sure to thoroughly dust or vacuum any loose dirt.
A homemade vinegar and water solution or a high-quality window cleaner can make a significant impact. For a streak-free finish, use a microfiber cloth or squeegee after using a spray bottle to apply the cleaner. Remember to clean the window sills and frames as well.
For windows that are difficult to reach, think about employing a telescopic pole fitted with a squeegee attachment or a secure ladder. You always have the option to hire professional window cleaners if the task seems too big for you. They are equipped and have the experience to tackle even the most difficult tasks.
In addition to enhancing the appearance of your house, clean windows let in more natural light, which makes your room feel cozier and lighter. Frequent upkeep can avert accumulation and facilitate subsequent cleanings. Thus, give your windows some TLC and relish the crisp, lovely views they offer.