Cleaning windows without streaks is an unloved activity for many people. It is perceived as exhausting, time-consuming and usually unsatisfactory, because mostly streaks or other dirt remain.
However, with some tools and home products, window cleaning is simple and goes streak-free easily from the hand. Discover tips from professionals that will make your everyday life easier.
Home products and tools for cleaning windows
Window cleaning made easy! There are countless wisdoms and tips on the subject of cleaning windows, so it’s easy to lose track. Clearly, there is no one right way to clean windows, but everyone must find for themselves the method with which he gets along best. However, you should always take into account that the cleaning agents must not attack the window frame or pane, otherwise they may leave irreversible damage.
Clean your windows with a soft cloth or rag to avoid scratches. Special equipment, such as steam cleaners, window cleaning robots or vacuums, are also used for this purpose. The professional usually still uses chamois leather and squeegee for window cleaning for a streak-free result.
Clear water is usually sufficient to remove dirt. If necessary, add a little washing-up liquid. For particularly stubborn stains, there are some home remedies that make window cleaning easier. These include vinegar, methylated spirits or soda. However, be aware that these cleaners are very aggressive and can damage the sealing material.
Professional window cleaning
For professional window cleaning, you can always go to a local firm and get great results. There are window cleaning firms in many cities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. For example, I really liked the work of Cardiff Window Cleaner, who have been delighting their customers with the quality of work they have done for years.
Even if you are used to washing your own windows in your apartment, it will be good practice to apply for a full professional cleaning company to achieve maximum cleanliness, which will be maintained afterwards. Once every 1 or 2 years will be enough.
Instructions for cleaning windows
- preparation at the window
First, remove coarse dirt -such as pollen and spider webs- with a hand brush. Do not forget about the more inaccessible corners, so that later you do not just wipe the dirt from side to side.
- cleaning the window frames
Provide warm water with a splash of dishwashing liquid. Using a soft rag or cloth, now wipe the entire frame, first from the inside, then from the outside. Wash out the cloth regularly so that no dirty water is transferred, which in turn leads to stains. Then dry the frame thoroughly.
- cleaning window glass
Change the water and repeat the process on the glass panes. Again, clear water is usually quite sufficient to remove conventional stains. For aids in cleaning the glazing, see electric window cleaners.
- conclusion – drying window glass
Finally, dry the glass completely and polish away any minor residue. Optionally, you can also use a squeegee with a firm rubber lip.
What window cleaner should I use?
Meanwhile, there are special cleaners for almost everything: the ceramic hob, the aluminum rims, the parquet, the leather couch, etc. – of course, this also applies to windows. It seems all the more surprising that clear water is quite sufficient for conventional window cleaning.
As a rule, window dirt consists of deposits caused by exhaust fumes, pollen and fingerprints. To remove these, all you need is a soft cloth and warm water. Coarser dirt is best removed beforehand with a hand brush, so that you do not have to constantly change the water. Finally, wipe dry well and your windows will shine again.
Especially with older windows, stubborn dirt or discolorations have often accumulated over the years. Here, pure water is usually no longer sufficient.
Window cleaning made easy
Streak-free windows without streaks, deposits or fingerprints – that remains a pious hope for many. What looks clean at first reveals its dirty little secret at the first ray of sunlight. But cleaning windows properly is not that difficult.
Most streaks are caused by old residues of window cleaners that have stuck to the material. Sometimes even from previous years. The important thing is to remove this residue with patience and clear water. Once this is done, you can clean your windows in the future only with water and, if necessary, a little detergent.
Furthermore, you should avoid direct sunlight during window cleaning. Otherwise, the water will dry too quickly and stains will appear. It is better to use mild temperatures and an overcast day or a time of day when the windows are still in the shade.
Instructions: Cleaning windows without streaks
What you need
- Hand brush
- Bucket with water
- Clean sponge
- Squeegee or chamois
- Mirco fiber cloth
- If necessary, washing-up liquid or glass cleaner
This is how it works: Instructions in 7 steps
- First, remove coarse dirt from the window frame and the window sill with a hand brush.
- Prepare a bucket with lukewarm water. Then, using a sponge, wash the frame and windowsill thoroughly with plenty of water. Stubborn stains should be soaked a little beforehand or a little washing-up liquid should be used.
- Dry the window frame and sill carefully so that no more water runs over the pane.
- Change the water and clean the sponge thoroughly. If necessary, you can also use a new one. It is usually easier to clean the glass with a squirt of glass cleaner or dishwashing liquid.
- Clean the glass from top to bottom in serpentine motions so that the dirt is removed evenly.
- You can then wipe off the wetness with a chamois leather or use a squeegee. Remember to work from left to right and to wipe the rubber lip dry after each removal.
- Finally, dry the corners with a Mirco fiber cloth. You can also use this to polish away any minor residue.
Tip from a professional: Never clean your windows in direct sunlight. This causes the cleaning water to evaporate too quickly and leaves behind the unloved streaks. It is better to clean on a warm but overcast day or when the windows are in the shade.
