Imagine a life without windows. Maybe you don’t have to.
Anybody who has worked an eight hour day in a cubicle can attest to the pain and discomfort that comes with going a day without seeing sunlight.
Don’t believe me? Ask science. In 2016, the Journal of Affective Disorders published a study that found that the more hours of sun there were in a given day, the less psychological distress people had.
The evidence is in. Life without windows is a sad, miserable life.
That’s why dirty windows can be so infuriating. If windows are supposed to be these beacons of joy, how are you not supposed to feel aggravated when fingerprints, bird feces, and all types of natural filth plant themselves on your windows?
However, it doesn’t end there. Studies have even found that dirty windows can be hidden contributors to air pollution. Clean windows aren’t only for your own best interests; the world needs them.
However, washing your windows can be a harrowing task. You could put all the muscle and mental energy you have into the process, and still come up short.
If you jump into it, you aren’t guaranteed the quality work and lasting results that come when you hire a professional. It’s a long, laborious process, and nothing is more frustrating than pouring your blood, sweat and tears into your home only to have to do it all again the next day.
Additionally, washing windows can be a dangerous task, especially if you are dealing with a multi-story building. Before you attempt the task yourself, it’s important to consider the benefits of having a professional clean your windows for you.
Of course, hiring a professional will bring forth best results. That being said, it can be rewarding to take the upkeep of your home or business into your own hands. However, if you’re going to give it a shot, you need to make sure you do it like a professional would. Here’s how.
The Best Way to Wash Your Windows
First, you need to make sure everything is in its right place before your start cleaning. You wouldn’t immediately think it, but your preparation starts with the weather. Carloyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, recommends picking a dry, cloudy day for cleaning, as the cleaner you use will dry onto the window if it’s hot, creating a whole new problem.
Of course, you will want to clear the area of anything that might get in the way, even going as far as to lay down a sheet to protect your floor or carpet from drippage. Make sure that any dust on the window is removed by a vacuum or brush before you wash, so that the dirt is aggravated into mud by the cleaner.
Get Your Equipment
Now it’s time to pick the equipment. Fortunately, finding the right gear is not that hard. All you need is a squeegee (10 to 12 inches will do), a scrubber, a large bucket, some towels and some liquid glass cleaner.
Picking the right cleaner can be a challenge. Keep in mind that you will be spraying a lot, so the bigger the bottle the better. Additionally, you will want to make sure you have a solid amount of rubber blades for the squeegees. A chipped or underperforming blade will seriously impede your ability to do the job right, which is why professionals change their squeegee blades as often as once a day.
Don’t Skip The Squeegee
Some experts would recommend skipping the squeegee, but there’s a good reason why professional window washers swear by them. It’s the most effective and efficient way to wash windows, but if you don’t get the technique right, you could end up with a pool of soapy water on your floor!
To do it correctly, you need to rest your squeegee on the glass without pressing down too hard and guide the squeegee from the left of the window to the right in a constant motion. To avoid making a mess, hold the cloth in your left hand so you can catch the excess moisture as it drips onto the floor. Repeat this process until you have a clean window! Make sure to wipe the squeegee clean regularly to remove dirt and water.
In a perfect world, mastering this technique should be enough to get you by, but professionals know that unforeseen obstacles can get in the way. Some windows are harder to clean than others, in which case you will need to adapt accordingly. For example, if you need to remove tree pitch or bug droppings, you will need to scrub the affected area with a nylon scrub pad.
Tough glass stains will require mild household abrasives like Soft Scrub and Bon Ami to do the trick. In both cases, start in an inconspicuous area to make sure the scrub doesn’t scratch the glass.
Clean Your Windows Just Like a Professional, or Hire One
Cleaning your windows effectively requires a lot of effort, thinking on your feet, and physical stamina, but if you’re committed to the cause, it should come easy.
Professional window cleaners, like us, have the process down to a tee.
We guarantee results, and take a huge weight off your shoulders as a homeowner. However, if you feel more comfortable taking matters into your own hands, it’s important that you know how to do as good a job as they can.