How to Clean Your Windows Like an Expert

There are few things more satisfying than looking through a clean streak-free window. Clean windows makes your whole home feel cleaner, lighter, and brighter. This is one of those time consuming things that few people actually enjoy doing, but since we are at the beginning of a three week lockdown here in Grand Rapids, Michigan- what better time than to tackle some of those pesky home maintenance things?!

First things first, get a squeegee

Not only is it more efficient, it also does a better job than simply spraying and scrubbing.

Second, use a good washing solution

That secret ingredient that makes your drinking glasses so sparkling clean also works wonders on your windows. One part dish soap to one part water is a perfect blend.

Swipe and Wipe

A simple squeegee technique is to swipe down the window starting at the very top with the squeegee pressed firmly against the window, when you reach the bottom, wipe your squeegee with a clean lint free rag. If you are working on your interior windows, professionals suggest putting a towel down on the floor to catch any excess water and cleaning solution. Sticky spots may need to be scrubbed with a rag first. Repeat the squeegee process until you’ve gone over the entire window.

Once you’ve gone over the entire window with the squeegee, use a clean rag or paper towel to go over all the edges. Don’t sweat it too much if you miss a streak or drip, the key is to try to catch it before it dries and wipe it up.

Clean everything, not just the glass

This hack is for when you want to give your windows or home a very thorough clean. Cleaning the glass is the fun part of window cleaning, but before you start rocking with your new squeegee technique it is best to clean the tracks, sills and screens. Here are a few steps to follow to get the best results.

Since we have some time, why not be extra thorough?

Cleaning the glass is only part of it, if you want to be extra thorough you’ll want to be sure to clean out the tracks as well and finally, wipe down the window sills.

To clean the tracks first brush over the dirt in the tracks with a brush- a toothbrush or dish washing brush that you can throw out when done will work just fine. Use the brush to loosen the dirt and then vacuum it up with a vacuum attachment.

Clean the screens

If you have regular mesh screens, the best way to clean them is to remove them from the window, wipe down with soapy water and then spray off with a hose. Security screens will have to stay in place, in which case, you can simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.

Leave the really tricky windows to the pros

There’s nothing wrong with cleaning what you are able to, but leaving the really high up and hard to reach windows to the professionals. Windows that require a ladder or are only accessible by roof are best left to a professional who is accustomed to cleaning these sorts of spaces and doing it safely. You can typically hire a professional window cleaner for a relatively affordable price- especially so if they are only doing a few windows.