Tips for Washing Windows

Washing your home’s windows may not be your favourite chore, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some simple tips for washing windows that will have them sparkling clean in no time.

Skip the fancy cleaners

The simplest and most effective way to clean your windows is with a gallon of water and a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. This mixture cuts through grease and grime easily, and you almost certainly have some in your kitchen, so you can wash your windows any time.

Use a strip applicator

A strip applicator with a sponge on the end lets you cover more area at once. Some have a scrubber on one side to combat stuck on dirt and debris, and others are made as a combination sponge/squeegee. They’re more effective than rags and can help speed up the process.

Use a squeegee

A squeegee with replaceable rubber strips will prove to be an invaluable window washing tool for years if you maintain it. This device helps shear the water and soap off the window after you’ve applied the soapy water to it. It’s the single most effective way to remove the water and get a clearer shine.

Start from the top

Always start from the top of the window and pull your applicator and squeegee from one side to the other, then pick up the tool and repeat slightly lower down on the window. This helps prevent dirty water from dripping down and dirtying parts of the window that you’ve already cleaned.

Watch the weather

Avoid cleaning your windows on a windy day because damp windows are magnets for dust and debris that are blowing on the wind. Avoid washing them in direct sunlight because the sun can dry the soapy water on the surface of the window, creating a grimy look.

Finish with microfiber

An absorbent microfiber cloth will provide a sleek, dry finish, so your windows will look sparklingly great for longer.