Preferably, your windows should be washed twice a year to remain clean and clear, but because of the perception that window repair is very tiring, a lot of people try and put it off for as long as they can because they just don’t look forward to it. The main cause of this problem is the fact that most people are using the wrong tools; from cleaner spray to crumpled up newspaper and elbow grease… no wonder it’s such a labor-intensive activity!
As you’ve probably noticed, all the rubbing you do doesn’t seem to help because as soon as you’re done ‘cleaning’ you find more dirt on the window again, and the reason for this is that the rubbing motion creates a static charge that attracts dust, so while you continue to move it around the window with your crumpled and damp paper towel, you continue to attract even more dirt onto the glass surface.
Here’s a step-by-step method to help you clean your windows more effectively using half of the efforts that you’re currently putting in.
For Large One-Dimensional Windows
Step One: Wash the windows using a strip applicator soaked in a solution of warm water and dishwasher. A strip applicator is the ideal tool for the job because it can easily reach and clean the edges, and will loosen dirt without scratching the glass.
Step Two: Wipe the window from side to side with a squeegee and wipe the end of the squeegee’s blade with a clean cloth after each wipe.
Step Three: Dry the remaining liquid on the window using a clean rag or chamois that you’ve wrung out beforehand.
For Multi-Pane Windows
Step One: Make sure that your squeegee is the right size to clean your windows, especially if you’ve got divided-light windows. You can do this by hacking the excess length away with a hacksaw and file the boundaries until they’re smooth. Do the same for the rubber blade, but use a utility knife this time, to make sure that it’ll be able to fit the length of the window pane.
Step Two: Scrub each pane individually with a bristle brush or sponge using the same mixture of dishwashing soap and warm water. Brush the panes from corner to corner and use your fingers, through the sponge, to loosen any stubborn dirt along the edges and corners. Wipe the windows with your customized squeegee using careful strokes that go from the top to the bottom and back up again.
Persistent Stains
Most windows sustain stubborn stains over time, mostly as a result of dried up hard water or fallen rain, and these stains are often too stubborn to remove when using regular window cleaning methods. You may have considered scrubbing them away with a sturdier tool, but you should be careful about the scratches and damage it would cause. A good median solution would be to use fine 000 steel wool with a bit of oxalic acid to rub away the stain. Clean the stains away with a wet cloth, rinse it and squeegee it again. You can repeat this treatment twice or until the stubborn stains have been removed.