Professional window cleaners use a variety of cleaning solutions. Some are all-in-one products that clean, shine, and protect windows in a single step.
For indoor and easily reachable exterior windows, many pros favor a scrubber and squeegee setup. But for hard-to-reach exterior windows, they use a water-fed pole system that extends their reach and supplies a continuous stream of water. Read on to learn more.
Concentrated solutions
Using professional-grade cleaning solutions that are specially formulated for glass and windows, window cleaners can get impressive results in a short amount of time. These cleaners may be able to help with hard water marks and stains, as well as removing dirt that has become stuck on the glass over time.
To clean your windows without any chemicals at all, simply use a dry lint-free cloth to remove any dust from the glass surface before you start cleaning. A microfiber cloth is ideal for this, but you can also use a surgical towel or common bath towel.
Another option is to mix water with liquid dish soap (Dawn works well) in a plastic bucket and spray it onto the exterior surfaces of your windows. This solution will help with any stubborn stains or streaking and will be very cost-efficient. The squeegee will then remove the excess water and soap, leaving the glass clear of any contaminants.
Ammonia or alcohol-based solutions
Professional window cleaners often use ammonia or alcohol-based solutions for their cleaning power and ability to eliminate streaks. Some of these solutions can produce strong odors that may be irritating to those working in close quarters, so they should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
Another option is to combine white distilled vinegar, water, lemon juice, and essential oils. This natural solution is both eco-friendly and effective, but it is not as effective as commercial products.
To make this solution, simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to windows with a cloth. Once you’ve cleaned the windows, use a squeegee to remove the excess water and leave behind a streak-free finish. It’s important to clean the windows in sections so that you don’t accidentally smear your hard work. Using ladder pads and a stable stance will also help to avoid scratching the windows when reaching high up.
Scrubber and squeegee
Professional window cleaners use a scrubber and squeegee to remove dirt and debris from windows. This is a fast and efficient way to clean glass, ensuring that the surface is dry and free of streaks.
The scrubber breaks down grease and grime, which allows the squeegee to glide smoothly over the surface. Some window cleaners also use a degreaser, which can be found at many hardware stores and cleaning supplies suppliers.
The squeegee is a flat rubber blade that is used to remove soapy water from a glass surface. It is usually backed with a sponge that can soak up soapy water from a bucket for easier application. Some squeegees have long handles like push brooms and are used to clean floors. Others are specifically designed for use on windows and have a T-bar handle with a rubber blade slot at the top. Most professional squeegees are stowed in a holster or on a belt so that they are easily accessible when the window cleaner is working on a ladder.
Goof Off
If you’re looking for a product that will clean windows quickly, look no further than Goof Off. It has a reputation for being the best adhesive remover around and can handle a wide variety of messes and residue that other cleaning solutions cannot. It also comes in a variety of forms, including liquid, spray gel, aerosol, applicator pen, and clean-up wipes.
In addition to removing sticky mess and residue, Goof Off can be used to tackle dried latex paint, caulk, asphalt tar, stickers, ink, markers, graffiti, duct tape, dirt, bugs, and tree sap. It is safe to use on baseboards, metal, glass, brick, concrete, wood, and fully cured varnished surfaces.
Using a microfiber washer sleeve rather than paper towels will trap more dust and lint, which will create a smooth surface that squeegees can effortlessly glide across. Professionals typically apply the cleaner directly to the sleeve, rather than spraying it on the window itself. This helps prevent any solution from contacting the wood, fiberglass, or vinyl frames, which can discolor them. Click here for the next blog post.
