Ideally, windows should be washed twice a year. It’s not something that most of us look forward to but the reward can definitely make it worth the effort.
Part of what makes window washing such a chore is using improper tools and methods, making an already challenging task more difficult.
Simply spraying with a window cleaner and working it into the glass is not a good idea. You are basically just moving the dirt around from one place to another and putting a static charge on the glass which attracts dust and dirt. Not to mention, you are left with those dreaded streaks.
Here are a few tips that will make those window cleaning efforts worthwhile.
Use the proper tools: Strip applicator, sponge, squeegee, lint free rag or microfibre cloth, chamois, cleaning solution (warm water with a squirt of dishwashing soap (not too many suds!).
Your method makes a difference: For larger windows, the long cloth head of a strip applicator soaks up a lot of soapy water and knocks dirt loose without scratching the glass.
Starting at the top left, pull the squeegee over the soapy pane in a reverse-S pattern. At the end of each stroke, wipe the blade of the squeegee clean with a lint-free rag.
Remove any water remaining on the edges of the glass with a damp, wrung-dry chamois, which soaks up wetness without leaving streaks. Dry the windowsill with a rag.
A handheld sponge or hog-bristle brush works best on mult-ipane or smaller windows. Rub each pane from left to right, top to bottom, working the sponge edges or brush bristles into the corners to loosen dirt.
Using a small squeegee, pull down each pane in a single stroke from top to bottom. After each stroke, clean the blade with a rag so it doesn’t leave streaks. Remove any streaks on the glass with a chamois, and dry the frames and sill with a rag.