Use Your Squeegie Like A Pro

Most of us would confess that washing our windows is one of those big chores that seem to take a ton of time and even more motivation to get started. But whether we like the job or not, we have to admit that nothing brightens a living space as well as crystal clear, streak free windows.

Part of what makes window washing such a chore is that homeowners insist on doing it with wadded-up paper towels or newspaper, spray cleaner, and a ton of elbow grease. So what’s the secret to getting the job done as fast and easy as possible? Using a squeegee is a must.  Here are a few tips on how to use one like a pro.

If there is excess water along the edges of the window after using a squeegee, blot and remove with a dry, microfiber cloth. Be extra careful not to smear it over the freshly-cleaned area. Never attempt to squeegee clean a window in direct sunlight. It is almost guaranteed to leave streaks. It’s a good idea to wash the inside of windows first. Because the exterior of your windows collect much more dirt and residue from the outside environment, cleaning the outside will dirty your tools and water much faster. So start with the insides of the windows first and then finish the job with the outside. Between squeegee strokes, it’s a good idea to wipe off the excess water on the blade. Otherwise, you could start each stroke with a streak that will require additional effort to clear off later. Try using a side to side, fluid squeegee path, angling the blade when approaching the edges to start the turn at the edge. Then, round the pass along the edge and start back to the other side. With the proper technique, it’s possible to squeegee off an entire pane of glass in one fluid motion limiting the possibility of streaking and residue. Remember: practice makes perfect. When cleaning windows inside your home, always put an old towel down underneath the window to excess catch drips.

To clean smaller multi pane windows, you need a squeegee that fits within the panes. It’s a good idea to have a smaller width squeegee on hand to breeze through your smaller, multi pane windows.

• Scrubbing down the smaller panes: A handheld sponge usually works best on multipane windows. Use the sponge to scrub each pane from left to right, top to bottom, working the sponge edges into the corners to loosen the dirt and grime.
• Use the squeegee to finish the job: Pull the squeegee down each pane in a single stroke from top to bottom. After each stroke, clean the blade with a dry cloth so it does not hold excess water and leave streaks. As in larger windows, remove any remaining water or moisture at the edges of the glass with a dry, lint free microfiber towel. Be sure to wipe the windowsill and area below the window clean, too.