Window Cleaning is the process of washing windows using a scrub brush, soapy solution and squeegee. Window cleaners also remove spider webs and install spikes or netting to prevent birds from nesting.
Avoid cleaning windows on a hot sunny day, since the cleaner will dry onto the glass and cause streaks. To reduce the risk of this, begin at the top of the window and clean a narrow strip from corner to corner to create a clean starting point for your horizontal strokes. Visit https://www.martinipressurewashing.com/irvine-pressure-washing to learn more.
If you’re going to clean windows yourself, it’s essential that you get a high quality squeegee and the best cleaning solution for your money. You can find these at any large hardware store, but a shop that specialises in window cleaning supplies is even better.
Before you start working, you need to remove any heavy buildup from the glass and frames. This can include dust, dirt, salt spray, smoke, film, bird droppings and other debris. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge.
Next, mix your cleaning solution. You can use anything from a mild soap to a commercial glass cleaning product. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label and to test it in an inconspicuous area first. Once the solution is ready, dip a sponge in and fully saturate it. You can also use a scrub brush, but be careful that you don’t scratch the glass or damage the frame.
When you begin cleaning, avoid smears by using small, overlapping strokes. This will give your windows a professional finish. Be especially careful when wiping around the edges of the windows, as this is often where most smears occur. If you see any streaks, you can buff them out with a dry microfiber cloth.
After you finish cleaning the glass, don’t forget to wipe down the window frames. This will ensure that the wood isn’t damaged by any overspray of cleaning solution and it will help to keep the window looking its best.
Finally, if there are any marks on the glass that didn’t come off with your cleaning solution, you can try a little rubbing alcohol to lift them. It’s important to do this quickly and thoroughly, as any stains will be set in when the water evaporates.
It’s also a good idea to wipe down the squeegee and any rags that you’ve used to remove any solution residue. Then you can hang them up to dry. If you’ve used a commercial cleaning solution, be sure to rinse out your bucket and sprayer too.
Cleaning the Frames
Using a brush, broom or hand-held vacuum, remove loose dirt from frames before wet cleaning. This can save a lot of work by avoiding the need to scrub or scrape stuck-on dirt and grime. A good scrubbing with hot soapy water is usually all that’s needed to clean a frame, although stubborn spots might require mineral spirits or a stiff brush. The same scrubbing and cleaning procedure should be used to clean window sills, too.
If the frames and grids are glazed, a damp cloth can be used to wipe off any dust or debris that has collected. Wet cleaner should not be applied to the glazing, since it could cause permanent damage. Once the frames, grids and hardware are clean, they should be rinsed thoroughly. The use of a water hose is usually preferred to a power washer because it’s gentler on the window gaskets and seals.
It’s a good idea to clean the window tracks and metal tilt latches first, using a mild soap solution or a commercial lubricant. This will help prevent the windows from sticking in a closed position, which can be dangerous for people and animals who are trying to escape a fire or flood.
Once all the scrubbing and washing is done, it’s time to start drying the glass. It’s important to dry the windows quickly to avoid drips and streaks.
Streaks are often caused by a buildup of minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium. Using distilled water instead of tap water can help prevent this problem. Also, rinsing the windows with a hose rather than a bucket of water can help prevent the buildup of minerals.
After the windows are cleaned and dried, a final inspection should be made to identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed. This will typically involve examining the windows for signs of moisture in the corners or on the sills, as well as identifying any areas where scrubbing and washing has been particularly vigorous. This way, a small issue can be identified and dealt with before it becomes a big problem that needs costly repair or replacement.
Cleaning the Screens
As the name implies, these screens help prevent flying insects and pests from entering the home. They can get dirty, though, from dust and grime that clings to the slats and catches airborne dander. To keep them clean, you can spray them with water and wipe them down with a dry lint-free cloth. To remove stubborn or sticky residue, a quick dip in some rubbing alcohol, applied with a clean cloth, should do the trick.
If the frames and sills are a little dingy, you can also use a damp cloth to wipe them down and remove dust. If there are greasy spots, try applying some liquid dish soap to the cloth and scrubbing. A bit of rubbing alcohol sprayed directly on the spot, if it’s really tough, can also do the trick.
Some professional window cleaners use a solution of white vinegar and distilled or bottled water to wash windows. This helps cut through hard water mineral deposits that cause streaks. Others may use a commercial product designed to remove hard water stains, or even add a bit of rubbing alcohol to the mixture for a more powerful cleaning action.
Another way to avoid streaks is by using a de-ionized water sprayer or pure water cleaning system, which uses purified or distilled water that doesn’t contain any ions. This method allows the glass to dry without leaving streaks or spots.
While the best and most cost-effective way to keep your windows clean is regular cleaning, you can make things easier for yourself with these smart tricks. Jennings recommends cleaning your exterior windows once a year in the spring, and interior windows weekly or monthly. She also suggests you regularly clean the slats of window blinds, as they collect dander and other icky gunk.
Depending on the situation, you might need to call in additional services, such as removing spider webs or installing spikes and netting to discourage birds from nesting around your windows. These extras can make a big difference in the appearance of your home and can improve safety, especially in an emergency evacuation.
Cleaning the Windowsills
Dirty windows can block out the sun’s free rays that produce natural heat. When this happens, homeowners have to crank up the thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature. Regular window cleaning helps prevent this problem and will keep a home or office more energy-efficient.
Window cleaners use a variety of tools to clean the glass and frames of a window. They often start by using a sponge or a T-bar wand to get the window wet with a cleaning solution. Once the cleaning solution is applied, the professionals usually wipe down the windows with a squeegee. They change out squeegee blades regularly to avoid streaking. They also use a scraper and rags to remove caked-on grime.
A cleaning solution can be a household soap, white vinegar or commercial hard water stain remover. Professionals choose the right cleaner for each situation. For example, they may use a vinegar solution to remove water spots from the exterior of a window while commercial hard water stain remover would be more appropriate for the interior of a shower.
Professionals also use de-ionized water. This type of water is lacking in ions and pulls the solids off the windows instead of pushing them around. This method of cleaning can eliminate the need for chemical solutions and leave windows with no water spots or streaks.
Window cleaning services can be performed at a residence or business on a routine basis or at the request of a homeowner or business owner. It is important to establish a routine schedule, as dirt can build up quickly, especially in a busy area or building.
When the windows are cleaned, the allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander that can cause respiratory problems in people and animals are removed. In addition, a clear window allows more sunlight to enter a building which can make rooms feel bigger and brighter. By using the proper cleaners and techniques, a professional can ensure that windows will last longer and look better. This will result in a more comfortable environment for a family, employees and customers.