Dirty windows have many drawbacks. Besides aesthetics, which is an important matter, window cleanliness affects health, energy efficiency, access to natural light, and well-being. Dirty windows due to pollutants and dust on them, can lead to a deterioration of indoor air quality, which can cause allergies or respiratory diseases.
Clean windows allow for greater sunlight penetration, which affects the amount of natural light entering the room. Natural light is essential for the proper functioning of humans, animals and plants. Dirt that accumulates for a longer period is also more difficult to remove and affects the correct and safe use of windows. Pollutants that accumulate on windows, which aren’t regularly removed, can cause damage to the window frames. Clean glass and frames will retain their properties and good condition longer.
There are many commercial window cleaning products and many ways to make cleaning solutions at home. The window cleaning process may seem easy but many people make mistakes. Therefore, it’s worth knowing tips and techniques that will help achieve the expected results in an easy and quick way.
In this article, we will present window cleaning products, a plan and tips for washing windows as well as common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
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Window Cleaning Products – Which Ones to Choose?
The basics needed for cleaning windows include:
- sponge – for applying water with detergent or window cleaning solution to the windows
- non-shedding cloths or small towels – for drying the squeegee during cleaning and the windows after washing. Choose those that don’t leave fibers or other contaminants on the glass surface
- rubber squeegee – for wiping water from glass surfaces. The size of the rubber squeegee depends on the size of the window – a 20 centimeter squeegee is suitable for cleaning small windows, a 30 centimeter squeegee for medium windows, a 40 centimeter squeegee for large windows
- bucket – preferably plastic with a capacity of 12-15 liters
- ladder and ladder stabilizer – may be necessary for cleaning windows located at higher parts of the building. It’s worth remembering about safety and using a ladder stabilizer to ensure stable and safe work
Window cleaning solutions:
- window cleaning solution available in stores – have degreasing properties, remove dirt and stains from windows
- water and vinegar mixture – a natural cleaning agent that effectively removes greasy deposits and stains and leaves shiny windows. Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a bucket
- water and dish soap mixture – dish soap can be effective in cleaning windows. Mix 25 ml of dish soap with 8 liters of water in a bucket
- ammonia and water mixture – caution must be exercised when using this mixture as ammonia is a strong chemical that can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Before use wear protective gloves and a mask on your face and ensure good room ventilation. Mix about half a cup of ammonia with about 4 liters of water and apply the mixture to the windows with a soft cloth or sponge. Then wipe the windows. It’s important to remember that when using an ammonia and water solution, it’s recommended to avoid mixing it with other cleaning solutions, especially those containing bleach, as it can create a toxic gas. Additionally, it’s important to avoid using ammonia on tinted windows as it can cause the tint to fade or discolor.
- water, white or apple cider vinegar and 70% concentration alcohol mixture – mix 2 cups of water, half a cup of white or apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of 70% concentration alcohol. Apply the mixture to the window with a soft cloth or sponge and wipe until the dirt and stains are removed
Cleaning windows – plan and tips
Window cleaning plan
Cleaning windows can be time-consuming but with a few simple tips you can do it quickly and effectively.
- Before starting to clean the windows remove the curtains and objects that may obstruct the window cleaning process.
- Place a towel under the window to prevent spilled liquids from flooding the floor.
- Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the window surface and ensure that it’s dry and free of dust.
- Start by washing the window frame with warm water and the selected cleaning solution.
- Apply the window cleaning solution evenly on the window using a sponge or dispenser.
- Use a rubber squeegee – starting from the top of the window and gradually moving down to the bottom. Then wipe the rubber squeegee with a cloth to remove excess water and prevent streaks on the glass.
- Clean the windows at every angle to clean all edges and every glass element – moving the rubber squeegee horizontally over the glass or making vertical strokes, placing the squeegee at an angle to direct excess water towards the uncleared part of the window.
- Use a clean cloth or towel to dry the window.
Tips for cleaning difficult-to-clean windows:
Paint stains:
- paint solvent – gently rub the paint stains with a cloth soaked in paint solvent. When they are removed wipe the window with clean water
- wire brush – use a wire brush to carefully scrape dry paint stains from the window. Be careful not to damage the glass
- hot water and dishwashing liquid – gently rub the paint stains with a sponge or cloth soaked in hot water with dishwashing liquid until they are removed
Labels:
- solvent – apply some solvent (acetone or alcohol) to the label and wait a few minutes. Then gently scrape off the label with a knife or plastic spatula. Remove any remaining glue with a sponge or cloth soaked in solvent
- soap and water – soak the label in warm water with dishwashing liquid or soap and wait a few minutes. Then gently scrape off the label with a knife or plastic spatula. Remove any remaining glue with a sponge or cloth soaked in soapy water
Tree sap:
- alcohol or solvent – apply a few drops of alcohol or solvent to a sponge or cloth and gently rub the tree sap until it is removed. Then wipe the window with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning agent
- warm water and soap – soak a sponge or cloth in warm water with dishwashing liquid or soap. Apply it to the tree sap and gently rub it until it is removed. Then wipe the window with clean water
- lemon juice or vinegar – apply a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar to a sponge or cloth and gently rub the tree sap. Leave it for a few minutes. Then wipe the window with clean water
Insect and bird droppings:
- soap and water – soak a cloth in warm water with dishwashing liquid or soap and gently wipe the window. If necessary, it’s worth wiping it a few times
- vinegar – apply some vinegar to the droppings and wait a few minutes. Then gently wipe the window with a cloth
It’s important to remember that some cleaning agents and techniques can damage the surface of the window or its frame. Always test each agent on a small and inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire window. It’s also important to protect your skin and eyes from exposure to chemicals. Therefore, we recommend wearing eye and hand protection when using cleaning agents.
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Common mistakes during window cleaning and how to avoid them
Streaks
Streaks on windows are a common problem due to dirt and pollution. Improper cleaning can leave even more streaks which only worsens the problem. That’s why it’s important to follow window cleaning tips and use the right products and techniques.
It’s crucial to use the right cleaning solutions that will dissolve dirt and leave the surface streak-free.
After applying the cleaning solution wipe the window thoroughly with a soft cloth to achieve a perfectly clean surface. This way your windows will always be clean.
Using inappropriate tools
Taking care of clean windows requires proper equipment. Many people make the mistake of using inappropriate items and tools to clean their windows which can damage the glass and leave scratches. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with what not to use.
Materials that should not be used are abrasive and those that leave fibers on windows. It’s not recommended to use steel wool, old rags, low-quality paper towels or newspapers. Choose suitable window cleaning tools such as soft, fiber-free cloths or sponges.
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Some detergents and cleaning agents may contain ingredients that can damage the glass and leave difficult-to-remove marks. Read product labels and make sure that the materials used are safe to use on windows.
Excessive dripping and too much water
Excessive dripping and using too much water is a common problem when cleaning windows.
Excess water can leave streaks and stains on windows making it difficult to clean and achieve the desired effect.
To avoid this problem use a moderate amount of water while cleaning and remove excess with a cloth or squeegee.
Choosing the right day and weather to clean windows
Weather conditions have a big impact on the effectiveness of window cleaning. It’s best to choose a cloudy and dry day.
Don’t clean windows in direct sunlight as they will dry too quickly and streaks will remain.
Wind can make window cleaning difficult due to dust and dirt that may accumulate on the glass surface during cleaning.
Spraying cleaning solution on dirt and dust
Before starting to clean windows it’s important to make sure that dirt and dust from the windows and frames have been removed. This way you can avoid mixing dirt and dust with the cleaning solution and creating a dirty paste that makes cleaning more difficult and time-consuming.
It’s better to first remove dust and dirt from the window and then apply a small amount of cleaning solution to a damp cloth and wipe the glass surface.
Saving on the amount of cleaning solution
If windows are very dirty a large amount of cleaning solution is needed to dissolve and clean the dirt.
Use the appropriate amount of cleaning solution and then wipe it off with a soft cloth.
Why is it worth outsourcing window cleaning to a professional company?
Professional companies have professional equipment
Companies specializing in window cleaning have high-quality equipment that allows for thorough and effective cleaning of windows, frames and sills. This allows customers to enjoy clean windows for a long time. Professional window cleaning tools and techniques allow for safe service delivery at heights which is important when cleaning windows in high-rise buildings. By outsourcing window cleaning to a professional company, customers can be sure that their windows will be thoroughly cleaned.
Employees of professional companies have skills and experience
By outsourcing window cleaning to a professional company you can be sure that your windows will be cleaned by employees with the right skills and experience. Professional company employees have the knowledge and skills to clean windows thoroughly and effectively without damaging their surfaces.
Excess of duties
Window cleaning is a task that requires time, proper equipment and skills. When you have many other duties and lack time, it’s worth outsourcing this task to a professional company. The employees of such a company have the right equipment, experience and skills to perform the job quickly and effectively. This will save you time and allow you to focus on other important matters.
Health problems
If you are struggling with health problems cleaning windows may be difficult or impossible. It’s then worth considering outsourcing this task to a professional company. By using the services of a professional company you can enjoy clean windows, take care of your health and avoid dangerous situations.
Using the help of a cleaning company – Mistcont offer
In our offer, you will find:
- house cleaning – one-time and cyclical
- cleaning before moving in and after moving out
- commercial cleaning
- disinfection
We provide cleaning services in:
- Bloomingdale
- Clarendon Hills
- Elmhurst
- Highland Park
- Itasca
- Oak Brook
- Oak Park
- Park Ridge
- River Forest
- Willowbrook
Contact us with Mistcont.