Professionals use a sponge, a squeegee with a long pole handle (if necessary) and cloths or chamois to clean windows. They work on one pane at a time and wipe them horizontally and vertically.
They may spray a vinegar and water solution or a commercial window cleaner on the glass, and then sluice it off with a squeegee. They wipe the squeegee blade clean after each stroke and dry the sill with a soft cloth or lint free rag. To learn more, visit https://www.martinipressurewashing.com/.
A clean window is a wonderful thing, but it takes more than just a little soap and water to get there. Professionals use a variety of cleaning solutions and techniques to achieve the best results, especially for high-rise buildings where there are often many windows.
First, they may use a broom or dusting brush to remove as much dirt as possible from the frames and sills. They may then wash the frames with a solution of mild detergent or specialist cleaner for uPVC windows. For tough dirt or grime, a soft sponge or even a bit of scouring powder can be helpful. If the frames are particularly grubby, they might need to be scrubbed by hand before being rinsed and allowed to dry.
After washing the frame, they might wipe it with a microfiber cloth dampened with a solution of vinegar and water or a commercial cleanser. Then they might move onto the glass, washing it a section at a time to avoid letting the soap suds dry and leaving streaks. Depending on the type of glass, they might follow this by drying it with a lint-free cloth or sponge or, for a more sparkling result, a chamois.
Once the glass is clean, they might repeat the process with the frames and squeegee the window. They might also use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe any drips off the edges of the glass and dry it with a lint-free towel or newspaper pages.
For larger picture windows, they might use a technique called the snake, which involves pulling the squeegee across the window in one long stroke. Starting at an upper corner, they might work their way down to the opposite lower corner, overlapping each stroke slightly and wiping the rubber edge of the squeegee on the towel after each pass.
They might repeat this whole process for every pane in the window, checking carefully for streaks before moving on to the next area. For a final polish, they might dip a clean microfiber cloth or chamois into a mug of cold tea, as seen on some cleaning groups. It’s said that the tannins in the tea help to break down any residual soap suds, so the window will shine without leaving a mark.
Window Cleaning Equipment
Professional window cleaning equipment includes tools like squeegees, scrubbers, and cleaning solutions. Professional squeegees have metal frames and replaceable rubber blades for long-lasting use. They come in different sizes for the various windows you clean, and a few specialty blades for stubborn stains. To keep your supplies organized, consider holsters and belts that hold all of your cleaning materials for easy access. You’ll also need a bucket for your cleaning solution, and be sure to choose one that fits the size of your squeegees and other tools.
Ladders are another important piece of window cleaning equipment, and be sure to select a sturdy ladder that is safe to use on uneven surfaces. For high-rise buildings, you may need to add ladder stabilizers to make the job safer and more efficient. You should also invest in a window washing solution that is effective on grease and grime. For example, a commercial dish soap like Dawn or Palmolive mixed with water can tackle most exterior window stains without requiring the use of harsh chemicals.
If you’re looking for a more advanced tool, try a commercial window washing drone that utilizes soft wash cleaning technology. This method of window washing uses low-pressure water jets and detergents, or a chemical solution like Lucid Clear that leaves a streak-free and spot-free perfect shine for your windows. This window cleaning drone eliminates the need for workers to touch the glass, which reduces the risk of injuries and makes the job much faster and more efficient.
If you’re a professional window cleaner, it’s important to keep up with the latest trends in window cleaning equipment and techniques. Becoming an expert in window cleaning is the best way to guarantee quality results for your clients and stay competitive in the industry. Consider partnering with us today to learn more about how our commercial window cleaning drone can help you streamline your process and take your business to the next level! Reach out to a Squeegee Squad location near you to receive a quote for our commercial window cleaning services. Our teams of experts are standing by to assist you!
Window Cleaning Tips
If you want your windows to shine like new and stay free of streaks, you’ll need to take care not only of the glass but also of the frames. Start by wiping the frames with a damp cloth to remove any dirt that’s stuck. If the frame is stained or discolored, use a bit of mineral spirits on a soft rag to remove any blemishes that won’t come off with plain soapy water.
Once the frames are clean, wipe the window panes, starting from the top down and working over the whole surface. Don’t skip any areas of the glass, and always keep a clean lint-free towel or the rubber blade of your squeegee dry in between passes. This will help prevent drips and a wet film from forming on the glass.
Streaks often occur during the drying process, so it’s important to pay attention to how you dry the glass. To avoid streaks, try to vary the direction you wipe while drying, as this will reduce any build-up of water spots or soap residue.
You should also consider using a microfiber cloth for wiping your windows, as these are far more effective than paper towels, which can leave behind lint. And if you’re cleaning hard-to-reach or out-of-the-way windows, a telescoping pole with microfiber cloths (such as Ettore’s 6-inch squeegee in our guide to the best window squeegees) will let you reach even the highest parts of your windows without having to teeter on a ladder.
Lastly, if you encounter any stubborn residuals on your glass, such as tree sap, adhesives or other stains, use a bit of fine steel wool to buff them away before washing the window again. Just be careful not to use too much pressure so you don’t scratch the glass. And make sure you’re wearing a dust mask when using the steel wool.
One final tip that Laura shares is to start with the frames first, so you don’t get any dirty water on the clean windows. And if you’re unsure what to use for the frame, don’t be afraid to reach for a quirky cleaning hack that we saw shared on some online forums—a kitchen towel dipped in cold tea should do the trick!
Window Cleaning Solutions
Professional window cleaners use various cleaning solutions to remove dirt and grime from windows without leaving streaks. They also use these products to wash windows and other surfaces, such as mirrors, stainless steel appliances, vinyl siding and doors. They may also clean and polish exterior windows with a soft brush and a soft, lint-free cloth.
The best window cleaning solution is a mixture of liquid dish soap and distilled water, which offers impressive cleaning power with no streaking. Professionals sometimes add rubbing alcohol or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to this solution for an extra boost of cleaning strength, and they may also incorporate cornstarch for added mild abrasive action that breaks down mineral deposits. This type of solution can be found in a variety of commercial and store-bought cleaning products, but it is much cheaper to make at home using household supplies.
Before washing a window, professionals typically sweep the area around it to remove loose dirt and debris. This step helps prevent dirty water from mixing with the dirt and grime on the windows, resulting in sludge and streaks. They may also wipe the frames, hinges and tracks with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth.
Depending on the type of windows, cleaning agents may include liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, or vinegar. Vinegar is an excellent choice for removing grease and other sticky substances, but it can also leave streaks. To reduce the risk of streaks, a diluted mixture of ten parts water to one part white distilled vinegar can be used to clean windows.
Some professional window cleaners also utilize a solution of rubbing alcohol and vinegar, which provides both cleaning power and a quick drying effect. In addition, they may use a mild abrasive, such as baking soda, to help break down hard-water mineral deposits and to scrub stubborn spots.
A few other cleaning products that are often used by professionals include a non-phosphate bowl cleaner, such as AJAX, and hydrochloric acid bleach, which is an effective and powerful degreaser. These products, however, are not recommended for use on finished surfaces, including metal fixtures, paint and furnishings, because they can damage these materials if allowed to soak in too long.