No one tells you how to clean windows the right way. Which is strange because, really, it isn't that difficult. There’s glass and there's water. And there's your cleaning solution. Easy.
It's not. Nine out of ten houses have streaks on their windows because the people cleaning them are doing it all wrong. Not necessarily the products they are using. The technique.
I have managed housecleaning for a number of years now and have seen too many clients get smudged windows from Windex-and-paper towel jobs. And then blame the cleaner. Sometimes it's understandable. Most of the time it's because of the technique.
This is how you really do it.
Why Your Windows Streak
Two reasons. In order of how much they matter.
The wrong tool. Paper towels leave fibers behind. Kitchen sponges hold way too much water. Old T-shirts leave lint on the glass. Most microfiber cloths are also unsuitable since they are made for other kinds of cleaning and leave micro-streaks.
Wrong timing. Cleaning windows when the sun is shining outside is one of the biggest mistakes one can make while cleaning their windows on a Saturday. The cleaner will dry too quickly and streaks will become visible right when the rays of the sun fall onto them.
What Actually Works: The Squeegee Method
This is how commercial window cleaners get glass to look invisible. It's not complicated. It's just not what people do at home.
You need three things:
- A proper squeegee. Ettore is the traditional one; costs about $20 at Bunnings. Buy either 35 cm or 45 cm depending on the size of your windows.
- Warm water in a bucket
- A tiny amount of dish soap. One quarter teaspoon in 4 litres of water. That’s it. Nothing else.
Drench the whole window in soapy water using a sponge or a cloth. Really drench, not just spray.
Then squeegee from top to bottom in a single motion. From one corner at the top first. Then pull the squeegee horizontally for 20 cm creating a dry strip. Next, turn the squeegee and run it vertically down the newly-created wet line. About 3 cm overlap for each vertical swipe.
Dry the squeegee blade after each swipe with lint-free cloth. This step is important. Water on the blade means streaks.
Finally, do corners and edges with a dry microfiber cloth.That's all there is to it. It takes about a minute per pane after you've practiced a couple of times.
Sunlight Is the Enemy
Windows should be cleaned in the morning if they face east and, in the afternoon, if they face west. Cloudy days are ideal for the whole house.
If you have to clean a west-facing window at 3pm in summer, at least close the blinds and work in the shade of your own shadow. And work fast.
Frame Cleaning & Track Cleaning: The Bit Nobody Does
You clean the glass. Fine.But if you haven't taken care of the frames, then you still have problems.
Cleaning aluminium frames means using warm water and a little soap. Microfibre cloth is all you need. Nothing else and no vinegar or other acid on aluminium.
Timber frames need a different approach. Warm water and immediate drying with a soft cloth.Older painted timber frames sometimes have pre-1970 paint underneath the current top coat, and aggressive scrubbing can expose it.
Tracks (the horizontal channels at the bottom of sliding windows and doors) get filled up with sand and dead insects. Especially if you live close to the ocean. Vacuuming first, using a crevice tool. Followed by cleaning with a stiff brush and warm soapy water. Then wipe down with a damp cloth. Takes just ten minutes per track.
Screens Ruin Everything
You can clean the glass perfectly and if the screen behind it is dirty, the entire window will look dirty from the inside
Take screens off. Clean them using a hose on the outside. Use a soft brush for cleaning them with soap and water in case they are really dirty. Rinse the screens and leave them to dry completely before you put them back.
If a screen is torn or bent, replace it. A ripped screen ruins the look no matter how clean it is.
Second-Storey Windows
This is where most people should stop trying to DIY.
SafeWork NSW's Working at Heights information is worth reading. The majority of serious falls and fatalities occur from a height of four metres or less – roughly one story high. A homeowner who uses an extension ladder for a two-storey building to clean his windows is taking some serious risks.
Options for two-storey windows.
Water-fed pole systems. An extendable pole with a soft-bristle brush that is water-fed with purified water. Clean your windows from the ground. Domestic versions cost around $200 to $400. Professional models used by the pros are longer and lighter but cost much more.
Hire a professional. A professional window cleaning service costs between $250 and $450, depending on size of the house and access. Twice per year is a decent frequency. Much cheaper than a visit to the hospital.
Frequency
Interior glass every 6-8 weeks if you have a high traffic home with children or pets. Otherwise once every 3 months.
Exterior glass twice per year if you are an inland property owner. Once every quarter if you live on the coast due to salt film forming much faster there.
When to Get Someone Else to Do It
Look, some people love this stuff. Genuinely enjoy Saturday morning window cleaning. Fair play to you.
Others do not. If you have double level windows, or too large glass area, or back problems – you should definitely hire someone else. Or if you simply hate the task.
Our general cleaning service includes interior windows as part of the standard scope. Exterior and second-storey glass is a separate booking. Book online or give us a shout.
