Window Cleaning Like A Pro
Scott Hares
Is it smoked glass, or is it just dirty? Cleaning a home
window is not an easy job. Anyone who has a cleaner visit
every other week has probably asked - how much to do the
windows? - and been shocked by the cost.
The idea of spending the weekend cleaning windows is not too
exciting. But with a few tips and techniques can become a
breeze of a job. And the clarity will amaze once those smog
shaded windows become as clear as can be.
The trick is in knowing the secrets the pros use. It's not
always a fancy cleaner concoction either. The cleaning supply
window washers use is often just Soapy warm water, which can
clean a window as well as expensive products can. The best
trick is to make life easier by cleaning smarter.
A tool belt is a great way to ease the load. You can buy one at
the local hardware store, or even fashion one on your own.
Instead of breaking your back to bend over for one tool after
the other, your tool belt keeps everything within easy reach in
an instant.
Any homeowner can make this job a breeze. Quality tools make a
big difference. A squeegee with stainless steel or brass
channel is desirable. And means of disposable rubber blades are
a requirement. Cheep squeegees are disposable, and cost more in
the long run. If you clean your windows only once a year - a
quality squeegee with replaceable rubber blades will make the
job much easier.
A squeegee with a blade between 12 and 18 inches wide is
preferred. Make sure a supply of rubber blades for your
preferred brand of squeegee is readily available at a local
store. One with a telescoping handle is desirable, particularly
if you have a two story home with windows that need cleaning for
the first time in a long time.
The weather can be a factor when achieving good results. If the
weather is too hot or dry, your cleaning solution can dry,
leaving streaks. Pending rain would not be good either. Cool
weather is the best condition for good window cleaning results.
The cleaning supply window cleaners use most is ammonia based.
Ammonia will dry quickly leaving no films to streak. If your
squeegee includes a scrubber, it can help tell you when areas
that need scrubbing are clean because you can feel the texture
go from coarse to smooth as you scrub.
Before starting your window washing project, make sure to dust
away dead bugs, dust, or cobwebs. Grit from these things can
scratch windows or leave mud streaks leading to extra work.
It's best to develop a squeegee strategy. Whether you use
horizontal strokes or vertical ones, make sure you go in the
same direction with each stroke. Make sure to overlap the
previous stroke by an inch or two. Use a clean, lint free rag
to wipe the squeegee dry after each stroke so you don't drip
dirty water onto an area you've already squeegeed.
It's really simple once you get the hang of it. As with most
things, the preparation is the most important part in making a
tiresome task easy - and you into a window cleaning pro with
clear, streak free windows.
About The Author: Scott Hares writes for
http://vinyl-window.net A free
informational resource for
anyone considering a new double page vinyl windows in their
home.
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