Exterior Window Washing is the occupation of cleaning windows that are hard to reach, often with a ladder. Use a sprayer or bucket to mix a solution of vinegar and water or a commercial window cleaner.
Gather your equipment (paper towels, buckets/sprayer, cleaning solution, a squeegee, and harnessing/safety gear) and position the ladder securely. Read this first!
Squeegee
Nothing gives a home a more polished appearance than clean windows. Cleaning the exterior windows is especially important since there’s a lot of dust from cement, roofing shingles, drywall, and other construction materials that settle in the soil and can get on the window glass.
Using a squeegee to remove the excess water and cleaning solution from the surface of the glass can make for sparklingly clean windows. The most commonly used tool among professional window cleaners is a “Chicago squeegee” — a long-handled device that’s equipped with a single rubber blade.
To achieve the best results, it’s important to use a high-quality squeegee with sharp rubber blades that have been kept in good condition. Also, microfiber cloth is the preferred choice because it doesn’t leave behind lint and leaves streak-free results. A microfiber cloth can also absorb up to six times its own weight in water, making it a fast and efficient way to dry the window frames and sills.
Cleaning Solution
A cleaning solution, such as soap and water or a vinegar and water mixture, can help you eliminate streaks. It’s important to apply it and remove it before it can dry on the window, which happens rapidly when washing outside in direct sunlight.
Start by brushing the windows and frames lightly with a soft-bristled scrub brush to loosen dirt, dust and cobwebs. Then, use a hose to rinse the windows.
If you’re using a power washer, choose one that’s safe for glass and follow the manufacturer’s directions to apply the cleaning solution in an angled, upward motion. After rinsing, wipe down the window frame and sill with a lint-free cloth.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the window, avoiding paper towels that leave globs of disintegrating paper and non-microfiber cloths that create streaks. Wipe in a backward S pattern (if you’re left-handed, begin at the top left corner) and overlap each stroke to avoid leaving drips behind.
Cleaning Cloth
If you want to avoid smudges and streaks on your glass windows, dry them completely with a soft, lint-free towel. Choose towels made from 100% cotton for efficient absorbency and a soft feel that won’t put your window glass at risk for scratches.
You could also use a microfiber towel that’s designed specifically for window cleaning. This type of towel is usually a bit more expensive than standard washcloths, but it offers a superior finish on glass surfaces.
You can purchase these special cloths at home improvement stores or online. Some also offer a dual-texture design with dirt and grime-grabbing corduroy on one side and a silky smooth finish to wipe away streaks on the other. To help you make your choice, read reviews and compare prices to find the best deal. Then you’ll be ready to tackle the windows in your home. Just remember to save this chore for a day when the sun isn’t shining brightly, as this can cause the soapy water to dry too quickly and leave behind streaks.
Rinse
Besides reducing the amount of dust and debris in your building or home, clean windows are attractive to prospective customers for commercial businesses, and they raise property values during a real estate evaluation. Dirty windows are also a major eyesore and can leave damaging scratches over time.
Once you’ve removed loose dirt and other material from the window glass, apply your cleaning solution to the surface of the glass. This can be either a traditional soap and water mixture or a non-toxic cleaning solution made from white vinegar and water.
Dip a sponge or rag in the solution and wipe the glass with horizontal or vertical strokes. If you work horizontally, rinse the squeegee with a lint-free rag between swipes to avoid drips. When you’re finished squeegeing, wipe the edges of the glass with a dry rag to remove any residual cleaning solution. Rinsing is a vital step to prevent streaks and protect the longevity of your windows. Check Out This Info.