How To Wash Windows?
QUICK ANSWER
Wash windows by mixing 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Spray onto the glass, then squeegee in S or reverse-S patterns from top to bottom. Wipe the squeegee edge with a clean cloth between each stroke. Wash on a cloudy day to prevent the solution from drying before you can squeegee.
Window washing seems simple but the pro techniques produce dramatically better results than the paper-towel-and-Windex approach most homeowners use. The squeegee method (used by professional window cleaners) leaves no streaks when done right. The trick is the right cleaning solution, the right tool (a quality squeegee), and the right technique. Here is how to get streak-free windows in less time than you spent struggling with paper towels.
What is the best window cleaning solution?
Skip Windex and other commercial glass cleaners; the soap residue causes streaking and attracts more dust. The pro recipe: 1 cup white vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of warm water (for an outdoor bucket), or a few squirts of dish soap (Dawn) in a gallon of water (alternative). For convenience, mix in a spray bottle for smaller jobs. The vinegar or dish soap cuts through grease and dirt; the water rinses everything off without leaving residue. This solution costs almost nothing compared to commercial cleaners and works better.
How do you wash without streaks?
Use a quality squeegee (Ettore brand is standard for pros, 10 to 30 dollars at hardware stores) and a clean microfiber cloth. Spray the cleaning solution generously on the glass. Place the squeegee against the glass at the top corner. Pull horizontally across the window, then lift and start the next stroke at the side opposite where you ended. Continue in a reverse-S pattern down the window. Wipe the squeegee edge with a clean cloth after each stroke to remove dirty water. Use the cloth to dry the edges and any small spots the squeegee missed. The whole process leaves no streaks.
How do you clean screens?
Remove the screens from the windows. Lay flat on the lawn or driveway. Spray with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and dust. Mix a bucket of warm soapy water (dish soap). Scrub the screens with a soft brush in gentle circular motions, covering both sides. Rinse thoroughly with the hose. Stand the screens up against a wall or fence to dry completely (1 to 2 hours). For very dirty screens or those with stuck-on debris, scrub more aggressively or use a screen cleaning brush sold at hardware stores. Replace any screens with holes or significant damage.
What about exterior windows?
Exterior windows have more dirt accumulation than interior windows: pollen, bird droppings, water spots, mineral residue from sprinklers. Use the same vinegar-water solution but pre-rinse with the hose to remove loose dirt and bird droppings. For heavy buildup, scrub with a soft brush first. Use a long-handled squeegee or an extension pole for high windows. Wash on a cloudy day or in early morning shade; direct sun on the glass causes the cleaning solution to dry too fast and creates streaks regardless of technique. For multi-story homes, professional window cleaning is safer than reaching from a ladder.
Professional window washing uses vinegar-water solution and a squeegee in S patterns. The squeegee plus quality cloth eliminates the streaks that paper towels and Windex create. Wash on cloudy days. Clean screens separately with a hose and soft brush. For high or upper-story windows, professional cleaners are safer than DIY ladder work. With proper technique, washing windows takes less time than the paper towel approach and produces dramatically better results.
More General Cleaning & Chemistry Questions
Mystery Question?
Mystery Question?
Mystery Question?