Windows are among the most visible parts of any home. And if you’re looking to sell your home, you’ll want to ensure that every aspect of your house looks pristine, especially your windows. Want to know how to make your windows shine? We asked experts from Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA for their best window cleaning tips to achieve sparkling clean windows. Keep reading to see what they had to say.
1. Ditch the paper towels
To properly clean windows, stop using spray-on products that you use paper towels or newspaper to wipe off. Instead, use a professional squeegee and a microfiber window scrubber. Fill up a bucket with warm or cold water with a little bit of your favorite dish soap, dip the window scrubber in the solution, making sure to fully saturate the microfiber scrubber, then scrub the window and all corners thoroughly before removing the solution with the squeegee. Finally, detail any excess water with a microfiber towel for perfect crystal-clear results. – Window Cleaning Resource
2. Avoid cleaning in the sun
Work in the shade and stay out of the sun. Purchase a mop and squeegee for window cleaning and use a squirt or two of dish soap in 2 gallons of water. Scrub the glass down with the mop and then use the squeegee to clean the glass with a towel below the glass to catch the drips. Also, using a pole is safer and more efficient than getting on a ladder. – AA Window & Gutter Cleaning
3. Use a simple solution of water and dish soap
A simple solution of dish soap and water easily cuts through window dust and grime and provides a slippery surface for your squeegee to slide for a streak-free finish. Opting for a 100 % biodegradable soap will help protect the plants and animals outside as well as children and pets inside. – Seattle Commercial Cleaners
4. Opt for a microfiber cloth to erase fingerprints on a window
A top tip in cleaning your child’s fingerprint marks from the window is to use a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Rub the mark from side to side, applying pressure as you do so. Use a dry part of the microfiber cloth to remove any remaining smears. The glass will now be completely transparent, and the fingerprints should disappear. – Spick & Span Window Cleaning
5. Use the proper technique
Use the right equipment – a simple scrubber and a squeegee are must-haves. Start cleaning in small circular motions with your squeegee for a streak-free shine, and then finish off with a few horizontal and vertical swipes. Don’t clean windows under direct sunlight – overcast skies can help you find streaks faster. – Seattle Window Cleaners
6. Watch out for overspray
Who doesn’t love a beautifully landscaped yard? Keeping your plants healthy and green is the leading cause of hard water spots and overall window degradation for most homeowners. Overspray from sprinklers or direct water from the hose can leave hard watermarks and cause other permanent problems to your windows in as little as one week. A simple way to fix this is to remove any water droplets from your windows and frames after each time you water your plants. – Big City Window Cleaners
7. Replace your squeegee rubber
The most important tool for cleaning a window is a new squeegee rubber. It’s more important than any soap solution. Switch out your squeegee rubber, and the difference will be clear. – Windom Window Cleaning
8. Make sure you have the correct tools
If you opt for DIY window cleaning, make sure you have the right tools. You want a “mop,” as we call it, to wet the window, some 0000 steel wool for light scrubbing, and a good squeegee. You can use a squirt of dish soap in a gallon of clean water to eliminate any harsh lines. – Clean & Clear Home Services
9. Don’t wait for summer to clean your windows
Many people delay having their windows cleaned in the winter and spring because they worry that seasonal rains will mess up the glass. While this may seem logical, it isn’t true. Rain makes dirty windows dirtier by collecting wet dust on the glass, whereas clean windows stay clean. – The Glass Man Window Washing
10. Use dish soap if you’re on a budget
While we always recommend hiring a pro, if you’re a DIY’er on a budget, a microfiber cloth, squeegee, and some dish soap can go a long way. Soak a towel or sponge in the soapy water solution, scrub the window, squeeze, and wipe away residual streaks and water with a clean microfiber. – Keith’s Windows
11. Have scrubbers, squeegees, and lint-free towels on hand when cleaning your windows
If you’re going for streak-free and crystal-clear windows, standard paper towels and commercial window cleaners won’t cut it. Instead, use scrubbers, squeegees, and lint-free towels to completely remove all grime and dirt. Apply the cleaner with a microfiber scrubber and immediately remove the dirty water with a squeegee. Periodically clean your squeegee with a lint-free towel to ensure you’re not just moving dirt around the glass. Then, wipe off any excess water from the window with a clean towel. – Dr. Glass Window Washing
12. Take steps to prevent mold and condensation
Certain conditions can lead to window condensation and mold. When mold is present, it’s often a warning sign that excessive moisture exists inside the house. Condensation on windows is a result of low temperatures on the surface of the glass and high moisture content in the air. To help prevent condensation and window mold, check all windows for smooth operation and increase interior ventilation. Also, make sure to use exhaust fans when showering or cooking. If condensation persists, consider installing a dehumidifier or ceiling fans to improve air circulation. – GHB Window Cleaning
13. If you need some extra elbow grease, call in the pros
We often don’t realize just how dirty our windows are and what an impact clean windows can have on the sale of a property. Some sellers may be on the fence about having a professional window cleaning before listing. However, a professional window cleaning company ensures both sides of the windows are clean and streak-free, helping you sell your home faster and for top dollar. – T&P Cleaning
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