Spring Cleaning for Crystal Clear Windows

spring flowers with bright light

Spring has fully sprung! With it comes ideal days for planting that garden, long walks with your canine companions, and even tackling those domestic chores that spring up seasonally—like window cleaning.

We’ve got a few top tips for crystal-clear windows when it’s spring-cleaning time.

Assemble Your Cleaning Supplies

For any type of spring cleaning, it’s essential to have the right cleaning supplies. A few items for your supply list for window cleaning include but are not limited to:

  • Microfiber cloths
  • Commercial glass cleaner spray (or make your own)
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Shop-vac or vacuum with an extendable wand
  • Step stool or ladder (depending on how high the windows are)
  • Dawn dish detergent plus warm water (for washing screens)
  • Garden hose
  • Cleaning buddy (especially important if you’re climbing a step stool or ladder)

Here’s an easy recipe for a DIY glass cleaner: In a spray bottle, combine two cups of water with one-half cup white vinegar and one-quarter cup rubbing alcohol (70-percent concentration).

Be Chemical Aware

Not all homes are constructed with the same materials and not all cleaning agents are benign. Be aware that some chemicals in various cleaners may not be safe for wood or certain metal hinges and locks. Always cover areas that you don’t want to be affected by harsh cleaners.

Best Tools and How to Use Them

The squeegee is one of the most important window cleaning tools. Make sure you have a squeegee with a sturdy handle and wide blade. Its purpose isn’t to remove dirt from the windows but to remove the water used in the cleaning process.

  • Always start at the top of the glass and work your way downward
  • Make it one non-stop movement
  • Start again at the top, but slightly overlap the previous stroke
  • Make another long, one-stop movement all the way to the bottom of the window
  • Repeat this process until all the water has been removed from the glass

Remove Dust, Dirt, and Debris First

Dry clean first; wet clean second. Dust, dirt, and other debris should be removed from the windows, frames, and window wells before any water touches the glass surface. If you skip this step, you end up with a muddy mess. A vacuum or soft-bristle brush works well for this step.

Streak-Free for the Win

A microfiber cloth and squeegee are two tools to use for a streak-free clean. We’ve discussed the squeegee, but the microfiber cloth is a bit different. Skip the up/down motions or even the circular motions when going for a crystal clear window. While both are fine for scrubbing off dirt, they’re not your best choice when clearing the streaks. Instead, opt for a “Z” or zigzag pattern of wiping when using a microfiber cloth.

Work with the Weather

It’s tempting to want to wash windows when the sun is shining, but a cloudy day is your best choice. A warm, sunny day dries the window too fast, which can leave a build-up of glass cleaner on the surface. Opt for a cloudy day to clean, and then your windows will be crystal clear when the sun comes out.

Don’t Forget the Screens

Dirty screens will obscure your view, even if the window glass is perfectly clean. Begin by vacuuming or brushing the screens to remove cobwebs, pollen, and dirt. A pressure washer may seem tempting, but it can actually damage the screens and windows. A light spray from the hose plus a mild dish detergent can help remove grime from the screens. Allow them to dry fully before re-installing if you’ve removed the screens for cleaning.

Achieving crystal-clear windows while tackling various spring-cleaning chores may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done. One of the easiest ways to get the job done is to leave it to the professionals at United Window Cleaning. Our pro teams get the job done safely and always with the right tools. Call us today to schedule an appointment.