How to Clean Your Windows without a Professional

It’s that time of year once again where we all like to attempt to get the house in order and start those odd jobs we’ve been putting off for better weather.

One chore we know that’ll be popular is cleaning those windows.

Whether you’ve got double glazed, triple glazed or even just single glazed, unfortunately the glazing industry is yet to create self cleaning windows.

But if you’re anything like us, you’d do it yourself anyway just to be a perfectionist.

We’ve all been there when the sunshines through and the first thing you notice is just how dirty the windows have got over the past few months, or even a year. So it’s no surprise that with the evenings getting lighter and the sun here to stay, you don’t want to be looking out at dust and grime.

In an ideal world windows should be cleaned twice a year, not only for your satisfaction but to keep windows in tip top condition.

Although we would always recommend a professional window cleaner for safety, we know that you might want to spend your summer budget elsewhere, so that’s why we’ve created a simple guide to getting the same professional wash as you would from a tradesman.

It’s all In the Tools

Investing in good tools for the job will actually save you money in the long run.

Not only will it ensure you do a great job the first time around, but it will also mean you’ve got them for next time.

If there’s one item to spend good money on it’s a traditional window cleaners squeegee.

A high quality squeegee should consist of a strong metal handle and a sharp rubber blade.

Don’t even think about getting out the newspaper or the paper towels as this will simply just move all the dirt about and create a static charge on the glass, attracting even more dust and dirt.

Do it like a pro, and you won’t end up wasting your time creating streaky looking windows.

The professional technique of cleaning a window is easy and effective when you have the right tools for the job.

The Wash

Begin with washing your windows with a strip applicator sponge and a tub of warm water filled with either a window cleaner solution or a spot of washing liquid.

Many people will try and sell you on the fact that clean windows is all in the solution, but it’s actually all in the method and the great tools that you use.

So don’t be ripped off at the DIY store when collecting your tools. Just pick up a good cleaning product that you know can battle through dirt without any need for elbow grease.

The less suds in the bowl the better, so don’t go crazy on a soapy solution that’ll be a pain to remove.

The strip applicator sponge will soak up the water for application to the window and ensure that the window isn’t scratched in the cleaning process.

It may sound like we’re going over the top about the tools, but you’d be surprised at the windows we’ve had to fix after DIY window cleaning gone wrong.

Apply your soapy solution to your window and avoid getting any on the ladder.

The Finish

Now it’s show time for that squeegee. Pulling it down from the top of the window over the soapy pane of glass will leave your window looking crystal clear.

Once you’ve done the first strip of suds, clean your squeegee on a lint free rag to remove the water and ensure there’s no dirt left on the blade.

A lint free cloth of any kind is essential to ensure that no fabric debris or dust is planted straight onto your clean window.

Use a separate chamois to clean any water off from the sills and the sides of the window, to leave it completely streak free.

Over time hard water from rainfall can leave many traditional windows stained with dirt, so keeping on top of your window cleaning is best for windows that are more vulnerable to the elements. If you’re looking to improve your windows further the economic benefits of double and triple glazing can make for a comfortable home life, as well as an easier option for cleaning.

We believe that there’s nothing quite like clean windows to transform a living space. It can make your home feel lighter and more open in an instant, and you’ll feel proud of yourself knowing that it was all your own hard work.

If you’ve got any questions about how best to clean your windows, or if you’re simply looking to update them, contact our knowledgeable team today.