One of the more difficult tasks in building maintenance is cleaning the windows. Inadequately cleaned windows are bound to have residual dirt and streak marks and can be an unsightly contrast alongside a pristine office. That is why it is important to learn the proper methods and tools needed to clean a window.
Before starting to clean your windows, one should be prepared accordingly. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Clean in the Right Environment
Before starting, one should ensure that the weather is appropriate for window cleaning. If you decide to clean when the sun is high, the cleaner that you left to soak will dry up more quickly and cause streak marks to appear. It is best to clean your windows during cloudy days or early in the morning so that it is cooler.
You should also dust off the window sills and covers, such as screens, curtains, or blinds. If you start cleaning without dusting, the cleaner will end up washing the dust away, and the now muddy fluid will work its way into your window’s hard-to-reach corners. Screens should be removed, washed with soapy water, and scrubbed thoroughly, while blinds can be wiped with a wet, then dry cloth.
Use the Appropriate Tools
It can be hard to decide on what you will use to clean your window. Squeegees need a certain degree of skill to be used so that one who only occasionally cleans windows is discouraged from using it. Paper towels, especially ones that are low quality, tend to leave lint and moisture behind.
It is recommended to use a microfiber cleaning cloth to clean your glass panes. It is easy to use, and it cleans effectively due to its numerous small fibers. It is reusable, as it can be washed after every use, and absorbent, making it easy to wipe up more amounts of cleaning solution.
Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
Most people use commercially made cleaners for their windows. Not all of them are reliable, however, and some might leave residue behind when used. If the cleaner has a lot of suds, you will have a harder time cleaning it up, and your window will get dirty more frequently. You can try making these homemade cleaner solutions in a pinch.
The solution that you can make depends on the dirt that you have on your windows. For a mild cleaner, mix distilled white vinegar and water in equal parts or two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid and two quarts of water. If you have a few sturdy stains to clean off, combine two tablespoons of ammonia and two quarts of warm water. Place your cleaner of choice in a spray bottle afterward.
Cleaning Techniques
There is a method of cleaning that minimizes your motions and allows you to work faster. If you’re using a squeegee, work your way from left to right, top to bottom. This allows the cleaner to drip down without undoing any of your work. Frequently dampen the squeegee and wipe its edge after every stroke.
If you’re a novice at window cleaning, you’re bound to leave behind some streak marks after cleaning. Try buffing the marks with a dry microfiber cloth to erase it. This can save you from redoing your cleaning work and wasting more time.
The process of cleaning windows can be frustrating for the inexperienced. However, with the right preparation and equipment, you’ll end up with spotless windows that are sure to impress any clients or customers that visit your company.
