A dirty window can limit the amount of sunlight you can enjoy. Luckily, there are ways to clean your windows without leaving streaks.
Start by sweeping loose dirt off the surface of the glass. You can also use a product such as CLR, which removes calcium, lime, and rust stains from the glass. Visit Website to learn more.
Preparation
When professional window cleaners come to your home, they need a clear path to each and every window. Small plants, pictures, and other knick-knacks can get in the way of your windows and make it difficult to clean them. It’s best to move these items before your window cleaner arrives to prevent any breakage and to make sure that each window is accessible.
A squeegee is a key tool for getting streak-free results. It’s a flat, rubber piece with a handle that removes the moisture from the glass as you swipe it across. To get the most from your squeegee, wipe it regularly to maintain its elasticity and keep it sharp. Investing in a high-quality scraper is also worth the investment because it will save you time and prevent scratches.
Using a soapy water solution with a sponge or brush, rub at the window to release grease, grime and airborne contaminants. You can find ready-made cleaning solutions, or you can make your own with a combination of white vinegar and water. Make sure to dampen the sponge or brush with the cleaning solution and wring out any excess water before scrubbing the windows.
If your windows have more stubborn or gritty stains, try applying a paste of bicarb and water. The abrasive nature of the powder will help to loosen and then scrub away stains. Rinse the area and then proceed with your regular cleaning.
Another great option is to use a product that removes mineral deposits, such as CLR. Dampen a sponge or brush with this solution and then scrub the window until the stains disappear. If there is any residue left after rinsing, use a clean cloth to dry the area to avoid streaks.
Once your windows are clean, they will need to be dried and polished. To do this, professionals use a microfiber cloth or lint-free paper towels. Start at the top of the window and then work your way down, wiping all the areas of the window and then drying each section before moving on. This ensures that there is no moisture left behind, which could cause the windows to cloud or leave a streaky finish.
Equipment
As a professional window cleaner, you need specialized tools to help you get the job done. A squeegee, for instance, is a key piece of equipment for eliminating water spots and smudges. The right squeegee will leave your windows sparkling clean without leaving any streaks. You also need a scrubber, which has the same function but removes grease, grime, and airborne contaminants from the surface of your windows. Scrubbers use a chemical solution that’s mixed with water, and the resulting mixture is then applied to the glass with a brush or cloth-covered handle.
Other key equipment includes a mop and t-bar, stripwasher, and nylon scrubbing pad. These tools are often used to loosen stubborn residue like paint, tape, and stickers from windows and glass. They can also be used to dampen windows and agitate the solution to better loosen dirt and debris. When you buy a mop and t-bar, pick one that’s large enough to hold a lot of water to reduce the number of times you need to dip into your bucket. You’ll also need a bucket to wash your squeegee blade and to apply more cleaning solution as needed.
A ladder is essential to access windows that are out of your reach from ground level, and you’ll want to invest in a sturdy, stable ladder that has been thoroughly inspected for safety. Alternatively, you can use a scaffolding system that features a temporary platform workers can stand on or a cradle suspended from above.
Ladders and a squeegee are the basic tools every window cleaner should have in their arsenal, but for larger projects you may need additional cleaning equipment. These tools include a de-ionized water unit, which dispenses pure, high-quality water with an added resin filter that reduces corrosion from metal. It can also be equipped with a hose to allow you to rinse off a window or spray a detergent directly onto the surface of the window. You’ll also need a bucket, which should be large enough to easily fit your squeegee blade and mop head. Also, consider a bucket with an ergonomic handle to make it easier to carry around on your ladder.
Safety
Professional window cleaners must take precautions to protect themselves while working on high-rise buildings. The majority of accidents in this line of work occur because of falls, so it’s important for workers to use fall protection equipment. Fall protection equipment distributes the force of a fall across the worker’s body, helping minimize injury. Additionally, safety anchors should be attached to the building’s sides before beginning work. Lastly, window cleaners should always conduct safety briefings before starting a job to review fall prevention procedures.
Proper ladder placement is essential for safe window cleaning. Ladders should be set up so that the top of the ladder is slightly above the window. Cleaners should also maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders. In addition, they should not attempt to lean out windows or use furniture as makeshift platforms. Finally, it is important for window cleaners to wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. Gloves protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure, and safety glasses help protect against flying debris and high-pressure spray from window cleaning equipment.
A hard hat is an essential piece of safety equipment for window cleaners. It protects against impact, penetration, and electrical hazards, which are common in this line of work. In addition, a hard hat is important for preventing head injuries if a window cleaner falls.
While cleaning, it is important for window cleaners to focus on one area at a time. This prevents them from becoming distracted and causing an accident. In addition, it allows them to complete the task in a more efficient manner. Moreover, it reduces the risk of accidentally spraying cleaning solution on other surfaces or people nearby.
It is also a good idea for window cleaners to take breaks, especially when using a ladder. This helps them stay energized and productive throughout the day. Additionally, it reduces the chances of them becoming fatigued and injured. Lastly, window cleaners should avoid cleaning in direct sunlight, as it causes the soap and water to dry too quickly. This can result in smears, streaks, and dried drips on the glass surface.
Cleaning
The cleaning process starts with a thorough wipe down of the window and its frame using a clean, soft cloth. It’s also a good idea to wipe down the sill, especially the inner edge where it meets the wall. This removes any dust and dirt that’s been accumulating there. Next, professionals spray the windows with either a vinegar and water solution or a commercial cleaner. They focus on cleaning one pane at a time, and they avoid over-spraying the windows because doing so causes streaks.
After spraying, the professional uses a clean microfiber cloth or lint-free paper towel to wipe away any excess solution. If there are any spots or streaks that aren’t coming off, the professional uses a second clean, soft cloth to polish those areas. Finally, the professional dries the windows, working from the top down to prevent drips.
Streaks are a common problem caused by minerals in the water, and they can occur even after a professional has cleaned a window. To reduce the likelihood of streaks, use distilled or bottled water when mixing your cleaning solution. It’s also important to dry the windows as quickly as possible because moisture left on a window will cause it to streak.
To remove mild stains that didn’t come off with the initial cleaning, the pro may scrub them with a brush and a bit of water or a cleaner containing oxalic acid (such as Zud or Bar Keepers Friend). This helps to break up oxidation and dissolve stubborn stains.
For tough stains, the pros often use a razor blade mounted in a holder to scrape the surface. This is especially useful for removing paint specks, labels and other sticky residue. Pros can also use a specialty product like Goof Off, which is available at most hardware stores and home centers.
Then, the pros use a clean, soft microfiber cloth or lint-free, newspaper pages to dry the windows. They’re careful not to let any moisture get on the frames, which can discolor them over time. They’re also careful not to leave any damp smears on the corners of the windows or the edges, where water can collect and drip down the sides.