Window Cleaning Tips for Those Hazy, Cloudy Days
Washing your windows isn’t exactly something you’re looking forward to, ever.
But if you’re trying to sell your home, it could make it more appealing to buyers if you have nice, clean windows throughout. It just makes the space look brighter—which is always a plus for prospective buyers.
Here are some window cleaning tips from our friends from Zillow:
For Efficient Window Cleaning, You Better Have the Right Equipment
Window washing pros recommend using a good quality squeegee.
A 12-to 15-inch squeegee will work for the majority of your windows but if you have divided windows, you may need a smaller squeegee for those hard to reach places.
Also, you’ve got to have a T-bar-style window scrubber. This device looks like a mop and comes with removable sleeves that can be washed when they get dirty, Zillow says.
It’s also a good idea to have a large bucket around. You’re going to want to soak your window washing tools at the same time, so the bigger the better.
Back to Basics
Start inside and move outside, where the glass is likely a lot dirtier.
Many pros use just a squirt of dishwashing liquid in half a bucket of cool water. Sounds easy enough, right? Without stirring up a bunch of bubbles, dip your scrubber into the bucket and scrub your window, moving the scrubber up and down across the entire surface. And use a smaller sponge to get into corners you can’t sufficiently clean with the scrubber.
Next, it’s time to squeegee. Start in an upper corner and pull the squeegee evenly across the window, from side to side. At the end of each stroke, wipe the squeegee’s blade with a clean rag. With practice, you’ll be able to angle the squeegee slightly so the water drips downward, says Zillow.
Remove any water remaining on the edges of the glass with a damp – but not wet – chamois, then use a towel to wipe up any water spilled onto the sill or floor.
Secret Tips Only the Pros Know
The folks at Anderson Window Co. advise it’s best to clean windows on cloudy, dry days. If you try to wash them on a bright day, you may find direct sunlight dries your cleaning solution before you can properly polish the glass.
Also, this should go without saying, but do not use razor blades or other scrapers when cleaning decorative glass.
