In a previous post, Cleaning Your Windows – Why and When, we discussed window maintenance from the "why" and "when" perspectives. In this week's post we will provide some insights on the "how" of window cleaning. There are tools and techniques that can be employed that will not only enhance the appearance of your windows but that will also make the cleaning process a bit less laborious. A few fundamentals of effective window cleaning....

Let's look at two basic window types:

Picture Windows

Picture windows---larger sheets of glass---are more efficiently cleaned with larger tools. This should include a larger (wider) strip applicator with a cloth head (wool, microfiber, etc.). The larger strip applicator will allow you to cover more window area with each pass.

There are a wide variety of good window cleaning detergents and solutions on the market today. However, use of water and a few drops of dishwashing solution is hard to beat. Minimal use of the dishwashing solution will provide sufficient cleaning strength while minimizing the amount of suds produced. For heavily soiled windows the addition of a small amount of vinegar will provide extra cleaning power.

After the cleaning solution has been applied, and the window washed, it is time for the squeegee. Invest in a good quality squeegee. A cheap squeegee will generally leave streaks, resulting in extra work. When working the squeegee you should start at one of the top corners of the window and pull the squeegee down the soapy window in a reverse "S" pattern. Repeat the process starting from the other top corner. For optimum results the blade of the squeegee should be cleaned, with a lint-free cloth, after each stroke.

Using a dry chamois cloth remove any residual water from the window's edges and from the windowsill.

Multi-Pane Windows

When cleaning multi-pane windows, smaller is better. Rather than a standard strip applicator, the use of a hand-held sponge will provide better access to the smaller glass panes.

Using the same cleaning solution as described above, clean each individual pane by moving the sponge from left to right and top to bottom. Since a multi-pane window contains more corners you will need to use a bristled brush to clean any debris out of those corners.

Using a custom-sized squeegee, or a full-sized squeegee that has been trimmed to the appropriate width, you will squeegee each pane of glass by pulling the squeegee downward in a single stroke. Remember to clean the squeegee after each stroke.

Other General Window Cleaning Tips

If possible, plan your window cleaning on a cloudy day. Direct sunlight can produce more streaking.

Sticky residue or stubborn stains can be removed with water and very fine ".0000" steel wool.

Make sure the blade on your squeegee is sharp. Replace as needed.

The transformation of dingy, cloudy, windows into sparkling glass will completely transform the look and feel of your facility from the inside and out.

Do you want to enhance the appearance of your windows but also make the cleaning process a bit less laborious? Do you have any other general window cleaning tips to share? Let us know in the section for comments below.

And if you need a customized, cost-effective Service Solution for your business, let SMO help. Request a Customized Service Solution today.