Window Cleaning Bradenton FL is a safe and rewarding industry that provides thousands of full- and part-time jobs. Using the right tools and techniques will help you clean your windows more efficiently, leaving them streak-free.
Start with a dry microfiber cloth and work one pane at a time, changing the cloth frequently to avoid transferring dirty solution marks. Use purified water if possible to leave your windows sparklingly clean.
Window frames collect dust and dirt over time, causing discoloration. Regular cleaning of the frame helps preserve the appearance and prolongs the life of your windows, as well as contributing to better indoor air quality. A dirty window can cause dust to settle inside the home, which may affect your health and your energy bills. Keeping the window frames clean can also help the Low-E coatings and insulation of your windows to function properly. If you’re tackling the task of cleaning your window frames, be sure to gather all the necessary supplies before getting started. This will make the process easier and less messy.
Before cleaning the frame, use a damp cloth to wipe away any loose dirt and debris. This will help prevent it from scratching the glass. Next, prepare the cleaning solution. A combination of mild detergent and water is ideal for most frames, but be sure to avoid cleaners with abrasive particles or alcohol. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water, but be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
When you’re ready to start the actual cleaning, spray the solution on a microfiber cloth and begin wiping down the frames. Be sure to concentrate on the corners and crevices where dust tends to accumulate. If your windows are particularly dirty, you may want to use a soft brush to scrub them gently. Once you’re done, use a dry part of the same microfiber cloth to wipe off any cleaner that pooled on the glass and contributed to streaks.
For difficult stains, you can also try a non-abrasive household cleanser that’s intended for use on glass surfaces. Just be sure to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t scratch the glass. You can also use a squeegee to get rid of stubborn streaks and marks. Just be sure to work slowly and carefully, and don’t forget to rinse and dry the squeegee after each pass.
Once you’ve cleaned the frame, it’s important to dry the surface to avoid mold and moisture damage. A towel or lint-free cloth should be used for this purpose. If you’re working with a wooden frame, be careful not to apply too much moisture, as it can lead to swell or warp the material. For vinyl or aluminum frames, however, a little more moisture is acceptable.
Cleaning the Glass
The glass is the hardest part of a window to keep clean. It requires a bit of effort to make it sparkle, but if you use the right tools and techniques you can achieve great results. You’ll need a clean, lint-free towel (old towels work well, or linen napkins) and a cleaning solution. You can make your own vinegar-based cleaner or buy a commercial window spray. A long-handled squeegee makes the job much easier, especially on tall windows and skylights. If you need to reach a high spot, have a ladder handy and be sure to practice proper ladder safety.
The best way to avoid streaks is to wipe the windows dry as soon as you’re finished cleaning them. This stops the cleaning solution from drying on the surface and causing streaks. To prevent drips, you’ll want to start at the top of the window and work your way down.
A microfiber cloth works well for this purpose, as it’s naturally lint-free and will not leave lint behind when you apply pressure. Paper towels and rags made from cotton, however, can deposit lint residue on the windows, making them appear dirty even after they’re cleaned.
When you’re ready to wipe down the glass, apply a thin coat of your chosen cleaning solution and start at the top of the window. Wipe in an S pattern, squeegeing horizontally to the bottom of the window. Be careful not to smear any dirt onto the frame, which could discolor it.
If there are stubborn streaks, you may have to use a little more elbow grease or apply more pressure when wiping. You’ll also want to use a cleaner that’s safe for glass, as some cleaners can damage the finish of wood, fiberglass or vinyl window frames.
To get the most shine from your windows, you’ll need to re-wipe them once or twice after they dry. It’s best to wait for a cloudy day for this step, as sunlight can cause the cleaning solutions to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks. Alternatively, you can mist your window with the cleaner and wipe it down before the sun hits it.
Cleaning the Screen
Some people prefer to keep their window screens clean with a lint roller or Swiffer-type duster. While this can be a quick way to get rid of loose dirt and dust, regular cleaning with soapy water will yield much better results. Before you start washing your screen, vacuum it to remove any accumulated dust and dirt. This will also help the screen stay cleaner, longer.
Before you use any liquid cleaner on your window screens, lay down a large towel or old blanket to protect the floor beneath them. This will catch any drips and prevent your painted walls, carpet or hardwood from getting wet.
Once the surface of your screen is free of debris, spray it with a hose set to light pressure. You may have to do this more than once, depending on the level of buildup. Once the screen is wet, gently rub it with a scrub brush or a scouring pad to remove stubborn stains. The best scouring pads for screens are made of plastic rather than metal. Metal scrapers or wire brushes can damage the screen.
If the stains persist, Weingard recommends gently “supercleaning” your glass with fine 000 steel wool (if the panes are small) or Barkeeper’s Friend, which contains oxalic acid. Then rinse and squeegee the window. It’s important to rinse the screen thoroughly after using either of these products. Otherwise the oxalic acid can leave behind a residue on the glass that will make it more difficult to squeegee and will attract grit and grime more quickly in the future.
The best way to keep your window screens clean between soapy cleanings is to vacuum them regularly with a standard household vacuum or wet-dry vacuum that has an upholstery brush. This will remove loose dirt, dust and pollen. If your window screens have a lot of buildup, you may need to give them a more thorough cleaning once or twice per year.
To do this, remove the screen from the window and lay it flat outside. In a bucket, mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose dish soap or a homemade cleaning solution (Image 1). Lift the screen into an upright position and wash it with a sudsy sponge or cloth.
Drying the Glass
Before you begin cleaning the glass, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the frames and sills to prevent dust from mixing with your solution and leaving streaks. If your windows are particularly dirty, use a scrub brush to loosen up dirt and grime buildup in corners and crevices. If smudges remain after rinsing, dampen a sponge with a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on tempered glass, as they may scratch the surface. If the stains persist, try a mineral deposit remover, like CLR, available at most hardware stores and home centers.
Start wiping your windows in the top corner and work your way down the window. If you have a squeegee, place it over the bottom edge of the window, so that no water drips down between the panes and onto the frame or ledges. For best results, use a continuous side-to-side motion across the whole window rather than making small circles or going back and forth over the same area over again.
If you do not have a squeegee, consider renting one from a local hardware store. The cost is relatively inexpensive, and the window washers are well-trained to provide a spotless result. However, make sure your hired window cleaner is fully insured in case of an accident while working on your windows.
Paper towels are convenient for drying a window, but they leave lint behind, which can leave streaks on the glass. It is better to use a microfiber cloth, a chamois or even old newspaper. Some people also like to dry their windows with a cloth diaper or an old cotton t-shirt, which doesn’t leave any lint and is washable. However, if you want truly sparkling windows, invest in some reusable cloths made of microfiber or terrycloth. These will not only leave your windows clean, they will be more environmentally friendly than paper towels and will last longer than traditional cloths. To avoid the mess of soapy residue on your windows, rinse them well after cleaning and then polish them with a dry microfiber cloth or piece of newspaper to get a streak-free finish.