Stocking Up For Proper Window Cleaning

They’ve been christened “the eyes into the home”. You can tell a lot about the home just by looking at the state of its windows. They have a huge impact on the curb appeal- a fact that realtors and property managers can surely attest to. In fact, the moment prospective buyers or tenants of a residential space notice that the windows are soiled, their interest in the property drops dramatically. It’s a pointer to the space not being well managed. The occupants of the building are also affected by the state of the windows. When clean and sparkling, they brighten up the interior space. This is as opposed to those situations where the windows are caked in grime and dirt spots that take away the appeal of the installation. Unsightly shadows being cast into the rooms, the dull state that is caused by layers of dust coating the windows- plus the frustration that comes each time you draw the curtains in the morning, only to be greeted by smudges on the glass panes- this is not what you want to be your permanent reality. The energy efficiency of the building is also affected, due to the role that the windows play in letting heat and light into the room. Soiled windows force one to rely more on artificial sources of light, which racks up the energy bills at the end of the month. You also want to enjoy the views outside your property, and that all be difficult when there is gunk in your way. For streak-free windows, routine cleaning is needed, and the success of this depends on the cleaning products that are used.

Gathering Your Window Cleaning Products

Different supplies are needed for the task. These include:

The bucket

It holds the solution that will be used for the process. Here, you should ensure that the bucket is large enough to fit the squeegee that will be used. Working with a T-Spray & Bottle will speed up the process, where you fill it with the cleaning liquid and proceed to mist the contents onto the target surface. This approach is also beneficial as it enables you to control the amount of cleaning products that are used, and is particularly advantageous when spot cleaning, as you won’t have to keep bringing out the bucket.

Window cleaning formulation

This is integral to the process. Its recommended that you get cleaning products that have been specifically formulated for working on windows, as opposed to mixing up chemicals in the household- which brings about the risks of anything from the glass getting etched, to toxic fumes being generated and putting you at risk. These are the likes of the Cleanfast Glass & Stainless Steel Cleaner, which is an alcohol-based product that removes the fat and grease deposits, soiling and smudges that are on the windows. It can also be used for sensitive surfaces like TV and computer screens, and is particularly effective on porcelain floors as well, thus each unit purchased gives you a wide range of applications. The Cleanfast Window Cleaner 5 L will get rid of that haze that develops on the windows, and is formulated to clean and degrease the glass panes, chrome installations, stainless steel, and even plastic surfaces. It’s an alcohol-based cleaner as well, a factor which enables it to evaporate quickly.

Washer

After the solution has been prepared, the washer is used to apply it onto the window, and dislodge the soiling. Dip the washer into the bucket, and wring it out, that way it won’t drip and make a mess. When washing the windows, use a circular motion. You should avoid over-wetting them- and also try keeping the frames dry, in order to reduce your workload.

Squeegee

These are some of the most popular window cleaning products. From enabling the user to perform the task faster, where with just a simple glide across the surface, the cleaning solution and dislodged grime are removed from the surface, to the streak-free results that you get from a good quality squeegee- they are a staple in the window cleaning industry. What’s more, squeegees are multipurpose, being used for more than just the windows. From skylights to shower screen doors, they will be effective for the task.

Scrapers

There are situations where even a thorough scrubbing will barely make any headway. This is where scrapers come in. They are used for removing tape, paint residue and stickers from the glass panes. They are a common feature in post-construction window clean-up jobs, where debris like stucco or caulk has been left on the windows. The scrapers come in different sizes and accompanying blades. As you buy local replacements of worn out blades, it is vital that you get those that are of the same size as the scraper. Extra care is needed when working with scrapers. A simple mistake like pulling the scraper backwards will trap debris under the blade, and create unsightly scratches. You should also never scrape the glass when it is dry. Whip out this nifty tool during the window washing process, when the glass is wet- such as when you’re using the washer.

Cloths

You don’t have to use old t-shirts and rags to work on the windows. Buy quality local cleaning products that have been developed to for the task, like microfibre cloths that will lift the dust and liquids off the glass surface without scratching them. What’s more, microfibre cloths are lint-free, and feature high absorbency, cutting down the time needed for the task, and ensuring that there won’t be residue that is left behind on the surface.

You can also choose to get a complete kit, that comes packed with different tools for the window cleaning process. These are the likes of the Ettore Starter Window Cleaning Kit. It comes complete with a washer, pole that is used to reach those high sections, quick-release handles with their accompanying channels- 8″, 12″, and 18″ long, rubber blades, and also a scraper with its replacement blades. That way you get it all in one go, and switch the tools as you see fit for the situation.

Stocking Up For Proper Window Cleaning