Windows should ideally be washed twice a year, but this is a chore that few people enjoy doing. DIY window cleaning may be a hassle because homeowners insist on using newspaper or wadded-up paper towels, spray cleaner, and a lot of effort.

With a squeegee and a few other commonly accessible equipment, cleaning windows the way the experts do is simpler and more efficient. He claims that the methods are simple and that you could be surprised by the results.

FOR PICTURE WINDOWS

Step 1: Use A Strip Applicator To Wash

Large tools are required for picture windows. A strip applicator’s large cloth head soaks up a lot of soapy water and loosens dirt without damaging the glass. Weingard employs a small amount of dishwashing liquid in a pail of warm water as a cleaning solution—the less suds, the better.

Step 2: Clean up using a squeegee.

Pull the squeegee in a reverse-S pattern over the soapy window, beginning at the top left (left-handers would start at the top right). Use a lint-free cloth to clean the squeegee’s blade after each stroke. Old linen napkins or cloth diapers are ideal for this purpose.

Step 3: Wipe Up Any Remaining Drips

Use a damp, wrung-dry chamois to wipe away any remaining water from the glass’ edges. Chamois absorbs moisture without leaving streaks. With a rag, dry the windowsill.

FOR MULTI PANE WINDOWS

Step 1: Customize the squeegee

You need a squeegee that fits the panes to clean a window with divided lights. Weingard cuts one down to size using a hacksaw. He files the cut edges clean after trimming the metal channel to be 1/4 inch thinner than the window pane. He cuts the rubber blade with a utility knife to the full width of the window and inserts it into the channel so that it projects 1/8 inch from either end.

Step 2: Clean the windows.

You can also use natural sponges, as they are firmer and more absorbent than synthetics. Rub each pane from left to right from top to bottom using the same liquid soap and water mixture, pushing the edges of the sponge or the bristles of the brush into the corners to remove grime.

Step 3: Wipe Clean With A Squeegee

From top to bottom, pull the squeegee down each pane in a single motion. To avoid leaving streaks, wipe the blade with a towel after each stroke. As stated above, wipe away any stains on the glass with a chamois, then use a towel to dry the muntins and sill (if the squeegee makes a lot of noise, add a little more soap to the water).

GETTING RID OF STUBBORN SPOTS

Hard-water runoff from brickwork or rainwater entering through metal window screens over time produces stains on glass that regular washing won’t be able to remove. In order for it to be “super clean” after a routine cleaning, wet it and use either Barkeeper’s Friend, which includes oxalic acid, or fine 000 steel wool (if the panes are tiny). 

You can make the powder into a paste on a damp cloth, rub the stains out (other brands of powder could harm the glass or fail to remove stains). Then rinses and squeegees the glass twice to get rid of the residue. The discoloration often returns after that treatment in around six months.