Washing windows is an often-dreaded spring-cleaning chore. Now, I don’t know of many people who really enjoy washing windows, but I do know that most everyone ends up doing it. Window washing can be hard work — sometimes high on a ladder — and too many times the glass winds up streaked, even after multiple washings. Years ago when I worked doing general building maintenance, we washed windows twice a year. So I watched with interest when professional window washer Steve Overturf cleaned the windows of our offices last fall. Though not much has changed in window washing over the years, professionals use techniques and equipment that produce clean, streak-free results. To learn the pros’ secrets, we watched Steve and asked questions. Here’s what he recommends to make your next window-washing experience go smoothly.
Equipment
For a top-notch window-washing job, you’ll need a high-quality squeegee, a scrubber/ applicator, a bucket, soft rags and liquid dishwashing soap. The squeegee must have a sharp, square-edged rubber blade to ensure one-pass cleaning. If the blade gets nicked, replace it or the nick will leave a water line with each pass. Today’s synthetic scrubber covers work as well as the old lamb’s-wool versions and are more durable. Most have snaps or Velcro fasteners for easy removal and can be cleaned in a washing machine. Don’t get hung up on using a special cleaning solution. Steve uses warm water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid (any brand will work). The soap cuts the dirt on the glass and acts as a gliding agent for the squeegee.
Tips for success
Use these techniques when washing windows and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results:
• Keep the squeegee moving in a continuous, fanning motion.
• Keep the squeegee tip against the window frame to ensure you clean the entire glass surface. Wipe the squeegee blade with a soft cloth after cleaning each window. Even the smallest speck of dirt can leave a water line.
• Don’t use a squeegee that’s too large. A 12- to 14-in. blade is ideal for residential windows.
• Avoid washing windows that the sun is shining on — if the cleaning solution dries on the glass, you’ll end up with streaks. For the same reason, avoid washing on windy days because the cleaning solution will evaporate more quickly.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Dip the scrubber in the cleaning solution and wet the glass surface.
Step 2: Keep the end of the scrubber against the window frame to wet the entire surface.
Step 3: Place the tip of the squeegee in either upper corner. Angle the squeegee at 30 to 45 degrees so that the water runs down the glass as you pull it across.
Step 4: After pulling the squeegee corner-tocorner, pull it down the glass. Keep the tip against the frame and maintain an angle to direct the water to the corner.
Step 5: In a continuous motion, sweep the squeegee back toward the corner where you started. Then pull it down toward the uncleaned corner.
Step 6: Make a circular sweeping motion through the middle area of the glass and gather the remaining solution into one area. Motion arrows show cleaning pattern.
Step 7: Finish by pulling the squeegee across the glass to the side edge. Use a soft cloth to wipe up any water residue. Wipe off the blade after cleaning each window.
SOURCES
Ettore (window-cleaning tools)
Oakland, CA; 800-438-8673
www.ettore.com