Did you know that there is such a thing as self-cleaning glass? Wow, I think that is just amazing. This self cleaning glass is of course a little pricier than the standard glass in most windows. It is a great idea if you can swing the cost and if you are replacing the windows in your home anyway. I don’t recommend that you tear out all your windows and immediately buy the self cleaning glass, but if you are building an addition to your home or you are replacing the windows anyway, looking into this option can provide you with great benefits.
Now for rest of us who want to know the easiest way to clean our outdoor windows the old fashioned, hands-on way with a bucket and squeegee, hang on for some great advice.
The right tools for the job
You want to make sure that you have a squeegee that has a long sponge on one side and a rubber blade on the other. It’s a good idea to choose one with an extension so you can easily reach the higher windows, say like on the second floor. Also make sure that the bucket you are using is wide enough so you can fully submerge the squeegee in the solution in the bucket.
Next you want to have a dry microfiber cloth; these microfiber cloths are excellent for windows because they don’t leave any smears or smudges behind. They work great because they draw up the dirt better than traditional cotton cloths. Smears and smudges don’t stand a chance with these cloths.
Here’s a great dirt-busting, cleaning solution to use for washing your outdoor windows, it also works great for your indoor windows too. Just don’t use a squeegee and bucket for your indoor windows, put the solution in a spray bottle to keep it less messy.
Take the bucket that you are going to use and fill it with two gallons of warm water. Next, take some ordinary dishwashing liquid and mix in about two tablespoons. To help with streaking, put about ½ cup of vinegar or ammonia in the water.
The nitty-gritty of window washing
Now that you have all the necessary tools and the solution mixed and ready, let’s get ready to get those windows sparkling clean so you can let the sunshine in.
Take the squeegee in your dominant hand and hold the dry microfiber cloth in the other hand. Dip the squeegee into the bucket with the cleaning solution; rub the sponge side of the squeegee all over the surface of the window, making sure to give extra attention to tough spots and stains.
Flip the squeegee over to the blade side and run it across the top of the window in a horizontal swipe. Each swipe you make, wipe the blade side of the squeegee with the dry microfiber cloth to remove excess water.
In overlapping vertical swipes, wipe the cleaning solution from the window with the blade side of the squeegee, always working from one side of the window to the other side. Each swipe that you take with the blade side of the squeegee, make sure to start at the top at the dry section of the window and work your way down. After every swipe, make sure to wipe the squeegee blade with the dry microfiber cloth to remove excess water.
After you have swiped the entire window with the blade side of the squeegee, take the dry microfiber cloth and wipe the edges of the window to finish drying. You should now have the brightest, cleanest windows on your block.
Since the exterior side of your windows can get pretty grimy because they are exposed to the weather, cleaning them can get a little tricky. Use this quick and simple technique and you will be letting all that sunshine pour into your home in no time, and with minimal effort, and who doesn’t like minimal effort?
Sources: How to cheat at cleaning book
