3 Easy Tips For Streak-Free Windows

Cleaning the windows is not terribly high on most people’s list of favorite springtime jobs, but it’s important for a whole host of reasons. Not least of which is so that you can see through them!

But that squeegee thingamajig looks so intimidating! What is the correct way to wield it without putting holes in yourself or your windows? Here’s our easy three-step guide to washing your own windows with the (soon-to-be-less) terrifying squeegee:

1   Use a strip applicator.

Cleaning picture windows requires large, dedicated tools. The long cloth head of a strip applicator soaks up oodles of soapy water and dislodges dirt without scratching the glass. For a cleaning solution, we suggest using just a teeny squirt of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water—the less suds, the better. The more suds you put on the glass, the more water and elbow grease you’ll have to use to remove them. And modern soap products are highly effective emulsifiers – you only need a teeny bit to go a long way.

2   Wipe clean with a squeegee

This is the fiddly bit! Professional window cleaners make it look easy and quick, but wielding a squeegee is a skill that comes with a lot of practice. 

Starting at the top left of your window, pull the squeegee over the still-soapy pane in a reverse-S pattern (do the opposite if you’re left-handed). Keep the squeegee in contact with the window through the entire motion, keeping your wrist loose and bendy. Don’t apply too much pressure on the squeegee or you’ll get strange lines on the glass – just keep enough pressure to keep it in contact with the pane. At the end of each stroke, wipe the squeegee's blade clean with a lint-free cloth. Old linen napkins are perfect for this.

3   Remove any remaining drips

Remove any water or suds remaining on the edges of the glass with a damp, wrung-dry chamois, which soaks up wetness without leaving streaks. Dry the windowsill with a rag. Repeat with the other side of the window. Don’t be tempted to use anything other than a damp chamois for this purpose – anything else WILL leave streaks and bits of fluff. It’s worth investing in a good chammy if you’re planning to clean your own windows.

If you’ve attempted to wield a squeegee and are frankly just ready to throw in the towel, give the experts at City Creek Window Cleaning a call at 801 261 5565. We’ll have your panes sparkling and your sanity restored in a jiffy!