5 Simple Steps For Cleaning Your Windows Yourself

If your windows are gross from summer storms, drifting smoke from other states, dust and salt that perpetually live in our air, we feel you. 

If you’re determined to try cleaning them yourself, props to you. Here are five suggestions from the pros for getting them done right.

1  Enlist a friend 

As with so many household chores, cleaning windows goes MUCH faster with a two-person team. One of you can inside, one can do outside, then each gleefully points out streaks and spots you missed. 

Plus if your outdoor buddy needs clean water, you can hand them bucket rather than them having to traipse up and down the ladder.

2  Wash before you wash

Yes, we know - pre-washing seems daft, but it will make a big difference to your results if you blitz through this step.

Vacuum away any dust and dirt around and inside the window frames; otherwise, these can liquidize and dribble out as you’re cleaning windows, leaving horrid streaks and making it a much bigger job than it needs to be. 

While you’re there, check for mold and mildew, spider webs and wasp nests, leaks and places that might need a paint touch-up later. Check for broken panes or fine cracks, and make a note of where they are so you can repair and replace them later if necessary.

3 Start Washing 

Start with inside surfaces first: They're easier to reach, tend to be cleaner to start with, and if you know they’re clean, you’ll be able to see dirty spots on the outside and get to them while you’re already up the ladder. Plus it keeps your equipment cleaner, longer, and you don’t wear yourself out so fast.

• Use a clean, dry rag to remove the dust, dirt and grease visible on each window.

• Then use glass cleaner on stubborn dirt.

• For outside windows, you can use a garden hose to ‘strongly encourage’ the worst of the grime off.

• If you like using newspapers, take a sheet and wipe the window top to bottom on the inside, left to right on the outside, so if there are streaks, you'll see them clearly.

4  Use a squeegee 

These are great for getting rid of the last drips and dribbles. However, never squeegee a window in direct sunlight; you'll automatically leave streaks, no matter how hard you work. Also, don't clean on a hot, humid day or on a hot, dry day; the water will dry on the glass too quickly and leave streaks. Wait for a milder day, preferably slightly cloudy, and all your window washing dreams will come true!

5  Be organized

This may seem a bit eye-rolly, but trust is, this is the major secret of professionals. Have your process clearly in mind, your tools in front of you and never mix and match tools for different purposes. You’ll end up with dirty tools when you need them for clean jobs, and lost equipment.

If you have a lot of windows or many of them are hiding behind bushes, wasps nests or above the second floor, hiring a professional may be a better alternative than washing them yourself. You’ll save time and your sanity. 

Give the Salt Lake City pros at City Creek Window Cleaning a call today at 801 261 5565.