Washing windows – this seemingly completely simple procedure is performed according to certain rules and in accordance with certain requirements. It is they who allow you to do everything from and to correctly and with a brilliant (literally) result. However, the result depends not only on them, but also on what we use in the cleaning process. In particular – from detergents.
It’s no secret that in everyday life they often use everything that is “at hand” – dishwashing detergents, soap, starch and much more. However, professional, reliable window cleaning knows no compromises in the choice of such products. And the first thing that will be discussed in this article is exactly them.
Window cleaning: features
There are two main types of cleaning chemicals for windows on the modern market – these are universal tools for working with any smooth surfaces and specialized ones that are best suited for solving specific problems. In both cases, we are talking about professional highly effective chemistry. As a rule, for such compositions it is characteristic:
- the presence of surfactants (surfactants) for splitting, absorbing, removing a variety of contaminants;
- the presence of alcohol materials, antistatic agents, preservatives, silicones, complexing agents (depending on the specific agent).
All this allows you to wash windows with the removal of any kind of dirt and without streaks and films. The result is a smooth, shining clean surface of the glass, frame and window as a whole. The window cleaner itself is necessarily accompanied by instructions for safe use.
Window cleaning equipment
In addition to cleaning and washing liquids, for cleaning windows you will need:
- Rubber scraper (aka screed, squeegee, squeegee, sgonka, etc.).
- Microfiber or soft cloth made of non-woven fabric (certain rags are also suitable – for example, waffle or cotton technical cloth for delicate cleaning).
- Dry rag (preferably several at once, both for working with glass and other window surfaces, and for wiping the squeegee).
- Soft sponge made of foam rubber (as an option – a holder with a soft pile coat).
- Sponge hard for removing stubborn dirt (eg melamine).
- Bucket, basin or other container for water.
Window washing steps
The work process is multi-stage, and it is important to follow the sequence of all manipulations.
Window preparation. The window sill, as well as the part of the room adjacent to it, should be freed from foreign objects – in the first case, these are flower pots, etc., in the second, electrical appliances or, for example, a table with a computer.
Washing of the frame, inter-frame space. Before you start washing the glazing, you should dry and wet clean the frame, the space between the frames, openings, fittings, slopes, ebbs. In the presence of stubborn stains, we remove them with the professional means described above, hardened dirt, paint can be carefully removed with a scraper. More information of window cleaning you will read follow the link.
First pass. With a richly moistened and slightly squeezed sponge (or a holder with a fur coat), we pass the entire surface of the glass, dissolving dirt and collecting dust. In the end, we pay special attention to the corners (glass-frame), where the largest mass of dirt and dust accumulates.
Removing dirty water with a squid. We do this vertically from top to bottom, while not paying attention to stains and not pressing the tool strongly against the glass.
Repeat pass. We again use a professional tool – a holder with soft nozzles or a sponge. At this stage, the remaining dirt, undissolved dirt, is collected.
Main wipe. It is performed by squeezing (squeezing). It starts from the top of the window, is carried out in a horizontal direction, from right to left, the angle of the slope to the surface of the window is 20 – 30 °. After each pass, with a soft cloth (in the other hand), we wipe the window from right to left (i.e., in the opposite direction). After each horizontal pass, the squeegee is wiped dry with a rag (thus, the rag itself should always be dry).
The second and subsequent (if necessary) passes are performed in the same way, with the capture of 2-3 cm of the cleaned surface (as if “overlapping”).
Final touch. Produced using microfiber or other soft materials. All glass is carefully checked for traces of streaks, etc. and wiped dry, at the end a passage is made between the glass and the frame around the perimeter. Thus, the time from start to finish of work usually takes about 20 minutes.
Some Helpful Tips of window cleaning
- Even for window cleaning, there is an optimal weather. It is better to do this on a cloudy, overcast day, because in the process of work under the influence of sunlight, the detergent dries quickly, leaving “rainbow” stains on the glass. If your “schedule” allows you to complete the work at different times, take care of the windows that are out of direct sunlight first. Or wash some windows early in the morning, others in the evening.
- Washing should start from the inside of the window.
- Microfiber “works” better with dry or slightly damp surfaces, therefore it is optimal to use it for wiping, removing the remaining moisture. As options – any soft hygroscopic material.
- It is better not to use abrasives when washing windows in order to avoid scratching and other damage to the surface (frame, window sill, glass, etc.). An alternative to hard and hard abrasives with the inclusion of sand, etc. will be a melamine sponge – it also copes well with very problematic dirt.
- Products with organic solvents and acids should not be used for cleaning wooden frames – it is better to wipe them with a damp cloth and then wipe dry with microfiber.
- To keep the glass surface of the window as clean as possible for as long as possible, after washing it can be wiped with water with glycerin dissolved in it – a “protective film” invisible to the eye is formed on the surface.
- Telescopic rods are used to wash high windows or shop windows – this product is also presented in our catalog of cleaning equipment. They may also be needed for convenience and safety when washing the outside of windows.
