Simple Window Cleaning Tips the Pros Don't Want You to Know

Simple Window Cleaning Tips the Pros Don’t Want You to Know

Water droplets on window

When was the last time your home or office building had clean windows? Was it months, years, decades? No matter your answer, sparkling clean windows may be a lot closer than you think.

And having sparkling clean windows is about much more than aesthetics. For starters, cleaning your window glass and window screens can help prevent window damage.

Clean windows can also help promote better indoor air quality and even optimize the energy efficiency of your home or office. How often should you clean your windows?

Most professional window cleaners will agree that you should perform window cleaning every two months. However, the frequency in which you clean your windows will be based on a number of factors. 

Whether you contact a professional window cleaning company or make your window cleaning solution and do it yourself, the most important thing is that you do it. 

And to help you out, the expert window cleaning professionals at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island have outlined some of our top window cleaning tips. These key insider window cleaning tips are simple best practices that most professional window cleaning companies don't want you to know.

Read on to learn more and don't hesitate to reach out to us today to turn your dirty windows into streak-free sparkling windows.

Simple Do-It-Yourself Window Cleaning Solutions That Work

While nothing beats a professional window cleaning solution, there are several different homemade recipes for an effective but simple solution. Here are a few cleaning solutions for windows that you can use to achieve professional-looking, streak-free clean windows.

Vinegar Based Window Cleaning Solution

For this cleaning solution, you only need three ingredients:

  • Two cups of distilled water
  • 1/4 cup of white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dish detergent (ie. Dawn)
  • Water

Simply mix all the ingredients in a bucket and increase amounts as needed. You can always strengthen your solution by using one part distilled vinegar or a little more mild detergent.

Rubbing-Alcohol Window Cleaning Solutions

For this window cleaning solution, simply use:

  • 1 cup of distilled water
  • 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
  • 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar

When cleaning your windows with this solution, simply add the vinegar and rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle. Next, fill the rest of the space in the spray bottle with distilled water and apply to your windows.

The addition of alcohol helps make cleaning windows easier by expediting the evaporation of the solution on surfaces. This can reduce the likelihood of streaks being left on your windows. Instead, it will leave your windows sparkling clean.

Dish Soap Solution for Cleaning Glass & Windows

Perfect for washing windows, window sills, and window screens, this window cleaner only requires:

  • About 16 oz of hot water or warm water
  • A few drops of a mild dish soap

Simply combine the ingredients to make a soapy water solution. It's best to mix the warm water glass cleaner in a large or small bucket. And to avoid streaks on your window panes, distilled water works best.

Never Clean Windows in the Direct Sunlight

First things first, you should avoid cleaning windows on a hot sunny day. Attempting to wash windows in the sun will cause your cleaning solution to dry before you are able to wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. Instead, your clean windows will be streaked and filled with water marks.

Clean Windows on a Cloudy Day

The best time to clean your windows is early in the morning or on a cloudy day. Avoiding direct sunlight can allow you to confidently dry your windows with a clean cloth. This can help you achieve the streak-free shine every homeowner or business owner wants.

Clean Windows Before You Start Cleaning Windows

Before you actually clean the window glass, you should always start by prepping your windows. Specifically, you should sweep dirt from the window frame and window tracks with a soft brush.

You can also remove dust and stubborn dirt from the window tracks by using a vacuum and a little elbow grease. This simple step will prevent dirt from evolving into mud when it's mixed with warm water.

How to Clean Mold from Window Sills

If you're like most homeowners, you may have a little bit of mold in the window sills. Because mold can be hazardous for you and your family, it's important to properly clean the window sill to remove it.

Here is a simple mold-cleaning solution you can use when washing windows:

  • White vinegar
  • Tea tree oil

Mix white vinegar with a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Then spray it onto the areas with mold.

Allow the cleaning solution to sit for a few minutes as the mold dissolves. Afterwards, wipe it up with a microfiber cloth, lint-free cloth, or paper towel.

How To Clean Really Dirty Window Tracks?

To get your window tracks clean, consider using a magic eraser. If you don't have one, you can create the following solution with supplies that you may have around your home.

This solution is proven to a get the tracks of the windows super clean and remove stubborn dirt and grime:

  • Distilled vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • An old toothbrush
  • Baking soda
  • Paper towels
  • If you don't have a microfibre cloth handy, you can use an ordinary cloth
  • Razor blade or butter knife

As an especially efficient way to clean tracks on big windows, simply sprinkle your baking soda throughout the track and pour vinegar on top of it. Allow it to sit for about five minutes.

Then, wipe it off with your clean cloth, paper towel, or microfibre cloth.

Consider Removing Screens from Windows and Washing with Soapy Water

If you notice your screens appear dingy, you should remove them. Once out of the tracks, wash the screens with warm water and gently clean them with a soft brush.

After allowing the screens to air dry, you put them back in place. By adhering to these simple expert tips, you are well on the way to achieving the cleanest windows and the streak-free finish you want to see in your glass.

Scrub the Windows to Start the Window Washing Process

The first step to professionally washing windows is to scrub the exterior glass. We always suggest you wear rubber gloves. When you're cleaning windows, make sure to scrub every square inch of the glass, especially stubborn marks.

This step allows you to clean windows in a professional manner and avoid missing spots or leaving stains. You can clean the window horizontally or vertically. If you do use the vertical process, make sure you direct any excess water toward the areas that are uncleaned.

The Best Way to Clean Windows Is with the Right Equipment

As with anything in life, you can't efficiently perform the task if you have the wrong tools. While you may find different methodologies on how to clean windows, the experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island suggest you have the following supplies and tools on hand:

  1. A washer wand or sponge mop to clean your windows
  2. Microfiber cloth to wipe windows
  3. Vacuum with an extension wand
  4. Sponge
  5. Paper towel
  6. Lint roller
  7. Glass cleaners that prevent streaks
  8. Bucket with soapy water

Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island for Professional

If you're looking to keep it simple, the best way to clean your windows is to reach out to the experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island. We offer both:

We specialize in cleaning windows on all types of structures and will leave your windows sparkling clean and crystal clear.

Contact us today to have your windows professionally cleaned. 

Erika Cruz

Erika began her career at Ned Stevens in September 2009 after 4 years of managing investment portfolios for banks and credit unions. She graduated with her business degree in Management in May of 2016 while working Full-time at Ned Stevens. With 11 years of gutter expertise, as office manager she is in charge of the day to day operation and is fully dedicated to her staff and customers.