What Do Professional Window Cleaners Use To Clean Windows? All Questions Answered!

Our homes look better when their windows are clean, and that’s a fact. We’ve all seen professional window cleaners at work. With their rubber blades and squeegees, they do it in a slick and easy manner. Even if you don’t have the time or money to do it yourself, you can always hire someone to do it for you.

It’s a dream of every homeowner to have streak-free, smudge-free windows. It’s not difficult at all to have your windows thoroughly cleaned. When you’re prepared, have the correct cleaning supplies on hand, and employ a few strategies, it’s actually rather simple.

The majority of the equipment used by professional window cleaners can be found at any hardware or home center store, making it accessible to the general public. Instead of using harsh chemicals in their window cleaning products, professional cleaners do not use them. No matter how powerful the chemical formula is, it does not ensure success. Occasionally, they may leave a stain on the glass that is difficult to get rid of.

A wide variety of cleaning supplies are available at affordable rates and will last for a long time, so we have no excuse for having dirty windows. We don’t need a large number of cleaning products or pricey cleaning solutions to keep our homes sparkling. Professionals will approve of the outcomes achieved by several low-cost brands.

Contents

How do professional window washers clean windows?

Basic cleaning tools we need

Squeegee

Paper towels, newspapers, and spray bottles are probably old hat for some of you. But if you use a squeegee, you’ll never use anything else again. With a squeegee, you don’t have to worry about streaks, and it takes less time than using paper towels to clean. Using squeegees becomes much easier as we get the hang of it. Squeegees are great for cleaning stained or varnished woodwork since they don’t damage the finish.

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Squeegees furnished with a sturdy rubber blade are used by professionals. Keep a few of them on hand at all times. Keep in mind that the rubber blade needs to be replaced every day. When a blade’s edge wears down, it loses its ability to cut effectively and must be replaced.

Streaky windows are a clear indication that we need a new squeegee. The blades may be reversed to reveal a “fresh” edge that can be used longer. Keeping the squeegee blade clean and dry is essential when putting it away.

Plastic rectangular bucket (around 5 gallons) – Scrubber

Hand dishwashing liquid, Warm water, Lint-free rags/small towels, Ladder

Don’t forget to get a ladder if you don’t already have one. For properties with multiple stories, a ladder stabilizer is an absolute must.

How to prepare for cleaning your windows?

Pour a few liters of warm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent into the bucket. Using cold water to wash your windows will help you do the job faster in hot weather. Use windshield cleaning solution to keep the water from freezing on the window glass if you’ve put off window washing for too long and now have to do it in temps below freezing.

How to clean windows in a professional way

Step one

Choose a high-quality window cleaner or liquid dishwashing detergent and combine it with the appropriate amount of water in the plastic bucket. There is no need to add vinegar to this recipe. Use the scrubber to apply a tiny amount of this window-cleaning product. Using a bucket, soak the scrubber in water, and then carefully squeeze off the excess water.

Step two

Using a moist terry towel, wipe down the exterior of the window frame. Begin by cleaning the glass and work your way around the edges, being sure to get all of the dust and debris off. Strive for a merry-go-round effect. Every square inch of glass must be covered.

Squeegee the windows until they are clean and dry. Using this way of cleaning, we’re able to achieve our goals much more quickly. The squeegee should be moved across the glass in a horizontal fashion, but vertical strokes also work well. It’s your decision. Using an angle of 30 degrees, slide the squeegee horizontally across the window to remove any stubborn spots.

If you decide to clean the window vertically, make sure to hold the squeegee at an angle so that water runs straight to the dirty areas. Run the squeegee straight down the dry edge. Form a dry edge on the top of the window glass with a dry cloth at the end of the squeegee. Use the sponge’s scouring pad to remove stubborn stains from the glass.

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Step three

It’s time to lay down a foundation. Only one corner of the squeegee should make contact with the glass when used in this manner. Then, working your way from the uppermost corner of the window, wipe down a small section of the glass from the top to the bottom. You’ll be able to perform the horizontal strokes more easily if you start with a clean piece of paper.

Step four

Squeegee the upper corner of the window with a steady stroke of the blade. Keeping the squeegee’s top edge in touch with the window’s top edge is essential.

Step five

The rubber blade has to be cleaned now. Every time you use the scrubber, wipe the blade or terry cloth rag clean with a clean towel or terry cloth rag. We can keep a rag in our pocket for wiping the squeegee or removing soapy water from the woodwork if it starts to flow down the walls or floor. To clean around the window’s edge, we’ll need a fresh rag. It is advisable to use microfiber cloths or kitchen microfiber towels for the task.

Step six

Use the top of the squeegee to begin cleaning again, making sure to overlap the last stroke. Squeegee the window at an angle to deflect any stray liquids. Repeat the previous process after wiping it clean.

Step seven

Wipe the bottom of the window with a towel to remove any remaining water. Remove the residual soap suds from the surface. Using a dry spot on a separate lint-free rag, we can then apply it to the window’s perimeter.

To eliminate any remaining streaks, use a clean portion of the lint-free rag or a microfiber towel to wipe down the surface. Replace used rags with new ones when the old ones run out of fresh areas. You should use a scrubber, a tiny squeegee, and a sponge if you have windows with divided panes.

First use the scrubber to wipe the glass, and then use the squeegee to finish cleaning it. Using a terry cloth towel at the squeegee’s bottom end will help dry the extra water and prevent damage to the window muntins.

It is possible to reduce the size of your squeegee by cutting it in half. Use a wrung out sponge to clean the glass of the windows and then with the tip of the squeegee clear a narrow strip at the top of the window. Afterwards move the squeegee down and clean the perimeter.

Best Care For Windows

If your squeegee is too large, you can cut it in half to make it fit your windows. After wiping down the windows with a sponge, use a squeegee to clear a thin strip at the top of the glass. After that, use a squeegee to clean the area around the rim.

It’s advisable to leave the installation of your window to the professionals if you’re not an experienced carpenter or glassworker. If you don’t want to deal with a misplaced window, it’s a good idea to gather some background information first.
To avoid dirt accumulation on the corners and sides, give your window a good scrubbing with soap and water.
Your window’s seal diminishes with time. The leaks could begin at this point. If you detect any changes, make sure you examine it at least twice per year and reseal it.
You leave a fingerprint when you slide your window open. Because of this, make sure there is a glass cleaner nearby.
Using a hose to clean your windows can result in water stains because of the stagnant water in the hose. Why? Because the hose you’re using has mineral deposits in it.
When the sun is shining directly on your window, you should never clean it. In addition to increasing evaporation, this can also result in water stains.

To answer your query, professional window washers use what kind of cleaner? Below, you will find the answer.

Window Washing Tips and Techniques

Basic Window Washing Equipment

Those same high-quality window washing instruments that professionals use are widely available on the internet, in home centers, and in full-service hardware stores, so utilize them! You’ll need this:

Squeegee, 10- or 12-inches
a sponge or a scrubber
A crate with a lid (a 5-gallon plastic bucket will work)
Soap for washing dishes
Small towels or rags that are free of lint
Stabilizers for a ladder (if needed)

Always use a fresh rubber blade on your squeegee to keep it sharp. If you want to be prepared, buy a few more rubber blades. Simply turning a blade to show a new edge can extend the life of blades that haven’t been nicked or cut. Storage should be done so that nothing comes into contact with the blade.

DIY Window Cleaning Solution

Just add two gallons of water and around a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to your bucket to make the greatest homemade window cleaning solution. When it comes to window cleaning, vinegar and water are a popular alternative.

You’ll get a little more time to work in hot conditions if you use chilly water. Washing windows in below-freezing temperatures? Add windshield washing solution to keep the water from freezing on the glass.

Scrub the Glass

Exterior window washing begins with scrubbing the glass from all angles to remove dirt and debris. Cover the entire surface of the window with plastic wrap. Using this method, you’ll see immediate effects. Horizontal strokes are seen above, but vertical strokes will also work. When squeegeeing vertically, point the squeegee at the uncleaned area to direct the water.

Clean a Starting Strip

Use only the corner of the squeegee to touch the glass. After that, clean a short strip of glass from top to bottom on one side, beginning at the upper-right corner. The horizontal strokes are easy to begin with this neat strip.

Squeegee Across the Top

While maintaining an even pressure, drag the squeegee blade slowly across the glass in the upper corner. It is important to keep the top edge of the squeegee on the window.

Wipe the Squeegee Clean

To eliminate debris and excess water, wipe the blade on the clean towel in your front pocket or on the scrubber.

Work Down the Window

Start anew with a 2-inch overlap between the squeegee’s top and the last stroke. At an angle, use a squeegee to remove water from the surface of the window. Repeat the process.

Wipe Off Excess Water

You’ll need the rag in your pocket for the final step of outside window cleaning: wiping off any water that has pooled at the bottom. Remove any residual suds from the window by running a dry lint-free cloth around its perimeter with your finger. To remove any smudges or streaks, simply use a fresh section of the lint-free rag. When you can’t find any fresh, clean locations, switch out your rags.

You Can Use a Squeegee Inside the House, Too!

Even in homes with stained and varnished woodwork, professional cleaners utilize squeegees. For indoor window washing, it is important to squeeze out as much soapy water from the squeegee as possible so that there is less dripping and running. Dropping the scrubber in water after each window will waste time and effort. Before washing the scrubber, you may be able to wash five or ten windows, depending on how dirty they are.

Clean up soapy water that drips into the woodwork quickly and easily by carrying a rag in your pocket. Wipe the edge of the window with a fresh rag. Microfiber rags can also be used to clean windows.

Changing a Squeegee Blade

Dispose of the rusted blade.
Pull out the metal clip by grabbing the end of the blade.
- If you don’t have clips on your blades, you’ll find that they’re held together by a few screws and the handle clamp.
Make that the new blade is attached properly.
It can be inserted into the metal channel by sliding it into place.
- Pro tip: If you need to, trim the end of the blade so it protrudes from the channel by 1/8 to 3/16 inches.

Tips for Hard-to-Clean Windows

Using a razor blade fitted in a holder, remove paint particles and labels from the surface of the vehicle. Avoid scratching the glass by using a new blade at all times. To begin, wet the window with a spray bottle and then swipe the blade across the glass once. Clean the blade well after each segment to remove any dirt that could scratch the glass. Avoid using a razor blade on tempered glass.

Fine (white) nylon scrub pads can be used to remove tree pitch or bug droppings. Make sure you’re not scratching the glass by saturating the glass first and rubbing it in an inconspicuous spot.
Use moderate home abrasives and a power drill to remove stubborn stains and mineral deposits from shower doors and other glass surfaces.
For more stubborn smudges, try this glass cleaning solution: DIY window cleaners can benefit from the use of 1/2 cup ammonia per gallon of water.
Goof Off is a substance that can be used to remove the sticky residue left behind by labels or tape. At hardware and home centers, you’ll find Goof Off in the paint area. Then use a razor blade to remove the remaining residue.

FAQs

What do window cleaners use to clean glass?

A squeegee is used to remove the water, detergent, and debris from the windows using the traditional method of window cleaning. To ensure that the window is completely dry, an absorbent towel is used to wipe away any remaining water.

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What to clean windows outside?

The solution should be one part vinegar to one part water. Attach the mop handle to the microfiber cloth or mop head that has been dipped in the solution. Use a mop to clean the windows on the outside of your home.

How do you clean windows without wiping?

In a spray bottle, combine one part distilled vinegar with ten parts warm water.
Using a lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel to wipe down the window, spray your solution on the entire surface and let it dry before wiping.

How do I get my windows really clean?

Once the windows have been hosed, fill a pail with cool water and a few drops of liquid dish soap, and then scrub them with a sponge or a soft cloth. Go over the window with a delicate microfiber cloth. Use a sponge mop (or a soft cotton or microfiber mop) on a pole for windows that are higher up. The hose can be used to thoroughly clean.

Can you use Cascade to wash windows?

My daughter’s in-laws told her they cleaned their outside windows with Cascade in a power washer. On Friday, I decided to give it a shot via the wide kitchen window. Squirting a small amount of dishwashing detergent into a spray bottle, I covered the entire window with the solution.

Can you use Fairy liquid to clean windows?

Fairy or CITROL can be used as an alternative to professional window cleaning solution however these solutions have been engineered to maximize the glide of the squeegee and do not leave behind residue like certain washing-up liquids, making them ideal for cleaning windows. Just enough solution should be used to keep the glass moist until the squeegee is used.

Which is better for cleaning windows: ammonia or vinegar?

Ammonia and vinegar both work well as cleaning agents, but vinegar is a better choice if you want to be safe. Vinegar poses less of a threat than most other household cleaners. While microfiber towels are ideal for washing the windows clean, they aren’t the finest for drying.

Is newspaper good for cleaning windows?

It’s true that newspaper is better than rags or paper towels when it comes to cleaning windows…. The problem is that wet newspapers can leave a trail of ink all over the glass. That ink is tough to remove and may possibly necessitate a complete re-paint.

What soap do window cleaners use?

When it comes to professional window washing, dish soaps like Dawn or Joy are commonly used. In contrast, dish soaps are made up almost entirely of surfactants, which means they produce a lot of foam.

Are microfiber cloths good for cleaning windows?

When it comes to cleaning windows, microfiber towels are absorbent and can be washed and reused. They’re great for scrubbing and wiping down windows using cleaning chemicals. The best part is that they’re gentle and won’t damage your windows, making them an excellent choice.

How much Dawn do you need to wash windows?

Why do my windows always look smeared?

The rate of evaporation is a significant issue. On a hot, sunny day, the solution’s liquid component evaporates rapidly, leaving behind a residue that appears as streaks on your windows. You can also end up with a streaky window if you don’t completely remove the liquid.

Does Lysol toilet bowl cleaner have ammonia?

If ammonia and bleach are together, a deadly gas known as chloramine can be formed. Many people are unaware of this. Windex Original Cleaner (having ammonia), for example, should not be used in conjunction with Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner (containing bleach).

What happens when you mix dawn and vinegar?

Firstly, both compounds are quite effective at dissolving stubborn dirt and stains. Dish soap, on the other hand, is too thick to spray and will just run off most surfaces. In contrast, when you combine them, you obtain a powerful, sprayable cleaner that adheres to any surface.

Conclusion

To tell if your windows have been cleaned, look at how reflective and glossy they appear. This type of work is the expertise of a window cleaner. Seeing others do it makes it look easy, but when it’s our turn, we’re dissatisfied. Fortunately, you now know how professional window cleaners clean their windows, so you have a decent chance of making your windows sparkle again. Click on the provided link to learn more about window cleaning.