People often think professionals use normal tap water but we at Shiny Window Cleaning use only pure water when taking care of your property. Today, we will explain to you what difference pure water makes and why you should not use tap water to clean your windows.
While this method works for some jobs, it's not a universal way to do your cleaning. In the case of windows, tap water is one of the worst things you can put on glass – much to the homeowner's surprise!
The term Pure Water in window cleaning describes ordinary tap water that has been filtered through a purification system, to remove all the natural minerals. This water is often described as 'deionised water' due to the type of filtration used.
Window cleaners purify their water by passing it through a series of filters and resins, making use of natural processes like reverse osmosis and deionisation. They then store this water, usually in a suitably equipped vehicle, so that they can get it to their customers.
While you might spare your windows from some random chemicals often present in regular water, using distilled water does not eliminate the water spot issue. If you're cleaning your windows yourself and you want to use a fancy water for your final rinse, we recommend using deionized water over distilled water.
This pure water allows for the windows to be rinsed and left to dry which results in flawless, streak and spot free finish every time.
No impurities
The fingerprints are the most annoying thing on windows, as most of the fingerprints can't be removed with the help of normal water. Distilled water goes well with cleaning windows and other surface, as there are no impurities involved in it.
Distilled water has a high pH and low mineral content, which helps it draw dirt and other compounds from windows. It is also highly effective when it comes to window cleaning, since it leaves no residue or stains behind. However, it is not recommended for exterior windows, which are more difficult to clean.
You can also make an all-natural window cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Adding a touch of liquid soap to the vinegar solution will help remove any streak-causing wax left on the window from commercial cleaners used in the past.
Compare tap water to pure water which normally registers at . 000-. 001 parts per million, meaning it contains virtually no damaging minerals or sediments. When used in window cleaning, pure water, even if 100% of it is not removed from the windows, has minimal chance of leaving any residue behind.
Traditional methods involves the application of soapy water to a window which is then scrubbed clean. Professional window cleaners use microfiber cleaning sleeves fitted onto a hand held t-shaped bar. The sleeve is then soaked in water mixed with a window cleaning solution and applied to the glass.
Use a cleaning solution: Like Glass-Rite cleaner! Or we also recommend a simple solution of equal parts vinegar and water, a Windex solution in water is good also. Do not use glass cleaners that are ammonia or alcohol based. They may leave streaks or make a film that attracts moisture or dust.
Hot water cleans windows faster
Removes dirt more easily – hot water is more successful in removing dirt. This is because hot temperatures make dirt particles vibrate faster, which makes it a lot easier to wipe them away.
Spray the bleach and water solution onto the window; spraying additional solution as needed to keep the surface wet for up to 10 minutes. Wipe away drips with the washcloth and wipe the mold away with a microfiber cloth. In between sprays, use the toothbrush to gently scrub any mold out of corners or crevices.
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
Vinegar is great for DIY glass cleaners too, since its acidity removes dirt and grease.
A big problem is the evaporation rate. If you're cleaning your windows on a warm sunny day, the liquid part of the solution evaporates quickly and leaves behind a residue that appears as streaks. On the other hand, if you don't entirely remove the liquid you can also be left with a streaky window.
Distilled water is simply better for cleaning. What comes from your tap is "hard water," meaning it contains minerals. When it dries, those minerals often leave water marks and spots on some types of fabric and glass. Since distilled water is pure, it doesn't leave residue the way tap water can.
Rinse off your windows by using the spray attachment of your garden hose. Use low pressure to avoid doing damage to your windows or siding. A spray attachment that has an adjustable water flow and looks similar to a shower head will work best for this.
Distilled water is used for sterilizing medical equipment, lead-acid batteries, automotive cooling systems, and other devices where mineral buildup would cause damage. The absence of other minerals and contaminants makes it ideal for use in skin products, canning products, and cleaning laboratory equipment.
A simple Brita style water filter will make your tap water good if you aren't sure. For anyone who needs to use store bought water, the best is "Drinking Water". It also happens to be the cheapest! And if you happen to be stuck with distilled water, you can use it safely by mixing it with tap water or well water.
This is due to the use of soft water, where scum minerals are removed from the water to avoid the streaky residue left on your freshly cleaned glass. With less leftover grime means the water alone absorbs dirt from the windows, frames and sills rather than attracting dust. It's also said to stay clean for longer!
The most common professional window cleaning solution recipe is filtered or distilled water and dish soap.