Both methods of cleaning can produce quality results. Many of our customers comment on the shiny sheen after using a pole fed system. Pure water systems can reduce the hazards of cleaning by eliminating the need for tall ladders. These systems also do a better job at cleaning windows frames.
Interior windows should always be cleaned using a professional squeegee and scrubber tool for a streak-free clean. Exterior windows can be cleaned the same way but can also be cleaned using a water-fed pole for clean results without streaks.
Traditional Window Cleaning is perhaps what people generally associate with Window Cleaning. Many years ago this included some newspaper and vinegar, then it progressed to the Chamois before finally reaching the classic Mop & Squeegee.
It's essential to clean your home's windows. Dirty windows age faster, and they're an eyesore. Fully cleaning your home's windows is a serious task, though, and will likely require you to purchase specialized equipment or climb a ladder. This is why it's worth paying to have your windows professionally cleaned.
Window cleaning professionals suggest avoiding window washing on very sunny days or at a time when a window is in direct sunlight, as the heat may cause the glass to dry too quickly and cause smears.
Both a washing and a cleaning should leave you with streak-free glass, but a washing is a quick service that isn't as thorough. Window washing usually involves spraying on the solution and wiping it away with a squeegee to remove loose surface debris only. This isn't what's involved in window cleaning.
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.
For the most part, a home can generally get away with a thorough cleaning twice a year. For windows that look great all year round, two to four professional washing a year is optimal.
For best results, it is recommended that homeowners give their exterior windows a thorough washing twice per year—possibly just once if your windows have screens. Interior windows should be wiped down every three to four months.
Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.
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.)
The Number of Windows
This will impact the labour time and increase the final cost. If you have a conservatory on your property this could also dramatically increase the cost as it may need specialist cleaning for the glass. Even if not, the number of windows on a conservatory will add to the final price.
This has to do with the evaporation rate—if your cleaning solution evaporates before you have time to wipe it off, it will leave a mark. Alcohol- and ammonia-based cleaners evaporate more quickly than vinegar, but any window cleaner can leave streaks if it isn't removed fast enough.
Vinegar. A trusted way to get windows sparkling is a combination of water and vinegar. Fill a bucket with water and add two or three cups of white vinegar.
Several homemade cleaners can work effectively to leave sparkling glass. But for convenience and safety, the simple solution of white vinegar and distilled water is the best DIY window cleaner. It's non-toxic, unlike most commercial cleaners, and versatile enough for several cleaning projects around the house.
Disadvantages: Slow, equipment may fall off the pole, edges of the glass are difficult to clean without leaving drips or 'blips', including the top, bottom and sides, difficult to effectively identify and clean any stubborn residue, more difficult to use a razor or pad to remove stubborn residue, and much more ...
Glass and window sills cleaned as standard, and we also clean mirrors, internal glass doors and shower doors (we can remove even the worst limescale!).
Double hung wins out for easiest to clean. Double hung windows allow both sashes to raise, lower and tilt-in for cleaning both sashes from inside of the home. Slider windows are easy to clean as well, both are operable – allowing you to easily reach through the opening to clean the exterior of the window.
Window Cleaning in the Spring
One of the best times for window cleaning and when window cleaners are the busiest is during the spring This is even more important if you have neglected the windows over the winter period.
No matter what the season is, it is generally best to wash your windows on an overcast day or early in the morning.
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.
Professional exterior window cleaning is more than just spraying on a solution and wiping it away. The screens are removed with special tools to give access to the window without damaging the screens. It also doesn't do any good to clean the windows if the frames around them are filthy.