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.
Window cleaning involves removing dirt and debris from the glass panes of windows by wiping them down with some cleaning solution to give them a streak-free shine. It also includes cleaning the window frames, applying window treatments, and restoring the condition of old windows.
According to their report, windows should be washed twice a year, while screens need only to be cleaned annually. For many home owners and even renters, window cleaning usually is a once-a-year chore.
You can use a solution of dish soap and hot water, then scrub gently with a sponge. Hose down with clean water. Then use a hose to get rid stains and debris. You may have to use a ladder to reach windows on the second level.
A window cleaner—or window washer—specializes in cleaning glass windows for buildings and high-rises. As a window cleaner, your responsibilities include maintaining safety equipment, climbing scaffolding and platforms, using ladders or swing chairs on tall buildings, and cleaning thoroughly in a short period.
Professional window cleaners use a solution made from dish soap and water to achieve a streak-free clean. The key is to use a small amount of soap and distilled water. Some professionals add ammonia to the water for increased cleaning power.
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.
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.
Seasons with mild weather, such as spring or autumn, are better than window cleaning in the heat and direct sunlight of summer or the cold in winter, which could be hard on hands and icy windows.
The simplest answer is you should have your windows cleaned once or twice a year in spring and fall. Most professional window washing companies will tell you the same.
It's often best to clean windows when temperatures are between 64 degrees Fahrenheit and a temperature in the 70s. In other words, seek a day that's not overly hot. For many, this means either a day in the fall or spring or a very early morning on a cooler day in summer.
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.
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.
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!).
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.)
Use straight vinegar.
If you have really grimy windows, you'll want to wash them with an extra strength solution. Simply warm 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar and apply it directly to glass (a spray bottle is best for this particular solution).
For most windows, combine equal parts distilled water and white vinegar. In most cases, it's best to do this in a spray bottle, but for larger windows combine more liquid in a bucket. For very dirty windows, especially exterior windows, combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 1/2 tsp of dish detergent.
It's often recommended to spray the window cleaner directly on your microfiber cloth, newspaper, or t-shirt instead of the glass. The reason is that this will help you avoid drips that can leave streaks if you don't wipe them up quickly.
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.
Professional window cleaners try to clean when temperatures are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (10-23 C). These temperatures are most common during spring and autumn seasons, making those the best times for outdoor window cleaning.
To make your own window cleaner, you'll need a glass spray bottle and an 8-ounce bottle of Jet Dry rinse aid. For best results, use a microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe down windows. If you don't have microfiber cleaning cloths, you can use a microfiber mop instead.