Window Cleaning Bradenton FL is a big industry that provides thousands of part-time, full time and casual jobs. It is best done on a fantastic, cloudy day so that the soapy water and cleaner do not dry on the windows before wiping them off, causing unsightly streaks.
To avoid paper towels leaving lint, use the black-and-white pages of a newspaper or a clean rag (preferably a microfiber cloth). Try using a zigzag motion to wipe the window.
Professional window cleaners use a variety of tools and cleaning solutions to give windows that sparkling, streak-free shine. They also use a water-fed pole that pumps pure, de-ionized water from a storage tank to remove dirt and grime on glass surfaces and window sills. A water-fed pole can reach windows on any level of a building, even those on the uppermost floor.
If you prefer to do your own window cleaning, start by removing any dust or debris with a brush or vacuum cleaner. This helps ensure that the squeegee doesn’t leave behind any particles of dirt or debris, which would cause streaks.
Next, dip a clean squeegee into your cleaning solution and wipe down the window. Begin at the top corner and move down the window, wiping the squeegee clean after each stroke to avoid trapping residue. When you get to the end of a horizontal stroke, push the squeegee toward the left or right corner. This will help prevent any excess water from dripping down the window.
Misting your cleaner on the surface of the glass before you wipe it down will help it to dry faster, which will also reduce the chances of leaving water spots. After you’ve finished wiping down the glass, dry it with a lint-free microfiber cloth or newspaper. Be sure not to touch the frames or sills with either, as abrasive chemicals may discolor them.
For stubborn stains, try using a mineral deposit removing cleaner such as CLR or Bar Keepers Friend. Apply a small amount of the product to a clean, lint-free cloth and rub at the stain. Rinse and clean the frame again, being careful not to get any cleaner or solvent on the wood, fiberglass or vinyl frames as it could discolor them.
Another tip for getting streak-free glass is to dry your windows with black-and-white newspaper instead of a cloth or paper towel. Just be sure that the newspaper uses petroleum-based ink and not soy ink, as soy ink can leave a sticky residue on windows. If you don’t have a newspaper, you can also use crumpled up paper or a microfiber cloth to dry the glass.
Cleaning the Frame
It’s important to clean the window frame and sill when cleaning windows, as dirt can build up on these surfaces over time, especially in hard-to-reach corners. If left untreated, this dirt can become muddy and harder to wipe off, leading to streaks.
Begin by removing loose dirt from the surface of the window frames with a brush or vacuum with a handheld attachment. Doing this before applying cleaner will prevent the dirt from becoming muddy when mixed with the cleaner.
If necessary, use a scrubbing pad to remove tough dirt and grime from the surface of the frame or sill. After scrubbing the area, rinse with water and dry with a lint-free cloth or towel.
It is important to spray the cleaner on a cloth rather than directly onto the glass or non-glass surfaces, since over-spraying may damage the wood or cause the solution to run down the wall and leave streaks. After applying the cleaner, work a lint-free microfiber cloth in a zig-zag motion to wipe away the solution residue. Do this quickly to avoid streaks.
For a deeper clean, mix a mild detergent or soap with water and wash the surface of the window frame and sill. This is especially helpful for removing stubborn stains like paint specks or labels. If needed, you can also scrub the areas with a sponge or brush to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse and dry with a cloth or towel before replacing the window screens and sashes.
Lastly, it is important to check the prices of window cleaners before hiring one. Some companies advertise cheap rates, but add on expensive transportation fees and supplies to their total quote. It is always best to go with a well-respected and established company that offers competitive pricing for high-quality work.
Some cleaning services will offer a discount or bonus for regular maintenance window cleaning, as this helps them keep their costs low and ensures a high quality of service. Maintaining a consistent schedule of cleaning can help to prevent major dirt buildups and can save you money on costly repairs down the road.
Cleaning the Screen
If you have window screens, be sure to clean them when washing your windows. Depending on the frequency of cleaning and the climate where you live, your screen may be dusty, or caked in gunky grime. The best way to clean your window screen is by detaching it from the window frame and laying it out on a flat surface to wash it. This is a good time to inspect your screens for any loose or torn parts that need repair. If you’re lucky, your screens only need a light washing to remove the grime from dust and pollen that has collected. If they need a little more scrubbing, a lint roller or an extra-strength Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will work well. Just remember to use a gentle pressure to avoid stretching or damaging the screen.
Using a bucket of soapy water, dip a sponge or a washcloth in the solution and gently scrub your window screens from top to bottom. Be sure to rinse and re-dip your sponge often to prevent the soap from drying out and leaving streaks. If you have a garden hose, spray the screens down to rinse off the remaining soap and dirt. If not, a soft bristle attachment on your vacuum cleaner should do the trick. Be sure to lay the screens out to dry on a warm and sunny day before putting them back in place.
In between soapy cleanings, you can keep your window screens clean by periodically sweeping them with a dust broom or a lint roller. If your screens are very dusty, you can also try wiping them with a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol to treat any stubborn marks or streaks.
If you’re in the habit of regularly washing your windows, consider adding cleaning the window screens to your monthly chore list. Especially in windy environments, your window screens can be covered with grit and grime that will eventually scratch and dull the glass on your windows and doors. Keeping them clean will protect your windows from damage and keep the inside of your home looking as clean and welcoming as the outside.
Cleaning the Sill
If you have wooden window sills, be careful not to get any cleaning chemicals on them as they can tarnish the wood. Using a broom or brush, sweep loose dirt and debris from the window sill. If there are stains, wipe them off with a damp cloth. When you’re finished, rinse the window and sill.
Afterward, you can use a nonabrasive cleaner or solvent on stubborn marks to remove them. To use the solvent, apply a small amount to a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth and rub it into the soiled areas. Avoid getting cleaners or solvents on the window frames, as they can tarnish the finish and damage the wood, fiberglass, or vinyl.
For a more thorough cleaning, vacuum the window sills and remove any large debris that is stuck. You can also use a broom or brush to scrub the sills and remove any caked-on grime or dust. If you don’t have a broom or brush, use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe the window sills and corners.
A vinegar spray can help remove tough dirt buildup from window tracks and sills. You can mix the solution with water or add a little baking soda to it for extra cleaning power. After spraying the solution, let it sit for a few minutes to give it time to break down the dirt. Next, scrape away the residue with a butter knife or plastic putty knife. If you have a lot of residue left, use an old toothbrush to scrub it off.
If your window tracks are heavily stained or caked on with grit, you may need to use more elbow grease than usual to clean them. You can try vacuuming them with a crevice tool attachment, or use a toothbrush to remove any dead bugs or other grit from the track. You can also use a commercial cleaner that’s safe for the tracks and sills, or a mixture of warm water and baking soda, applied with a clean lint-free cloth.
Once you’ve cleaned the track and sill, be sure to dry them well. You can use a squeegee or a piece of newspaper. Paper towels can break down and leave lint behind, but a microfiber cloth will grab the dirt and wipe it right off.
