Do you feel like your windows never look truly clean…even after you’ve just cleaned them? You might have removed all the dirt and grime that had built up on them, but as soon as the sun comes out and shines on them, it shows up a whole load of streaks and marks that are just terrible to look at. We frequently talk to homeowners in Massapequa and Oyster Bay about window cleaning, and this is a very common experience.
If you spend hours window cleaning and are never satisfied with the results, we feel your pain. What’s more, we have a few tips for you to try that should make all the difference. Window washing and cleaning is in our blood!
Our Advice on Avoiding Streaky Windows
Streaky is better than dirty, but it can still ruin the aesthetic of your home and make it look as though the windows haven’t been cleaned in an age. Try these tips to avoid streaks.
Ditch the Spray and Cloth Approach
This is most people’s default approach to window cleaning. It’s quick, easy and doesn’t cost a lot. So there’s a lot to like about it, at least in theory. The problem is, it’s almost impossible to clean your windows this way and not leave streaks behind. We must have tried using dozens of different variations of both the cloth and the cleaner, and we’re yet to find a combination that works. This method will get all of the dirt off just fine, but when you stand back to admire your work, you’ll undoubtedly find some streaks.
Don’t Apply Too Much Cleaner
One of the big mistakes that leads to streaks when window cleaning is being a bit too liberal when applying the cleaning solution. This results in the liquid dripping down the surface of the window and onto the frames if you’re not careful.
Using more cleaning solution than you really need also could create too many suds, which is another factor that leads to streaking. So rather than spraying the cleaning agent directly onto the window, apply it to whatever you’re using to clean the window (e.g. newspaper) or at least only apply it to the window in small amounts.
Avoid Window Cleaning on Sunny Days
You probably prefer doing chores around the house (especially outside) when the sun is shining. I know I do. But when it comes to cleaning windows this isn’t the best idea. There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, the sun’s glare makes it really quite difficult to see the window properly. Through squinted eyes, you’ll have a hard time telling whether you’ve managed to get all of the dirt off or not. Secondly, if the sun is shining directly on the windows, any spray-on cleaning solutions windows will dry much more quickly. If you’re slow to react, this will leave streaks (that you might not see due to the glare).
Use Newspaper or a Squeegee to Prevent Streaks
Remember how we said it’s a bad idea to use a cloth. We’d recommend using either newspaper or a squeegee to remove excess cleaner and prevent window streaks.
You might have heard friends or family members swear by newspaper for window cleaning. And there is definitely some truth to this, but there are a few little caveats that you should be aware of. If you screw up a bunch of newspaper and rub it all over the surface of your windows, it will do a great job at both cleaning and preventing streaks, BUT it takes a lot of effort. You really have to give it some elbow grease. Your arm will be tired afterward! Also, if you read the newspaper online now, you might not have any lying around, and glossy magazine pages won’t provide the same results.
Enter the squeegee. These things are synonymous with window cleaning. Start from the top of the window and work your way down. You’ll need to stop to dry off the squeegee blade with a cloth every once in a while to ensure it remains effective.
Clean the Frames Before the Panes
Both parts of the window need cleaning. And if you want to avoid streaks when window cleaning, it’s a good idea to start with the frames. Why? Well, if you get the panes nice and clean before turning your attention to the dirty frames, there’s a good chance that you’ll splash some of that water on your nice clean panes in the process. And it might even be dirty water. That’ll either cause streaks or it’ll mean you have to clean the panes all over again.
Often warm water and dish soap, along with a sponge is all that’s required to clean the frames.
Windows Need to Be Cleaned Often
Window cleaning is something that people never quite seem to get around to. Months and months can pass between cleanings. Not only does this have a big impact on your home – they’re your portal to the outside world, after all – but it makes cleaning them a lot more difficult when you do get around to it. Dirt and dust build-up will be a lot thicker and more difficult to budge, so achieving crystal clean windows free of streaks will be a lot harder. We’d recommend you invest some time (or money if you hire someone) into window cleaning every 2-3 months.
If you have any additional window washing questions and you’d like our assistance with window washing and cleaning, we’d be happy to help. We have over 20 years’ experience and serve home and business owners all over Long Island.