With sunny days, the need to clean windows becomes more pressing, with fingerprints and other stubborn stains (rain, pollution, grease, etc.) becoming more visible thanks to the sunshine. However, washing windows is a tedious chore, made even more difficult by the appearance of streaks after said cleaning. To make your job easier, grandma has put together the ultimate guide to properly washing your windows without leaving any marks. Between clever tips, effective household products and other essential tools, you will definitely find something here to restore the shine to your windows and other bay windows covered in dirt.
1) Wash windows at the right time
Checking the weather before setting out could save you from disappointments! In fact, a time too hot or sunny is not recommended. This could cause your product to dry too quickly, which would inevitably leave marks. The best is to choose a day when the weather is overcast, but not rainy. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to scrub and wipe to your heart’s content. Also, if possible, avoid doing so during periods of high pollution.
2) Adopt the right tools for successful washing
Here you can use two lint-free cloths : a microfiber cloth for washing and another for wiping. A newspaper crumpled and rolled into a ball will also be very effective against stains. Otherwise, raclette is a classic that can give good results if used correctly. If you have a lot of glass or large bay windows, it may also be worth investing in a steam cleaner or window cleaning robot. You can also consider using a professional service from time to time (such as Plus belle la verre), for example at each change of season. You can then give it a quick wipe from time to time to maintain it.
Whatever the tool chosen, we advise you in any case if possible touse demineralized water. As they dry, the minerals in tap water can leave white marks on the windows.
3) The right steps to wash windows without leaving traces
Above all, it is important to carefully dust the frame before washing. It is also advisable to proceed from the top to the bottom and start with the exterior before doing the interior. This way, you will have better visibility of the rendering from the inside. Finally, try to never take the squeegee off the window during cleaning. This will limit traces!
4) Soapy water to wash lightly soiled windows
A little dishwashing liquid or black soap in lukewarm water with possibly a splash of white vinegar, rubbing alcohol or household alcohol will be more than enough to shine lightly soiled windows. If the dirt is very stubborn, this can also be a good pre-wash before switching to one of the more powerful cleaning products presented below.