Window cleaning tips

#1 Do not use windex

Contains – Ammonium Hydroxide , 2-Hexoxyethonal . Which are toxic MSD’S . Plus you are paying for mostly water.

What should i clean my windows with? If you are going to use something from a can or spray bottle.  Sprayway

Use a old  towel or micro fiber .
Which is close to a T-bar scrubber professionals use…
* Spray glass , agitate surface with rag. Which brings dirt into solution.
* Wipe off best you can
*  Detail with a linen / cotton rag.

Sprayway for cleaning windows

It is best not to clean hot glass in the sun. As this helps in getting a cleaner spot free window. Overcast days, early mornings and working first where the sun will be first. Then moving to areas of the house where there is shade left , is the best approach.

Mineral Deposit’s  / Hard water

Acids will open the glass and should never be used.  It will look good for awhile , but the damage will be worse later on.  Especially if it is not coated with protector / sealants.   The glass surface is not smooth , more like the moon .    Example – commercial building  ( Gateway Mortgage)

building stain and hard water removal on commercial windows. In tulsa,ok

Cleaning you own windows 

Be aware it is a learned skill set. With years of learning the “art”  To get off to a good start with cleaning your windows.  It is important to have good quality equipment. Some of this will be more specialized, you should be able to find it at most big box stores.  Online , amazon or search  widow cleaning supplies shop.   Below is a list ,  of some of my window cleaning tools .

Bucket
Preferably wide enough to fit the T-bar mop in.  14 to 18 inches , 3 to 6 gallons . The one shown , is great for professionals.  A little over the top for most home owners at 6 gallons.

window cleaning bucket 6 gallons

Squeegee

​There are big differences in quality available and this is probably the most crucial tool of all. So I suggest purchasing a good one, like Unger or Ettore brand.

window cleaning squeege

T-bar (Scrubber)

Most will have a scouring strip on one end. This is good to get off stubborn stains.
​Getting one with a swivel one is easier for difficult spots and far better when using a pole.  14 inch covers most residential

Scraper

Take care using scrapers on glass!  If you don’t know the correct methods, you could cause permanent damage!

Never scrape a dry window !

window cleaning scraper.

Soap

Most window cleaners, jealously guard their secret formula. But I don’t see any point in not telling.  Dawn dish soap , about 3 drops per gallon.  It provides the glide squeegee rubber needs. Though be warned, it is tough to use in sunlight. Or on hot glass. You can spend money on different kinds of window cleaning soaps. I have tried a lot of them.

I personally use , Unger pro soap and Glass gleam.  Also add one or two caps of Wilson super slip for glide.  One is for exterior the other is non-toxic for interior work.

Rags

Cotton or linen for detailing on glass .  Micro-fiber for cleaning of the frames and sill.    I personally use a scrim towel ,  which is Irish linen cloth .  You can find some linen napkins at a yard sale .

Poles

I would recommend , anywhere from a 6 to 12 foot pole. At the max 18 foot pole. Because doing pole work has a learning curve. Plus it is not easy doing it 2 story.  Unless using pure water with a brush.

I personally carry a short one.  3ft closed, 6ft opened.  12 foot pole collapsed is 6ft . Then i have my Carbon-fiber poles. 22 foot main section , with 3 additional extensions.

Ladders

​I find a  step-ladder is very useful,. About 3 feet high for last step.  Also a A- frame over a extension ladder that reaches about 2 stories high – not advised for anyone not confident being at heights.  I prefer the A frame. Because it is very versatile and sturdy. I have run into many situations where an extension ladder only, would not work. Can get over bushes , picture windows above entryway doors and sloping lot grades.  Stairs as well as exterior lighting, such as lanterns.

Tool Belt

This helps me hold all the necessary tools. So my hands are free while climbing ladders , removing screens. My tool belt holds my back pouch. Which has 2 brushes for cleaning tracks, frames ,screens. One stiff and one soft. Also holds micro-fiber cloth for wiping down frames and sills.  Holds my bucket on a belt. Where i put my t-bar and squeegee. I have 2 D rings on my belt. Which have a carabiners and rings on them. They hold my scrim detail cloth and a spray bottle.  Which holds solution for cleaning windows Also holds my scraper and a few misc. items for working. Such as a 5 in one and paint can opener for getting screens off. All this helps me work safely and more effectively on and around ladders. You can pick up at lowes or home depot.  AWP brand tool belt and pouch. D ring attachments are on some of the belts. They also have Velcro attached D rings. A 2-3 storage area pouch will work well for you.

You will also need.  Blue scotch brite pads . Bronze wool 0000 . magic eraser .  Blue scotch brite pads are like bronze wool. So they will do if yo can not find the bronze wool.  Both of these will take off debris on the glass.  Magic eraser takes off silicone really well. Just moisten a portion of it. Then scrub the spot .  Bronze wool will take off paint overspray with elbow grease.  Your next option is to wet the window and scrape it.

I figure it would be more helpful to show a video. Than to do a whole bunch more writing.  To start you on the journey of cleaning your windows.  Remember it is going to take some practice. Do some video research on YouTube. There are plenty out there . From beginner to professional .

Residential and Low-rise commercial window cleaning Tulsa,Ok

Service area – Tulsa Metro  Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby, Owasso, Skiatook, Sand Springs and Sapulpa