NIW Services Window Cleaning Tips
Window Cleaning Tools
Proper window cleaning tools are one of the main keys for successful window cleaning. In this section you will find a quick list of tools you will need to produce streak free windows. Click on the highlighted words in each section for a more detailed discussion on that subject.
Window Cleaning Squeegee
The squeegee is the main tool used to remove the water/cleaning solution from the glass after it has been scrubbed. A squeegee consists of three parts: handle, metal channel, and rubber blade.
Tip: Don’t buy a cheap squeegee at a department or hardware store. They might be great for the shower, but will not deliver the proper performance needed for cleaning the windows on your house.
Scrubbing Wand
The scrubbing wand, sometimes called the T-handle, is one of the window cleaning tools that does the actual scrubbing of the window. The wand is formed in the shape of a T and is made of lightweight durable plastic. A reusable lint-free wand cover sleeve slips over the top and is held in place with snaps or Velcro tabs. The wand is then dipped into a bucket filled with a professional window cleaning soap or your homemade window cleaner.
Window Cleaning Tool Belt
A Window cleaning tool belt is very when properly set up. They will hold your squeegee, wiping cloths, scraper, extra blades and wand bucket, along with other items you may want. Everything is conveniently within reach at hip level.
Having this type of system is the best. It will keep all your tools safe, clean and organized so you can stay focused on the task at hand.
Window Cleaning Buckets
When it comes to choosing a bucket, decide for yourself which one might work best for you. You can choose one that hooks on your belt or one that sits on the floor. The advantage to one that hooks to your belt is that it is convenient when working on ladders.
Window Scraper
Tools such as the window scraper are very important to understand. When it comes to removing debris from glass, you want to use a professional grade window scraper. These scrapers are specially designed to be used on glass. Any other tool used to scrape windows, such as standard house hold razors, box cutters, or putty knives etc. will cause damage to the glass.
Window Cleaning Towels
Believe it or not, the window cleaning towels that will be used are not actually used for cleaning the glass. The cleaning is done almost exclusively with the scrubbing wand itself. The cleaning cloths are used primarily for wiping edges or blotting small spots that were missed by the squeegee.
Extension Poles
You may want to add an extension pole to your window cleaning tools list. Extension poles are sometimes used when that little extra reach is needed. While it does take some extra practice and skill to use the pole, it can be a valuable and handy tool to know how to use.
Ladders & Accessories
If you've never used ladders before, you might want to stick with a simple step ladder that is no taller than six feet. Anything taller can be dangerous for beginners, especially when working on slippery surfaces or on uneven ground outside. You should only use larger extension ladders if you have experience. Even then, be sure to use great caution and safety measures.
There are also many different tools and accessories that will aid you with cleaning windows. These items include ladder safety aids that help you reach difficult windows in staircases, sloped hillsides, working on slippery surfaces, etc.
Techniques
Windows look best if they are cleaned on a regular basis, at least twice a year on the inside and outside. Here are some useful techniques for cleaning windows:
Window Cleaning Tools
Proper window cleaning tools are one of the main keys for successful window cleaning. In this section you will find a quick list of tools you will need to produce streak free windows. Click on the highlighted words in each section for a more detailed discussion on that subject.
Window Cleaning Squeegee
The squeegee is the main tool used to remove the water/cleaning solution from the glass after it has been scrubbed. A squeegee consists of three parts: handle, metal channel, and rubber blade.
Tip: Don’t buy a cheap squeegee at a department or hardware store. They might be great for the shower, but will not deliver the proper performance needed for cleaning the windows on your house.
Scrubbing Wand
The scrubbing wand, sometimes called the T-handle, is one of the window cleaning tools that does the actual scrubbing of the window. The wand is formed in the shape of a T and is made of lightweight durable plastic. A reusable lint-free wand cover sleeve slips over the top and is held in place with snaps or Velcro tabs. The wand is then dipped into a bucket filled with a professional window cleaning soap or your homemade window cleaner.
Window Cleaning Tool Belt
A Window cleaning tool belt is very when properly set up. They will hold your squeegee, wiping cloths, scraper, extra blades and wand bucket, along with other items you may want. Everything is conveniently within reach at hip level.
Having this type of system is the best. It will keep all your tools safe, clean and organized so you can stay focused on the task at hand.
Window Cleaning Buckets
When it comes to choosing a bucket, decide for yourself which one might work best for you. You can choose one that hooks on your belt or one that sits on the floor. The advantage to one that hooks to your belt is that it is convenient when working on ladders.
Window Scraper
Tools such as the window scraper are very important to understand. When it comes to removing debris from glass, you want to use a professional grade window scraper. These scrapers are specially designed to be used on glass. Any other tool used to scrape windows, such as standard house hold razors, box cutters, or putty knives etc. will cause damage to the glass.
Window Cleaning Towels
Believe it or not, the window cleaning towels that will be used are not actually used for cleaning the glass. The cleaning is done almost exclusively with the scrubbing wand itself. The cleaning cloths are used primarily for wiping edges or blotting small spots that were missed by the squeegee.
Extension Poles
You may want to add an extension pole to your window cleaning tools list. Extension poles are sometimes used when that little extra reach is needed. While it does take some extra practice and skill to use the pole, it can be a valuable and handy tool to know how to use.
Ladders & Accessories
If you've never used ladders before, you might want to stick with a simple step ladder that is no taller than six feet. Anything taller can be dangerous for beginners, especially when working on slippery surfaces or on uneven ground outside. You should only use larger extension ladders if you have experience. Even then, be sure to use great caution and safety measures.
There are also many different tools and accessories that will aid you with cleaning windows. These items include ladder safety aids that help you reach difficult windows in staircases, sloped hillsides, working on slippery surfaces, etc.
Techniques
Windows look best if they are cleaned on a regular basis, at least twice a year on the inside and outside. Here are some useful techniques for cleaning windows:
- Wash one side of a window with horizontal strokes and the other side with vertical strokes so you can pinpoint which side of the window has a streak.
- Use a squeegee on a long handle or a sponge/squeegee combination to prevent streaks on large windows.
- Eliminate tiny scratches on glass by polishing the affected areas with toothpaste.
- Washing windows should be done on a cloudy day, because direct sunlight dries cleaning solutions before you can polish the glass properly.
- Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean corners.
- To give an extra shine to window glass, polish it with well-washed cotton T-shirts or old cloth diapers. Or rub a clean blackboard eraser over a freshly washed and dried window to give it a diamond-bright shine.
- Polish windows to a sparkling shine with crumpled newspaper. The paper also leaves a film that's resistant to dirt.
- Wash windows from the top down to prevent drips.
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