By Jordan Mantz

As a small child helping my father around the house with home projects, I can remember how he would always preach to me that, “You are only as good as your tools.” These words of wisdom always remind me of my wonderful experiences with my father. It’s amazing how true those words really are.

With window cleaning, one of the two keys for success is the tools you use. If you want to do the job right, you need the right tools, i.e., a good squeegee and a quality cleaning solution. The second key to your success is your technique. Both of these keys are equally important, and you will not be successful if you ignore them.

Before you start cleaning your windows, make sure to keep safety in mind. If you are in any doubt about the safety or the proper cleaning standards required by your window manufacturer, call a professional. One of the simplest rules for basic window cleaning is to keep both feet securely on the ground without straining to reach the window you plan to clean.

Once you feel comfortable about your safety and the windows you plan to clean, it’s time to get started. Do yourself a favor: Follow the advice of my father and purchase reliable tools—the most important of which is the squeegee. There are a few elite manufactures of professional squeegees: Ettore, Pulex, Sorbo and Unger are the best and easiest to find (at the end of this feature you can find additional information about where to find these brands and the replacement rubber).

Squeegee Tips

• Use only the finest quality professional squeegees with a supply of replaceable rubber blades. Ettore, Pulex, Sorbo and Unger are the best and easiest to find.
• Avoid allowing the rubber surface to touch anything other than the window. Do not allow the rubber surface to touch cement or any other hard surface that could scratch the surface.
• Lean the squeegee with only the metal side resting on a surface.
• Avoiding nicks and scratches is the key to professional results. If you find a scratch either replace the blade or try turning it around and using the opposite side that is not damaged.
• An easy way to check the blade is by running your finger along the edge. If it runs smooth the entire way, your blade is good to use.
• Store squeegees in a cool and dark place and always with the rubber side facing up.

  The cleaning solution is the next most important tool for properly washing windows. Many professionals use dish soap as their main ingredient. Try Joy or Dawn dishwashing liquid for great results. Both are great for cutting grease and give the glass a nice shine without leaving a film on the window. These liquids also help the squeegee glide easily across the glass when cleaning.

  Many experts will tell you to use about as much as you’d use to wash dishes in a sink (try two good squirts for every gallon of water). Be careful not to add too much soap, and make sure you add the soap to the water to avoid suds. Use a rectangle shaped bucket to hold your solution. It should be long enough that your cleaning tools can be completely placed in the solution.

  The above cleaner works well for most windows, but you might want to try using rubbing alcohol for very small windows such as French Windows. The rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly and will not leave a residue. As with all windows, carefully read your window manufacturer’s directions and recommendations on proper cleaning. Be careful what you use on windows that are tinted; if in doubt, ask your manufacturer or a window cleaning professional.

  The Process
  Now comes the fun part—cleaning the window in a very efficient manner with great results. Now that you have the tools, all you need is a good technique. Follow these steps and you’ll do just fine:

  1. Do not try to clean a window if it is too hot or if the sun is shining directly on the window. The cleaning solution will evaporate too quickly, and the results will be horrific.
  2. Wet the windows using a sponge, lint-free rag, window brush or strip washer.
  3. The amount of liquid necessary depends on how dirty the windows are. Use as much as needed to ensure that all dirt and grit is removed.
  4. Take a lint-free rag and clean about an inch of cleaning solution from the top and sides of the window. Once you become more experienced, you may not need to do this step. The removal of the liquid around the edges of the window will help reduce the chance of streaking.
  5. Start from either the top left or right corner. The key to success is to keep the top of your squeegee on an angle in front of the bottom of the squeegee. This will force the cleaning solution to exit out of the bottom of the squeegee, and it won’t let the liquid escape from the top.
  6. Glide the squeegee across the window without lifting it. Come to the end of the window and lightly pull the squeegee off of the edge. You can either wipe any excess cleaning solution off the squeegee with a sponge or rag, or simply tap the squeegee twice on a part of the wet glass that still needs cleaned.
  7. When using a squeegee, make sure your hand is only about an inch away from the window. This will give you a good idea of the proper angle needed for professional results.
  8. Use a lint-free rag to help finish areas with any excess liquid remaining. Be careful and test the rags you plan using. Some rags will leave streaks no matter what you do. Experiment until you find the right ones. This should give you the basic information needed to get out there and start experimenting on your windows. With a little practice, you will be a professional in no time.

     Additional information on techniques and other information can be found in the book How to Clean Windows Like the Pros by John Baxter. For a great source of where you can purchase professional equipment such as squeegees, replacement rubber, buckets, scrubbers, sponges, brushes, towels, poles and various other accessories try www.detroitsponge.com or your local hardware store.