The Ultimate guide to balcony window cleaning
Cleaning the windows of your home seems like a straightforward process, not to mention a routine part of the overall maintenance process. That’s all fine, but what if you could speed up the job, while enhancing the final quality at the same time?
Today, we’re sharing a few handy window cleaning hacks designed to achieve just that, so you can spend less time on window cleaning, and more time doing something else. It’s the best of both worlds; a streak-free shine, and more time saved to enjoy your day. Let’s get started!
SQUEEGEES ARE YOUR SAVIOR
When it comes to the pantheon of window cleaning tools, one stands above the rest as perhaps the most recognizable, and reliable of the bunch. That, of course, is the squeegee, a must-have. Not only is the squeegee extremely versatile and overly proficient at what it does, but it also helps remove excess water and detergent from your windows, thereby reducing the chances of streaks and drips. Start at the top of the window and work your way down in a zigzag pattern for ultimate results, but be sure to wipe the squeegee clean after each stroke, or you may leave a streak or two when you don’t have to!
VINEGAR FOR VICTORY
Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaning agent that can be used to clean windows, and it’s cheap, to boot! Few household items can match its cleaning performance, so don’t be afraid to bust out a jug when it comes time to clean those windows. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, and pour into a spray bottle with a generous nozzle. Next, spray the solution onto the window and wipe clean. The secret lies in the acidity contained within the vinegar, which helps to break down dirt and grime, leaving your windows streak-free.
NEVER-FAILING NEWSPAPER
This window cleaning hack was proliferated via word-of-mouth advice, but it does have merit. Newspaper is a great alternative to paper towels when it comes to cleaning windows, since the material isn’t prone to leaving behind lint or streaks. Simply crumple up a sheet of newspaper, and use it to wipe off the cleaning solution from the window. While it may not be the most optimal solution compared to the next item on our list, it can pull through if there’s a crisis, and there’s nothing else at your disposal. Besides, newspaper is eco-friendly material, so if you’re going to throw it out, give it one last hurrah.
MAGNIFICENT MICROFIBER
A microfiber cloth is another great tool for cleaning windows, and it’s also a staple of professional window cleaners the world over. This soft, absorbent material leaves no streaks or lint behind, and it can be cleaned and reused many times over to achieve the same effect. Simply dampen the microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution of choice, and wipe the window in a circular motion to get the best results.
CLEAN WHEN IT’S CLOUDY
Everyone wants to clean their windows on a sunny day, and while it may seem like a good idea at first, there’s actually a lot of drawbacks involved. The beating rays of the sun can dry out your cleaning solution too quickly, leaving behind residue that can lead to streaks and spots. We recommend cleaning your windows on a cloudy day in order to avoid this problem, but if you simply must do it on a sunny day, consider doing the job in the morning or early afternoon when the sun isn’t as high, or hot. Also, don’t forget the sunblock!
TIDY UP THOSE TRACKS
Cleaning windows involves more than just making sure each pane of glass is clear and sprakling. Don’t neglect the other parts of the window, particularly tracks! This is a prime spot for dirt, dust, and debris to accumulate, making it very difficult to open and close a window. To deal with this problem, use a vacuum cleaner or a soft toothbrush to remove the dirt and debris from the track, before using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean any remaining residue. Make sure to do this consistently so that your tracks stay functional, while helping you avoid possible repairs down the road.
CONCLUSION
Cleaning windows doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially when you’re armed with some time-saving hacks and techniques. Following this guide can help you achieve a streak-free shine, all without breaking too much of a sweat. However, if you’d rather spend your time on something else (and we wouldn’t blame you if you do), then there’s always the option to call out a professional team to do the job for you.
Toronto Window Cleaners has made window cleaning our livelihood, and our passion. You’ll see the latter in the work we do, especially when we start tackling all the windows of your house, even hard-to-reach ones! Our teams are trained and equipped to handle any job, regardless of the size, and we’ll start you off on the right foot with a quote and a cleaning schedule that we know you’ll love. Contact us today, and let us get to work on your windows!
