I used to dread it when it came time to clean my windows. I found myself waiting for something to go wrong, whether it was ending up with a streaky finish or finding that somehow after cleaning them the glass managed to attract even more dust and debris than before.
With summer coming to a close, now’s the perfect time to give all types of windows a good wipe down to remove pollen and dirt accumulated from frequent use. But to help you tackle the task with confidence, I talked to an assortment of professionals in cleaning and window craftsmanship to learn the best techniques for a job well done – as well as the methods to avoid.
Read on to find out all you need to know, and who knows? Maybe the chore will feel less like a woe and more like a win from this moment on.
1. Squeegee and soapy water
You've probably heard about using a squeegee and warm soapy water to clean windows before, but you might not understand why this simple technique is among the most effective.
As Mark Caulfield, director of Glass House Architecture, explains: "Using a squeegee and soapy water to clean your windows is a classic for good reason. It's ideal for cleaning big panes of glass in a fast manner due to the squeegee's large flat edge, resulting in less chance of drying marks appearing."
The squeegee is also great at removing water from the surface of your windows, ensuring damp doesn't remain which can develop into mould later down the line. However, Mark also notes that getting to the edges of your window with the squeegee could prove more difficult. Wiping those gently with a cloth like the MR.SIGA Cleaning Cloths from Amazon may be necessary.
This method is ideal for all kinds of windows, whether indoors or outdoors. Though a curved squeegee like the Vikan Wipe-N-Shine from Amazon would be better suited for circular windows.
Mark is the director of Glass House Architecture, and has been designing, maintaining and overseeing the build of glazed structures since 1981, winning awards including the Chelsea Flower Show in 1990.
2. A microfibre cloth
The humble microfibre cloth is such a household staple when it comes to cleaning anything - including windows. Though it isn't always the most efficient method, and there is a knack to getting it right.
Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO of Cleaning Express, says: "Window cleaning doesn’t need to be a complicated job, and it doesn’t need to involve expensive tools. A damp microfibre cloth that's lint-free is all you need to get the windows sparkling."
For the best results, Michael recommends using two cloths - one to wash your windows and another to get them dry. Though he has another special trick up his sleeve to ensure your panes remain crystal clear.
"A useful tip if you’re cleaning your own windows and you’re doing both inside and out is to wipe the window in different directions on each face. For example, use circular motions inside and horizontal/S-shape movements outside. This will help you to tell which side has any streaks left once you’re done cleaning."
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Michael Bogoyavlenskiy is the CEO of Cleaning Express, a UK-based domestic and commercial cleaning company. Cleaning Express has been in business since 2015 and has built a large portfolio of clients, including long-term domestic, local independent businesses, and large multinationals. Michael uses his decade of expertise in the cleaning industry to share useful advice with others.
3. Use an extendable mop
If you're cleaning windows which are high up on the walls or panes on the ceiling such as a skylight, opting to clean them using a mop like the JEHONN Long Handle Mop from Amazon is a great choice. Not only will the extendable handle make reaching your high up windows far easier, but the rod will give you more control when it comes to getting the windows clean.
Michael Bogoyavlenskiy explains: "A Swiffer-style mop on a long stick is effective for cleaning high up windows for a reasonably affordable price. You can always get up on a ladder to touch up any final cleaning, but most modern window cleaners opt for using a brush on an extendable stick."
Make sure your mop isn't soaking wet with too much soapy water though as otherwise it'll start dripping down on top of you while you're cleaning! Don't forget to go back in with a dry mop head to avoid leaving water marks on your window panes, too.
4. Steam cleaning
Steam cleaning has revolutionised how people get their homes in tip top form. It's suitable for addressing so many mucky surfaces, including glass.
Mark Caulfield says: "Steam cleaners are great for cleaning windows, especially windows in the kitchen which may have accumulated extra grease and grime. However, they still need a cloth wiped over them afterwards to avoid leaving water marks."
Steam cleaning works by using heat and water vapour to melt grease and loosen dirt from the panes and edges of your windows. It's a great choice for cleaning windows within easy reach. But if you're hoping to get your skylight or other high up windows such as kitchen roof lanterns or clerestory windows sparkling, it might not be easy to climb up to reach them while carrying a steam cleaning device.
If you live in a consistently cold climate, Mark doesn't recommend steam cleaning despite it being a very impactful technique. The combination of steam on cold glass can lead to cracking if outdoor temperatures are below freezing - so be mindful!
5. Use a water fed pole
Before chatting to Mark Caulfield I had not previously heard of a water fed pole. But now I've learned more about them I can totally see why they're a great fit for high up windows and glass roofs.
"Water fed poles with purified water are becoming more and more popular among window cleaners," shares Mark. "They leave behind no marks and you don't even need a ladder to use them. However, they can be on the pricey side."
A water fed pole like the IGADPile from Amazon is rather like a cleaning brush or mop. The key difference is that water feeds down the telescopic handle (the pole) into the brush, producing a stream of water out of the brush head. This is incredibly handy for dirty, dusty windows that needs plenty of clean water to budge their grime. Though it's still recommended where possible to use a dry mop head to wipe away surplus water to prevent water marks from developing.
FAQs
Are there any methods that I should avoid?
Mark Caulfield strongly recommends avoiding cleaning or drying your windows using newspaper because newspaper today is made from different materials to in the past.
He shared: "Using newspaper to clean areas such as windows is an old trick, but I'd avoid doing it nowadays. It worked in the past because the ink of newsprint was oil based. Now it will just result in smudges."
What should I do if my windows are super dirty?
If cleaning your windows has become a bothersome, impossible chore, Michael Bogoyavlenskiy recommends getting professional help as a one off.
He explains: "If your windows are really dirty, pay a professional to do it the first time so you can then just maintain the clean yourself!"
For more expert cleaning advice, check out our guides to cleaning shower screens (another glass area in your home), and if you have a glass conservatory, here's what's recommended for getting your conservatory roof gleaming.
