Window Cleaning

Everyone asks how we get the windows so clean and sparkly. It’s not a magic product, but it is a magic process.

SUPPLIES

• lint-free cloth (or newspaper)

• water

• vinegar

• two buckets

• multiple cloths

• toothbrush

• razor

• multipurpose cleaner

• squeegee (Master Craft from Canadian Tire)

• telescoping pole (I like the Unger brand from Home Depot)

PROCESS

• PREP

  • Thoroughly clean all your tools. Ensure no sand or dirt is in your buckets or squeegee.

  • Fill a bucket with water and multipurpose cleaner. Toss a cloth and the toothbrush into the bucket.

  • Fill another bucket with water and a good splash of vinegar.

  • Grab the other cloths, but leave them dry.

• INSIDE

  • Start inside, so that when you’re outside, you know which side of the glass the dirt is on. It’s so annoying to strain to reach a window, only to realize the spot you’ve been scrubbing is inside.

  • Remove the screen and set aside.

  • Use a cloth and multipurpose solution to clean the frame, track and sill. Use the toothbrush to get around the handle or edges as needed.

  • Dip your squeegee in the vinegar solution and wring out a bit. Use the soft side to thoroughly scrub the window.

  • Starting at the top and along one side, use the rubber blade to dry the window. Overlap several inches with each pass and wipe your blade with a designated cloth between each pass. (This religious wiping is what separates the Elves from the Trolls.)

  • Use your rough cloth to wipe up any water from the windowsill.

  • Use a lint-free cloth to touch up the edges of the window. (Another fanatical attention-to-quality step that separates Elves from Trolls.)

  • Wash your screen and set aside to dry. (Leave it out so you can access the window from outside) (Hmm, another reason to start inside… almost like we’ve done this before!)

• OUTSIDE

  • If you can reach, use your cloth and multipurpose solution to wipe the frame. It’s nice to remove the fly poop, but also helps remove a fine white powder as the sun breaks down plastic frames.

  • If you can’t wipe the frame, avoid touching the frame. The sun breaks down the plastic and you’ll bring white, filmy streaks onto the window. Super annoying!

  • Dip your squeegee in the vinegar solution and wring out a bit. Use the soft side to thoroughly scrub the window. Use the telescoping pole to reach if needed.

  • Starting at the top and along one side, use the rubber blade to dry the window. Overlap several inches with each pass and wipe your blade with a designated cloth between each pass.

  • Protip: at the bottom of the window, ‘flick’ the bottom of the blade out. This will help ensure a clean line at the bottom of the window. Otherwise there tends to be a few drops right at the base.

• CHECK

  • Check your work from multiple angles.

  • Often, you’ll see spots on the other side easier than you will on the side you’re on, so make notes about windows to come back to.

  • Use a lint-free cloth to touch up the edges from drip marks.

  • Install screens and buff window sills to ensure there aren’t any water spots.

  • Use window stickers to prevent bird strikes if you want.

  • Sit back and enjoy all your friends commenting on your nice sparkly windows.