The Three Most Common Window Cleaning Mistakes You Are Making
Welcome back, fellow glass-polishing nerds! Today, we will tackle a subject close to my heart: window cleaning. As a professional window cleaner based in London, I’ve seen it all – from sparkling panes that could rival Buckingham Palace to streaky messes that make you wonder if someone tried cleaning with a mop. The truth is, window cleaning isn’t rocket science, but there are a few common mistakes that many folks make without even realising it. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get those windows gleaming!
Mistake #1: Washing Windows on Bright, Warm, and Sunny Days
Ah, the allure of a bright, warm, sunny day – the perfect backdrop for tackling household chores. But hold your squeegees, my fellow window warriors, because when cleaning your glass panes, that glorious sunshine might do you more harm than good.
Why it’s a mistake: Let’s break it down. When you’re cleaning your windows on a bright and sunny day, several factors come into play that can sabotage your efforts:
- The heat from the sun causes the cleaning solution to evaporate rapidly, leaving you with streaks and smudges before you can say “sparkling clean”.
- The intense sunlight can create glare, making it difficult to spot any missed spots or streaks until it’s too late.
- If you’re using a ladder to reach those high-up windows, the heat from the sun can make the rungs hot to the touch, increasing the risk of accidents and mishaps.
How to avoid it: So, what’s the solution? Quite literally, it’s to wait for the clouds to roll in. Choosing a cloudy or overcast day to clean your windows can make all the difference. With less intense sunlight, you’ll have more time to work with the cleaning solution before it evaporates, giving you a better chance of achieving streak-free results. If you must clean your windows on a sunny day, try to do so early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun isn’t as intense. And always remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially if you spend an extended period of time outdoors. Trust me, your skin will thank you!
By heeding this advice and timing your window-cleaning endeavours just right, you’ll be well on your way to achieving glass so clear that you’ll swear it’s invisible. So put down that squeegee, step away from the sunshine, and let’s get cleaning—the right way!
Mistake #2: Using Fibre-Based Cloth to Polish the Glass
Picture this: you’ve spent hours scrubbing and spraying, and your windows finally look spotless. But as you step back to admire your handiwork, you notice something off – tiny threads and fibres clinging to the glass like stubborn little pests. What gives?
Why it’s a mistake: Let’s jump into the science of window cleaning, shall we? When you use a fibre-based cloth to polish your windows, you’re inviting trouble in microscopic threads and fibres. These seemingly innocent cloths may feel soft to the touch, but under closer inspection, they’re harbouring a dirty little secret – they shed. Yes, you heard me right. As you wipe and buff your windows, these fibres can detach from the cloth and cling to the glass surface, leaving behind a trail of unsightly streaks and smudges. Not precisely the polished finish you were hoping for, right?
How to avoid it: Fear not, my fellow window warriors, for I come bearing good news. The solution to this fibrous fiasco lies in the humble microfibre cloth. Unlike their fibre-based counterparts, microfibre cloths are specifically designed for cleaning glass and won’t leave behind any pesky fibres. These soft and non-abrasive cloths are made from ultra-fine synthetic fibres and are perfect for achieving a streak-free shine without the hassle of microscopic threads ruining your handiwork. When polishing your windows, use gentle, circular motions to buff away any streaks or smudges, using a clean section of the cloth for each pane. Trust me, your windows will thank you for it.
Mistake #3: Spraying All the Windows at Once
You’re on a mission to get those windows sparkling, so grab your trusty spray bottle and go to town, drenching every window in sight with a cleaning solution. After all, why waste time spraying each window individually when you can knock them all out at once, right? Wrong again!
Why it’s a mistake: Let’s take a moment to consider the consequences of our spray-happy ways. You’re setting yourself up for failure when you spray all your windows at once. Sure, it might seem like a time-saving hack, but it can lead to streaks, smudges, and uneven cleaning. Picture this: you’ve sprayed a large area of glass with cleaning solution, but before you can even say “squeegee”, the liquid has already begun to evaporate, leaving you with streaks and smudges that are stubbornly resistant to your best cleaning efforts. Not precisely the efficient cleaning process you were hoping for, right?
How to avoid it: Fear not, my fellow window warriors, for I come bearing a solution. A more methodical approach to your window-cleaning endeavours is the key to avoiding this common mistake. Instead of spraying all your windows, tackle them one at a time. Start by spraying a small section of glass with a cleaning solution, then use your trusty microfibre cloth to polish it until it shines. Once you’ve finished a section, move on to the next one, repeating the process until all your windows gleam like beacons of cleanliness.
By adopting this more focused approach to window cleaning, you’ll avoid the pitfalls of streaks and smudges and achieve a level of cleanliness that would make even the most discerning of window connoisseurs nod in approval. So put down that spray bottle, step away from the temptation of mass window spraying, and let’s get cleaning – the right way!
So there you have it, folks – the three most common window cleaning mistakes you’re probably making without even realising it. But fear not! Armed with these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving streak-free, crystal-clear windows that would make even the Queen of England proud. Happy cleaning!