How to wash windows?

The process of cleaning windows is only tedious if it is done incorrectly.

If you approach this issue wisely, choose the appropriate product and equipment, and strictly follow the instructions, then the glass will always remain clean, and the procedure itself will not take much time.

Read the article about how to properly wash windows in an apartment and on a balcony so that they don’t get dirty longer, how to remove old paint from glass and traces of foil.

How to wash properly without special equipment?

You need to start cleaning windows when the weather is right.. It is advisable to choose a cloudy and windless day, since direct sunlight on the glass will cause the product to dry quickly, and they also make it difficult to objectively assess the degree of cleanliness of the washed window.

Clean and streak-free inside the apartment

Instructions for cleaning windows from the inside:

1. You need to remove all objects that are on it from the windowsill.Blinds and mosquito nets are removed and washed separately.
2. Add a little liquid soap to warm water. Soak a sponge in the solution and wash the frames.
3. Then they begin to wash the glass. Stubborn stains are removed using special means.
4. Wipe the inside surface of the windows with clean water, rinsing the cloth 2-3 times.
5. Several newspapers are crumpled and polished on the glass. The paper will absorb excess water and will not leave streaks.

High quality and safe from the outside, from the street

Washing windows from the outside without special equipment can be dangerous if the apartment is on a high floor.

The following instructions will help you cope with the task without risking your life:

• the opening sash must be washed according to the same principle as the windows inside;
• To wash the cast half of the window, you will need insurance, since you will have to reach out - you can use a special carabiner designed for climbers, or ask for help from household members, because You cannot bend far beyond the window without insurance;
• first you need to wipe the outer frames, as a lot of dust accumulates on them, then you should walk along the slope with a rag;
• The glass is washed with soapy water, removing all dirt, then rinsed with clean water and wiped with a dry cloth.

Choosing a glass cleaner

You can wash the window using improvised means. They do not require financial costs and are easy to use. If you don’t want to study and prepare the compositions yourself, you can purchase them in the store. There is a wide range of window cleaning products available, and they are inexpensive.

Folk recipes

You can even wash windows with plain water, but this procedure is quite tedious.You can make the task easier with the help of folk remedies that are found in every home:

1. Vinegar. To prepare the solution you will need 1 glass of water and 3 tablespoons of 9% vinegar.
2. Lemon juice. It is taken in the amount of 4 tablespoons per glass of water.
3. Ammonia. For 2 glasses of water you will need 2 tablespoons of ammonia.
4. Vodka. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3.

Any of the listed solutions is poured into a spray bottle, with which it is applied to the glass. You will find many folk recipes for washing windows. Here.

Special formulations

There are many window cleaning products available on the market. Based on the following criteria, you will be able to select the optimal composition:

1. Liquids based on benzyl or isopropyl alcohol. They dissolve grease stains well, including old ones, and do not leave streaks behind.
2. Liquids in which surfactants are the base component. They have high cleaning properties and are safe for windows and human health.
3. Sprays with ammonia. They are chosen to combat stubborn stains, as well as to give the window surface a glossy shine.

The auxiliary components are: acids, silicones, antistatic agents, water-repellent substances. Popular brands of window cleaning products:

• Clin (140 rubles),
• Mr. Muscle (200 rubles),
• Unicum (110 rubles) and others.

The rating of the best window cleaning products is presented in this publications.

How to choose a rag?

When choosing a rag for cleaning windows, you need to start from what material it is made of. Possible options:

1. Faux suede. It collects water and dirt well and does not leave lint behind.
2. Microfiber. A reusable rag that not only collects dirt, but also polishes glass perfectly.
3. Viscose. Such rags are suitable for applying detergent, but collecting moisture with their help will be problematic.

Popular brands of rags for cleaning windows:

• Master fresh microfiber (80 rubles),
• Starwax microfiber (320 rubles),
• Bagi “Miracle Rag” napkin made of viscose (520 rubles), etc.

Tips on choosing cloths for cleaning windows can be found in this article.

How to wash quickly, easily and effectively?

Any window can be washed quickly if you don’t waste time scrubbing away dirt and removing stains. To do this, you need to use detergents with a combined composition, which will include surfactants and alcohol.

The easiest way to apply the liquid is from a spray bottle.. This also helps save time. Be sure to pay attention to the rag. It should collect water well and not leave streaks or lint behind.

Read more in this article.

Difficulties with bars

If the window frames open into the living space, then cleaning windows with bars will not be difficult. The situation is more complicated with cast non-removable structures.

There are several options:

1. Use a steam cleaner. Its nozzle is inserted into the existing opening and the device is connected to the network.

   Under the influence of steam, all dirt will dissolve, even without the use of detergents. However, if the opening is too narrow, then wiping the glass with a rag will not work.

2. Residents of the first floors (provided the windows are low) can use the Karcher mini-wash. This device supplies water under high pressure.

   After using it, not only the glass, but also the grilles will be perfectly clean. If Karcher is not available, then a regular hose will do, but its efficiency is lower.

3. Call specialists. They have devices that can help you cope with any task. However, cleaning services will cost money.

The last and most labor-intensive option is removing window structures. Although it will not be possible to do without special knowledge and tools.

Assistant devices

To make the process of washing windows easier, you can use special devices, of which there are many today. They not only save time, but also help you get to hard-to-reach places if you can’t reach them.

Such devices are indispensable for residents of high-rise buildings, as well as for owners of glazed balconies and loggias:

1. Telescopic mop. It has a retractable handle that allows you to reach corners at great heights.
2. Magnetic brush. The device is represented by 2 halves, which are attracted to each other by magnets. A person washes only the inside, and the brush located opposite him repeats his movements on the outside of the window.
3. Rubber scraper on a short handle (vodosgon). With its help, it is easy to remove foam and dirty water from glass after basic cleaning.
4. Steam Mop. Powered by electricity, dirt is removed under the influence of a jet of steam. The device can be used for various household needs, for example, for washing tiles.
5. Vacuum cleaners for windows. The devices operate on batteries or are powered from the mains.The principle of operation of the device is simple: using a built-in spray bottle, detergent is applied to the glass, then it is wiped with a special nozzle. The completion of cleaning is the suction of liquid into the reservoir. As a result, the entire process takes a few minutes.
6. Robot vacuum cleaners for washing windows. These miniature assistants are divided into vacuum and magnetic. The devices operate independently, with virtually no human intervention.

The more complex a device is from a technological point of view, the more expensive it is. You can find out how to clean windows with a Karcher steam cleaner herehow to use a window washer - Herehow to use a telescopic mop - here, magnetic brush - Here, robotic vacuum cleaners - in this article, washing vacuum cleaners for windows - in this.

How to clean plastic and wooden window structures?

Plastic windows are not picky to care for, but in order for them to last longer, they need to be washed correctly:

• to remove stains from glass, you can use gels based on alcohol, ammonia or surfactants; ordinary soapy water does the job well;
• To care for double-glazed windows, you cannot use powders with abrasive particles and caustic acids;
• you need to pay attention not only to the glass, but also to other components;
• To make cleaning easier, you can use various devices, with the exception of hard brushes, which will lead to scratches.

Old-style wooden frames have many cracks and openings into which dust gets clogged. You can remove it with a toothpick or a cotton swab. To care for glass, use non-aggressive solutions, for example, soap or vinegar water.

You can learn how to wash plastic windows correctly here.

How to wash the window sill, mesh, frame and other components?

It is necessary to regularly wash not only the glass, but the entire structure as a whole. Features of component care:

1. You should start washing the frame first. If this is not done, the dirt in the corners will smear and stain the glass. Particular attention is paid to fastenings and drain holes. After washing, they must be dried.
2. Rubber seals are washed with soapy water and allowed to dry. If this is not done, then over time the seal of the window will be compromised.
3. The mesh is convenient to wash in the bathroom. First, it is wiped with a sponge soaked in soapy water, and then rinsed with a shower.
4. You need to take care of your window sill regularly. Remove dust and minor dirt with a soft damp cloth. Complex stains are removed with an alcohol or vinegar solution.
5. Slopes do not tolerate contact with aggressive substances and hard brushes.

He will tell you how to wash the mesh this article, window sill - this.

Cleaning double-glazed windows on the balcony

To clean the windows on the balcony you will need a mop with a long handle. With its help you will be able to reach the upper corners.

If all the frames are sliding or open inward, washing them from the outside will not be difficult. Be sure to pay attention to their attachment points and guides.. If dirt gets into them, it will cause problems with frame movement.

If necessary, double-glazed windows are removed. To do this, the plugs are dismantled, after which the structure is removed from the guides. He will tell you more about how to wash windows on a balcony or loggia. this article on how to wash panoramic windows - this, sliding - this.

Lifehacks for cleaning at a high level

Washing windows at height requires insurance. It is good if a second person performs this role. He should hold the washer by the body when he leans out.

For safer glass maintenance you can use special devices, for example, a telescopic mop or a robotic window cleaner. Read more about cleaning windows on high floors here.

How often should the procedure be performed?

Clean windows at least 2 times a year. General cleaning is done in autumn and spring. In the off-season, you need to keep the windows clean and periodically wipe off dust and other contaminants.

In general, there are no strict deadlines for cleaning windows. The main thing is that they always remain clean.

How to remove different types of contaminants?

If the windows are dirty not only with dust, it is not always possible to deal with the stains with soapy water. Depending on the type of contamination, different means are used:

• scratches are polished with GOI paste;
• the film is removed using a steam generator;
• the resin can be washed with turpentine, alcohol or gasoline;
• remove paint with acetone;
• bird excrement is removed with toothpaste;
• the foil is soaked in water and carefully removed with a plastic or rubber scraper.

You can find out how to remove scratches on window glass hereHow to remove the protective film - Here.

How much does the service cost?

Cleaning companies provide window cleaning services. Prices depend on the complexity of the work performed. Estimated cost:

• 2 standard doors – 350 rubles;
• 3 standard doors – 450 rubles;
• blind sash on the balcony - 200 rubles.

The exact price must be clarified with the selected organization. Read more in this article.

Helpful information

Tips and life hacks for cleaning windows:

1. First you need to wash the outside of the window, and then start cleaning the glass from the inside.
2. You can avoid the appearance of streaks if you move the cloth correctly: first wipe the glass vertically and then horizontally.
3. If the windows face a busy road, it is recommended to use a detergent with an antistatic agent.

Conclusion

Windows will always remain clean if you take care of them regularly. To ensure that this process does not take much time, you need to choose the right product and modern devices designed to make cleaning simple, fast and safe.