Clean, spotless windows make your whole house sparkle and look elegant. While there are many advanced cleaning methods, like pure water window cleaning, the traditional method still hasn’t lost its appeal.
Many professionals still use the traditional method, especially because of its simplicity and efficiency. When done right, this method can clean the dirt and grime right off, even from your dirtiest windows.
Let’s understand the methods and techniques used in the old-fashioned way of cleaning windows and why it is still so popular among professionals.
Traditional and professional window cleaning
It is the conventional method of cleaning your windows, which are washed with bare hands without using specialized machines. This method typically involves a few key steps:
- Applying cleaning solution directly to the window pane
- Manually scrubbing the dirt and grime off the surface of the glass and
- Wiping the soapy water off the glass with a squeegee to leave a clean window.
This method has been used for many years and is still frequently applied because of its efficiency and ease of execution.
Common cleaning equipment and techniques used in traditional window cleaning
While the traditional method does not utilize any sophisticated or hi-tech machines, you still need some tools to get the job done. Here are some of the things you need to get started:
- Squeegee: The star of the show is a simple squeegee- a flat, smooth rubber blade tool that is used to wipe off water and clean solutions from the glass surface for a streak-free finish.
- Scrubber or sponge: You will also need a high-quality scrubber to apply some agitation to loosen the dirt and dust. When you apply a cleaning solution, the scrubber and sponge speed up the cleaning process. You should be careful about using the right kind of scrubber. You need a scrubber designed for glass that does not scratch or leave marks.
- Bucket: Next, you will need a bucket to hold the water and a cleaning solution.
- Ladder: If you have higher windows, a strong ladder is vital. It will allow your window cleaner to reach those tricky spots that are out of arm’s reach.
- Cloth: These are used to wipe the edges of the window and any excess water the squeegee might miss, ensuring a spotless finish.
You must remember that while the list of supplies is relatively short, you need a lot of skill and patience to clean windows with this method.
How do traditional window cleaning methods clean your windows?
Cleaning your windows using the traditional method is a labor-intensive and time-consuming job. The first step is to take a bucket of water and then mix a little cleaning solution or soap. This mixture is very essential in removing the dirt and the grimes that are stuck on your windows.
Here is a step-wise guide to getting your windows clean with traditional methods:
Applying the window cleaning solution
Now that you have your soapy water ready, it is time to apply it to the window. Take your scrubber or your sponge into the bucket and thoroughly wet it with the soap. Next, begin at the upper part of the window and spread over the entire surface to avoid leaving out any area.
The aim is to ensure that the window is wet at all points and initiate the breakdown of all the grime on the surface.
Scrub away dirt and grime to clean windows
After you apply the cleaning solution over the window surface, it is time to scrub it with an appropriate sponge or scrub. Pay attention to areas that have accumulated excessive dirt, scrubbing the cleaning solution thoroughly.
As soap water has less surface tension than pure water, it can penetrate the dirt particles and loosen the bond between them and the glass. When you scrub it with a sponge, the particles are ‘pulled off’ in the cleaning solution.
Many people make the mistake of scrubbing their dirty windows too soon after applying the cleaning solution. The soapy cleanser needs sufficient dwell time to penetrate the dirt particles before they can do their magic. So, wait for a few seconds after applying the cleaning solution before you start scrubbing away.
The magic of squeegee
Now comes the fun part that is so satisfying to look at – using a squeegee!
A squeegee is one of the most useful and easy-to-use pieces of equipment, and it has a handle and a flat rubber blade. To use it, you begin at the top right corner of the window surface. Wipe the glass with the squeegee, using only one swipe to remove the soapy water and the dirt from the glass. You will need to apply a bit of steady pressure to remove the soapy water without leaving any residue or marks.
After every stroke, clean the blade of the squeegee with the help of a cloth so that it is free from water and other dirt. Proceed with this until the whole window has been cleaned. When cleaning large windows, it may be necessary to overlap the strokes to cover the entire surface.
Cleaning the edges and finishing touches
After wiping the whole window, you will find water at the corners, which you were unable to squeeze off completely. You can wipe the edges and corners of each glass surface with a microfiber cloth and remove any excess moisture remaining. This step is crucial as it can ensure that the water does not leave marks on drying and that the windows stay sparkling clean.
Modern window cleaning & alternative methods vs traditional window cleaning
Traditional window cleaning methods are time-tested and reliable. They provide a deep clean that’s hard to beat. However, modern methods, such as the water-fed pole system, offer an alternative that eliminates the need for ladders and reduces physical strain.
These systems use pure, deionized water filtered through a purification process to remove dissolved solids. This pure water binds to dirt and grime, allowing it to be rinsed away without leaving streaks or a clear film on the glass.
While traditional methods require more manual effort, they are particularly effective for smaller jobs or interior windows. You can’t beat the tactile feedback of using a squeegee and the satisfaction of seeing the dirt wiped away!
Traditional Window Cleaning Techniques Conclusion
In conclusion, traditional window cleaning methods are all about using the right tools, a bit of elbow grease, and proper technique. Whether you are an experienced professional window cleaner or a homeowner, these methods can help you achieve beautifully clean windows.
