Cleaning Your Windows the Right Way

Cleaning your windows to ensure clear, scratch-free glass

Looking ahead to spring means getting into the spirit of spring cleaning. And, serving as the main focal point of any house or business, it's important to make sure that your windows are not only clean, but properly cleaned this upcoming season.

Marvin Venting Picture Window

Windows With No Divided Lights:

Applying Solution:

If working with a large picture window without dividing lights, the first thing you want to do is wash with a strip applicator. According to an article by This Old House, the cloth at the end of the applicator is the perfect tool to soak up soap-infused water and remove dirt from your window. Not to mention, the soft towel will perfectly clean the glass without scratching the surface. As far as a solution, simply add dish-washing liquid into a bucket of warm water, remembering that suds should be minimal.

Drying off Solution:

To dry the cleaning solution, take a squeegee and make a reverse S-pattern, starting from the top left corner (top right corner for those left handed). After you squeegee away the water with each motion, make sure to wipe the blade clean with a lint-free rag.

Photo by Kenneth Chen

Windows With Divided Lights:

*Prep step* Cleaning divided lights adds for a bit of an extra challenge. You'll need to custom size your squeegee in order for the blade to fit within each light. This Old House suggests using a hacksaw to cut one size. Start off by trimming the metal channel 1/4 inch narrower than the actual pane, making sure to file the edges smooth. After that, use a utility knife to cut the rubber blade so that it securely fits into the channel and sticks out 1/8 inch at each end.

Hog-bristle brush

Applying Solution:

Use a natural sponge or a hog-bristle brush to rub each pane, from left to right, using the same solution as mentioned above. Make sure to work the sponge or bristles into the corners of the window to break up any impacted dirt.

Drying off Solution:

Instead of an S-motion, pull the squeegee straight down each pane in one, swift motion. Like before, clean off the blade after each swipe so that the window remains spotless. For the final step, remove any imperfections (streaks or dust) with a chamois, while drying the muntins and sill with a rag.

Sources: This Old House