Don’t have the budget to call for skyscraper window cleaners? Follow these window-cleaning hacks shared by professionals.
After seeing the title, I bet you’re thinking, “Yeah, just another boring article about life hacks without any good results.” Well, I don’t blame you but don’t leave just yet because, thankfully, when it comes to home window cleaning tips, they work totally. Especially if they come straight from the professionals.
During my time in New York, I used to enjoy observing the skyscraper window cleaners as they passed by. I found it amazing how organized and happy the cleaning crew was to work, getting about on a little cart and cleaning windows spotless without concern about heights or weather.
I so chatted with a high-rise window cleaner one day when they came to clean my window to seek their best advice for cleaning very difficult windows, regardless of height. The fact that they were willing to share their tricks with me was amazing because today I am going to share them with you. Let’s start!
Clear the area around the windows
One of the first window-cleaning hacks that I learned from them is to remove everything from around the window to clean up the space. I remember the guy saying, “Safety first, ma’am,” and he was right.
The last thing you need is to worry about falling on anything if you slip by any chance. Additionally, you’ll have less trouble moving about and reaching all of your windows’ sections without getting stuck.
In case of accidents, if by any chance one of the windows breaks, grab a piece of bread to dab around broken glass and pick up all tiny shards safely without touching them with bare hands.
If the windows in your home are tall and require the use of a ladder to clean them, be sure to apply some anti-slip tape at the base of the ladder to eliminate the risk of falling.
Dust the windows
The second thing on the window-cleaning hacks list after checking the safety is to dust your windows and blinds if you have any. Maintaining dust-free blinds is an excellent way to maintain cleaner windows in between cleanings.
Although dusting might be tedious and time-consuming, trust me the benefits of dusting will surely outweigh the drawbacks.
Get everything you need on hand
I also added to the list of window-cleaning hacks a cleaning kit. It’s very important to have one because it will help you get the job easier. In case you don’t have one already, pick your favorite from Amazon when the prices start around $10 or $15. This 2-in-1 Window Cleaner with 55″ extension poles costs $15.99, and it’s on sale right now!
To prevent streaks on the windows, make sure you have all the materials you’ll need before you begin cleaning. Oh, and I almost forgot, don’t forget to also add some racks to the list. You will need them in case of drips!
Bonus tip! Cleaning our homes thoroughly is usually costly because of all the materials we use for it. Also, I picked up another valuable lesson from these professionals: make your windows shine like a diamond with a stack of old newspapers. Just remember to put on a pair of gloves to keep your hands free from ink!
Window cleaning solution
Most skyscraper window cleaners use professional cleaners because they have to do an impeccable job. However, the guy advised me that DIY window cleaners work wonders too!
A combination of chemicals with natural cleaners will work significantly better than many window cleaning solutions found in stores. Using one part vinegar to one part warm water is what he recommended.
Of course, dishwashing soap works just as well in place of vinegar, but a combination of the two plus water offers the finest cleaning results, which translates to squeaky clean windows!
Clean from top to bottom
This seems pretty obvious, right? Yet not many people do it in the right way. Because of that, in my chat with the skyscraper window cleaners, I also got advised to clean my windows from to bottom to prevent any dripping and stains.
Use a squeegee
If you use this tool correctly, you will be able to enjoy streak-free, spotless windows throughout your house. To avoid streaks and smudges use the thin, rubber side of a squeegee to remove water; for optimal results, wipe your squeegee off with a dry cloth.
Are there any spots left? Try these window-cleaning hacks
It is easy to lose sight of the little things when cleaning is a tedious task. After finishing your thorough review, return and examine any small details you could have overlooked.
You may use rubbing alcohol to remove adhesive residue, and you can use an old sheet or a cloth to clean up any drips. In addition, you may try using an old sheet to get rid of little stains without having to do the cleaning again.
After cleaning, erasers are great for getting rid of dust, smudges, and stains. When you’re done, dust off the erasers and store them in a clean drawer.
Clean both sides of the window
Don’t think your windows are clean just because you washed them on one side only. Although the inside portion is not exposed to the weather, both sides may get equally dirty. For a thorough cleaning, remember to clean each window’s outside as well as its interior.
By doing this, you can make sure that the glass is free of any debris, dust, or grime. Also, your windows will be exceptionally spotless at that point.
Still no squeaky clean? Try steel wool!
The skyscraper window cleaner told me that to get rid of stubborn stains like grease, for example, and this is applicable in the kitchen, for example, I can use steel wool. Of course, I was curious to see if the tip is good or not, so I tried it myself.
Apply a thin layer of window cleaner to the glass, then use a wad of extremely fine steel wool to clean the stains. It worked!
Avoid streaks
A nuisance to anyone, particularly on windows, is the horrible streaks. However, they have a strange way of staying there even after you have done your best to clean them. However, there’s a way to stay away from them. Using a squeegee, wipe the window in crisscrossing back-and-forth motions, then dry it with a clean towel just in one direction. And just like that, no streaks!
Bottom line:
The next time you clean your windows, I hope all these tips and tricks will come in handy. If not, you may always call a PRO for assistance if you’re not sure you can manage the effort on your own. Therefore, if you’re a senior who is living alone or terrified of heights, I suggest it, especially if your windows are rather large.
New to our page but you enjoyed reading our article? That’s great because we have a ton more others waiting for you. All you have to do is Subscribe free to our newsletter and get a notification every time we write something new.
Related article: 12 Small Bathroom Upgrades With NO Tools and Zero Effort.
