How to Clean Dirty Windows Screen?
1 ×
Wash with a strip applicator (Picture Window)
Step One // How to Clean Windows Like a Pro
Wash with a strip applicator (Picture Window)
Picture windows call for large tools. The long cloth head of a strip applicator soaks up a lot of soapy water and knocks dirt loose without scratching the glass. For a cleaning solution, Weingard uses
just a squirt of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water—the less suds, the better.
2 ×
Wipe clean with a squeegee (Picture Window)
Step Two // How to Clean Windows Like a Pro
Wipe clean with a squeegee (Picture Window)
Starting at the top left, pull the squeegee over the soapy pane in a reverse-S pattern (left-handers would start at the top right). At the end of each stroke, wipe the squeegee's blade clean with a lint-free rag. Cloth diapers or old linen napkins are perfect for this task.
3 ×
Dry off remaining drips (Picture Window)
Step Three // How to Clean Windows Like a Pro
Dry off remaining drips (Picture Window)
Remove any water remaining on the edges of the glass with a damp, wrung-dry chamois, which soaks up wetness without leaving streaks. Dry the windowsill with a rag.
4 ×
Customize the squeegee (Multipane)
Step Four // How to Clean Windows Like a Pro
Customize the squeegee (Multipane)
To clean a divided-light window, you need a squeegee that fits the panes. Weingard uses a hacksaw to cut one to size. He trims the metal channel ¼ inch narrower than the window pane, then files the cut edges smooth. With a utility knife, he cuts the rubber blade to the pane's full width and fits it into the channel so that it projects 1/8 inch at each end.
5 ×
Scrub the panes (Multipane)
Step Five // How to Clean Windows Like a Pro
Scrub the panes (Multipane)
(Multipane)
A handheld sponge or hog-bristle brush works best on multipane windows. Weingard prefers natural sponges. "They're firmer and more absorbent than synthetics, " he says. Using the same solution of a
squirt of liquid soap in water, he rubs each pane from left to right, top to bottom, working the sponge edges or brush bristles into the corners to loosen dirt.
6 ×
Wipe clean with a squeegee (Multipane)
Step Six // How to Clean Windows Like a Pro
Wipe clean with a squeegee (Multipane)
Pull the squeegee down each pane in a single stroke from top to bottom. After each stroke, clean the blade with a rag so it doesn't leave streaks. (If the squeegee squeaks a lot, add a bit more soap to the water.) As above, remove any streaks on the glass with a chamois, and dry the muntins and sill with a rag.
