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Common Mistakes in Window Cleaning

Are you the one who’s cleaning your windows but you cannot achieve a streak-free windows? Then maybe you are not doing it correctly or you are using incorrect tools in cleaning it. Cleaning windows is never an easy task to do. There are a lot things and steps that you need to be familiar with to make sure that you are cleaning your windows properly.

You need to ask yourself, are you using the correct tools? Is this the right solution? The right technique? When is the best time to clean my windows? These are just some of the questions that you might need a correct answer from a professional window cleaner. But here are some of common mistakes that you can avoid when cleaning your own windows.

Scraping too HARD!

Scrapers is being use to remove hardened dirt. There is a right trick that you need to learn from professionals to make sure that you are scraping it right and not hard. When using a scraper, make sure to keep your hand steady and apply evenly pressure. Make sure that you are putting evenly pressure to avoid scratching the glass.

Hot or Sunny Day

This is one of those window cleaning mistakes that may sound harmless but can actually hamper your work. It’s bright and sunny outside and it’s probably the perfect time to get some outdoor cleaning done. It is not! Too much sunshine is not your friend. As you soap one side and move to the next section, the hot sun dries the window quickly. You’ll end up with streaks and marks before you are able to rinse.

Window cleaning professionals recommend that you wash your windows on a cloudy day. Outdoor temperatures of around 70° are ideal. This way, you’ll have enough time to remove the cleaning solution before it starts to dry.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Solution

There are a lot of cleaning solutions in the market that is always available but make sure that you are using the correct solution for your windows. Cleaning solutions are also known to attract dust. You can make your own cleaning solution but be sure to use ingredients that are for windows.

The best type of water that you can use to clean your windows is a mineral-free distilled water. The regular tap water contains hard minerals that leaves behind streaky deposits.

Correct Cloth for Wiping

Window cleaning mistakes often happen during the drying process. Regular cloth can leave fibers all over the place, ruining all of your hard work. Thus, wipe excess water with a soft, microfiber cloth and never use newspaper to dry windows.

Right Tools for Cleaning Windows

One of the most common window cleaning mistakes is drying glass with newspaper. This is wrong. Newspapers often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your windows. It also contains ink that rubs off on the glass and your hands.

Another no-no in window cleaning is the use of razor blades and tools with abrasive surfaces. They can scratch the glass and ruin your windows permanently. Meanwhile, paper towels may be soft enough but they leave particles behind that make the glass look dirty.

Here are the five basic tools that are essential for window cleaning:

  • Bucket

  • Squeezer or mop

  • Scraper

  • Squeegee

  • Microfiber Cloth

Cleaning Too Large an Area

When cleaning large windows, separate it into sections and wash and dry one at a time. Because you if you put soap in the whole window, the soap can dry and streak before you wipe it off and dry the glass.

Cleaning Only One Side

Some people clean only the inside of the windows because they are easy to reach, while others clean only the outside. Dirt and dust can accumulate on both the interior and exterior of the glass. For truly immaculate windows, clean both sides.

Reaching High Windows

When cleaning high windows, you need use a stable ladder. Also, you need to apply ladders pads to avoid scratching the surface. Having high-windows makes your job dangerous because you might fall from the ladder.


Windows that are located on a second or third story might be unsafe for you to clean. It is best to call a professional window cleaner to prevent possible accidents.

Outward from the Center

People often start cleaning the middle of the window and work outward from there. This only creates extra work as soapy water runs down onto already washed areas when moving upward. Instead, start at the top and work downward, leaving only clean glass as you proceed.

Newspaper Versus Paper Towels

Old school cleaning habit of windows is using newspaper to dry their windows. For many years, we believe that, that is the right process or tool in drying your windows. But that is a big LIE! Using newspaper will only leave marks in your windows and streak. The correct tool that you can use to dry your windows are paper towels or a micro fiber cloth.

Removing Deposits before Cleaning Windows

Before you clean the windows you’ll need to remove any bird droppings or other deposits that have accumulated. You will waste a lot of time, effort and cleaning product trying to get rid of deposits while cleaning the windows.

Start off by removing deposits with a scrapper. You might need to spray stubborn deposits with cleaner in order to help loosen them from the window. Start from the outside and move towards the inside/center of windows. This is the only time it’s acceptable to use a paper towel for cleaning windows.

You Need to Pay Attention

You have just cleaned a window and everything looks sparkling clean as you polish. Then you step back and look at the window from another viewpoint. You will probably notice streaks and smudges across the glass.

Make it a habit to look at the glass from different angles. This can be difficult if you have plenty of windows. Many homeowners prefer to simply call a professional window cleaner for this task.

If you really want to have a streak—free window it is much better to hire a professional cleaner. One of the best company who offers this service is Chicago Cleaning Services Company . This company can clean both exterior and interior. They've got the best professional cleaner in the city, and everyone is equipped with the right knowledge and tools.

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