How and what is the best way to clean windows properly and quickly at home without leaving streaks
It is believed that everyone knows how to wash a window, because it does not require special skills: pour water, wipe the surface, remove dirt, and you will get shiny, clean glass. But it wasn't there. Tap water leaves unsightly streaks, and the cultural layers that have built up on the outside aren't so easy to remove. Therefore, magnetic sponges are invented, special scrapers and even mechanized washing is used. Learn how to properly clean windows.
Coaching
Before embarking on an event as responsible as window cleaning, it is necessary to draw up an action plan. It should indicate the type of detergent, preferably with special ingredients that improve the shine of the glass. The sequence of operations is determined: which window will be activated first.
It is recommended to start from the outside. It is always dirtier, because it is in contact with the external environment.Sponges, viscose napkins are chosen as a "work tool", there are many options in any trade network. And only then do they begin to wash the windows.
Tools
For cleaning at home, you can not do without "helpers" - special sponges, towels or soft cloths used by motorists for washing car windows. You will also need working compositions for washing - liquid, gel-like, with and without perfume.
For very dirty windows, it is advisable to use separate sponges for the exterior and the interior so that things go faster.
When there is nothing at all at hand, an ordinary kitchen sponge for washing up will do. It is made of soft foam that absorbs dirt and is gentle on the glass surface. To sum up, you will need:
- sponge or towel (preferably several);
- detergent;
- mechanical scraper (handy for large windows);
- water tank - a bucket or basin.
This is the minimum kit. The rest is chosen as an option, at will.
Sponge
There are no special requirements for this item: the main thing is that the material from which the sponge is made absorbs moisture well, does not scratch the glass and the binding. And the size of the sponge is chosen so that it is convenient to hold it with one hand. The availability of foam rubber kitchen sponges in the retail network, their low cost solves the problem of choosing the main tool for a window cleaner.
Wiper
It is convenient to clean large bulky windows using a special scraper with a long handle. On one side there is a brush made of a rubber band, which easily removes dirt, and on the other - a foam rubber sponge for delicate treatment, wiping the surface of the glass.There are budget options, the scraper itself without a handle, and more impressive - with a retractable telescopic handle.
piece of dry cloth
A clean cotton or rayon cloth will be needed at the final stage to shine and wipe the washed surfaces. It is suitable for both old timber frames and modern insulating glass structures.
An alternative to this item is a newspaper, which must be crumpled up and then carefully wiped from the glass with the resulting "sponge" paper. Our grandmothers did that when there were no special products, sponges to clean the windows.
Basin or bucket
The container into which the solution will be poured and where the sponge (rag) should be rinsed is an important attribute of the process. There is more solution in the basin, but the bucket is easier to move if several panes are washed in different rooms. You cannot physically do without a container, otherwise you will periodically have to go to the toilet to rinse the cloth under the tap.
Magnetic brush for cleaning windows on both sides at the same time
A special device, part of which is outside and part inside, and is held by the force of magnetic attraction, will help you on higher floors or on a balcony. The plates move synchronously, accordingly, 2 times less effort is spent (no need to wash the window inside and outside separately). Cons: does not always work with significant pollution.
Choose a detergent
Long gone are the days when the magic “water plus detergent” mixture was used to clean windows. Modern chemical reagents easily remove dust and harder particles, including greasy deposits.At the same time, they do not leave streaks, give the glass a shine.
You will need liquid or gel window cleaners, a regular dishwasher and a microfiber cloth. It is best to wash the exterior and interior glass with different towels, as the exterior is often much dirtier. By the way, it is better to start washing the window from the outer glass.
The composition with ammonia washes the glass well, and it is simply convenient to use the agent placed in the spray bottle. Among the variety of formulations, users distinguish Chistyulya - an inexpensive and effective liquid reagent. Also suitable are proven German products Henkel Clin, Faberlic, Ajax - anything that can be found on the shelves of a hardware store. The main thing is that the product does not have an unpleasant pungent odor and is convenient to work with.
wooden frames
Wood is one of the environmentally friendly materials that humans are familiar with. Before the advent of plastic, windows, doors and floors were made from it. If your house or apartment has windows with wooden frames, double-glazed windows or with ordinary filling, it is advisable to protect the wood from contact with moisture before washing.
Alas, a serious drawback of the tree is its low resistance to liquids. Therefore, the soapy solution present on the bindings, transoms, must be removed with a dry cloth. And it is also desirable that the selected reagent does not affect the paint, varnish and does not change the color of the windows.
Henkel's Clin Windows & Glass and other ammonia formulations work best. They act quickly, do not leave traces and unpleasant odors.
plastic windows
Cheap, strong and reliable material is all about the plastic used to make modern window frames (PVC). It does not fade, does not need coloring and protection against humidity. An ideal choice for home and apartment. Choosing a solution for cleaning plastic window frames will not be a problem - one that does not react with PVC will do. It is impossible to use abrasive compounds when washing plastic surfaces, they destroy the structure, spoil the appearance.
Exprof is practical because it consists of 3 separate bottles: for cleaning glass and profiles, greasing fittings and treating joints. Very effective, specially designed for plastic windows.
Let go of the window sill
It will take patience and a scraper to get rid of the buildup on the windowsill outside the ebb. Garbage accumulated during the winter is carefully removed - twigs, stuck leaves, dust, then wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
Weather selection
Experts in "window business" advise to allocate cool, cloudy weather for washing, cleaning. There are less stains on the glass and it is more convenient to work. In summer, when the air temperature is higher, the windows will have to be washed at an accelerated pace, which may affect the result. Therefore, the time for the procedure is most often allocated in the spring, as soon as it becomes possible to work in the fresh air.
Washing steps
To clean windows efficiently, quickly and without picturesque stains, the process is divided into separate stages.First they check the performance of constipation, sheds after winter: in wooden structures they often rust, they cannot open well.
If there are fragments that can be deleted, then they must be deleted. This will make it more convenient to clean the window from the outside and inside. It is believed that it is better to wash the outside first, and only then, after wiping the glass and closing the window, clean the room.
Frame
The frame, which can be dismantled and removed when cleaning the windows, thus facilitating access to remote points, must be removed. Then it is carefully inserted into place. In general, the right tactic is immediately chosen: the frame and the glass are washed separately, with different sponges and mixtures. This separation will reduce the time spent on cleaning.
Clean the window from basic dirt
It will take a lot of water and mortar to clean heavily soiled windows. At the same time, the question of where the resulting dirty water will flow must be answered: if it's the neighbors, then they probably won't be particularly happy. Therefore, in high-rise buildings, windows are thoroughly washed, trying to avoid leaks of soapy and dirty liquid outside their working space.
They do not save on the consumption of reagents. The checkpoint is the effect of a clean surface and clear water after rinsing the sponge.
clean wash
The finish completes the washing: wiping with a carefully cleaned cloth, a sponge and a dry wipe. To do this, you can add a little starch to the solution, use reagents with ammonia (increase shine), formulations with silicone (reduce dust accumulation).
To wipe
Cleaning is completed by special wiping of the surfaces with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth. Viscose or microfiber are suitable for this. Excess moisture should not remain on the windows: on wooden frames it will lead to the destruction of structures, on glass - the appearance of stains.
Features of washing plastic windows
For good cleaning of plastic bindings, it is recommended to use conventional solvent-free soap compositions. Particular attention is paid to the condition of the seals. They can change size (dry out) over time. Aggressive liquids adhering to these elements will accelerate the destruction.
The facilities deserve special attention. It is tightened, lubricated with a special oil (WD or machine fluid), cleaned of dirt - and kept in working order.
Sliding windows on the balcony
Many inhabitants of apartment buildings have ennobled and glazed balconies and loggias. By design, the installed window frames differ from the usual ones: they are not hinged, but sliding. Therefore, cleaning is carried out in several stages: first - in a closed state, then - in an open state. It is allowed to use technical innovations - scrapers on a long (telescopic) handle or jaws with a magnetic holder.
How to clean up after repair
It is advisable not to allow paint and varnish materials to get on the glass, gasket (in double-glazed structures). Because it is quite difficult to wash them without the help of a solvent, and even so as not to damage the fresh coating. A special blade will come to the rescue, with which the glasses are cleaned, as well as an ordinary soap solution.
Maintenance tips
In addition to the "close to the heart" chemistry of any city dweller for washing, there are many folk remedies. Their effect is not inferior to that of the latest generation reagents. This is how the windows were washed in villages and villages, bringing them to a perfect shine. The ultimate goal is to keep the surface (especially the exterior) clean, removing dirt from the window sill, ebb and fittings.
In wooden bindings, the condition of the glazing beads is monitored, if necessary, they are replaced, once a year they cover the surfaces with varnish or colorless paint. Plastic windows are washed, paying attention to the sealing gum, closing mechanisms and locks. It is forbidden to use abrasive products or solutions containing aggressive components for all types of windows.
vinegar solution
The usual table vinegar, which every housewife has, diluted in the proportion of 250 milliliters per liter of water, withstands most dirt on the surface of the glass. The window is washed on both sides, then wiped dry. After such treatment, the radiant purity and shine are preserved for a long time.
Saline solution
Perhaps this recipe will be more effective, better than all-powerful chemistry, it will preserve the transparency of glass in the windows of a room or kitchen. Spilled table salt, dissolved in warm water (without grains), will help bring order to the ground and ninth floors. And even wash the mirror.
Clear varnish
A water-based varnish or a quick-drying synthetic varnish will renew the appearance of the wood while ensuring its conservation and protection against humidity. When applying with a brush, favor a narrow rebate so as not to stain the glass.Using varnish in a spray can is more convenient, but before that you need to close the glass, fittings with a special film or tape. In an ideal situation, the glass is removed before the wood treatment, then carefully inserted into place.
Water, glycerin and ammonia
A mixture of fatty alcohol (glycerin) and water-based ammonia will help keep glass surfaces shiny for a long time. With regular use, this method makes it possible to avoid "big" cleaning, long-lasting window washing. And the stains, which so spoil the appearance of the glass, after this composition do not remain.