Fortunately, glass windows are easy to clean and maintain with basic equipment and a regular cleaning schedule. Here are tips to make the task easier.
Get the Basic Cleaning Equipment
Most glass windows can be cleaned with basic equipment such as a squeegee, scrubber, bucket, lint-free towels, and dishwashing liquid. You can also use commercial cleaning products made for glass windows that usually come with a free towel or scrubber. You might also need a ladder and an extendable handle for the squeegee if the windows are high.
Dusting and Vacuuming
Remove loose dust on the windows with a dusting cloth or a microfiber cloth. You should also change and wash the curtains and remove all accessories or decorations near it. Don’t forget to wipe the sill, frame, hinges, handles, and knobs, then cover the window sill and frame to protect them from the drips.
Make a Soapy Solution
Although there are commercial cleaners for glass windows, dishwashing liquid is safer to use and is also gentler on the hands. Create a soapy solution in a gallon-sized bucket filled with cool water (preferable distilled water to avoid mineral buildup) and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Just dip the scrubber, sponge or squeegee in the bucket and you’re ready to clean. You can also use white vinegar to sanitize, deodorize, and to remove stubborn grime.
Scrub Thoroughly
Cover every inch of glass with the soapy solution using the scrubber or the sponge, including the edges to make sure that you remove all the dirt. Then, you can work the squeegee in any direction you want, but move it in one direction when removing the excess water.
Using the Squeegee
When you’re satisfied that you’ve removed all the dirt on the glass windows, use the squeegee to remove the excess water by tipping it so that only its corner is making contact with the window. Starting from the top corner of the glass, create a clean, narrow strip on one side. Create several clean strips from top to bottom until you have removed all the excess water. Finally, make clean strips across (left to right or right to left) the window by repeating the same process.
Wipe Off Excess Water
Squeeze most of the soapy water from the scrubber and the squeegee before finishing one window. Do not drop the scrubber and squeegee into the bucket, instead, place them on the side so that there are no excessive running and dripping. Then, using the lint-free rag or a microfiber cloth, wipe off the excess water and suds on the edges of the glass window. Repeat the same process above in every panel. If the windows are large, it would be more manageable to divide the glass into sections for easier cleaning.
Change the Squeegee Blade
If the blade in your squeegee looks worn out, you need to replace it by removing the clips, screws or lamps that hold it near the handle.