When the sun isn’t shining we hardly notice our dirty windows, but as soon as the rays flood in–yikes! Window washing is easy if you can get to them. Here are some quick tips for window washing success.

• As a minimum you will want a bucket of soapy water with a rag and sponge, a streak-free window cleaner, and newspaper. Have on hand a broom, paintbrush if you have one, and a flat screwdriver. You might also want a squeegee.
• Remove screens carefully. If you are doing all your windows at once,  take off all the screens and wash them with soapy water and rinse. That way they can be drying while you are cleaning windows.
• Predust the windows with a broom or larger paintbrush. Make sure you dislodge any dirt buildup in framing. You may even want to use a flat screwdriver for something tough.
• Really dirty windows deserve a pre-wash with soapy water and a hose rinsing. You can squeegee these dry or let them airdry.
• When your windows are dry or very close, spray window cleaner over window and wipe with folded or wadded newspaper. Use circular strokes except as needed along window edges. The theory on the newspaper is that the ink aids in a streak-free finish and the fibers fall away. With all the newspaper closings we’ll have to resort to paper towels or rags! I use an ammonia based window cleaner with vinegar. There are non-ammonia formulas on the market as well. With this method I wipe until the window is clear. The cleaner dries as part of the process.
• You can use a squeegee if you prefer. The wiping with window cleaner doesn’t require it. If you wash with soapy water and hose rinse only, and do not use window cleaner you have to use a squeegee to avoid streaks.
• Ladder safety: If you can’t reach your windows you will likely be using a ladder. On a stepladder, remember the top of the ladder and first “step” down are not steps for you to stand on. Don’t take the risk. Having the right size ladder to safely get to your window is important. If you are going up more than a few feet, make sure the ladder is level. You might need to place a piece of wood of selected thickness under a leg, or dig out a footpad for one. Look out for a leg being over a soft spot that could cause it to sink. Test the ladder, without any tools in hand, by hoping up and down a little on the first rung.
• Alternatively you might want to wash your second story windows from inside. You will want a wash pad and squeegee set on handles. Please be careful leaning out your window. If you have horizontal sliders you can remove the sliding window by sliding it to the open position, lifting up on the window until the bottom rises above the track and pivoting the bottom toward you so that the top can then slide down and out. This gives access to that windows outside.

You might find it a little fun to get wet and get your windows shiny, or maybe you’d rather stimulate the economy by hiring a recommended local window washing specialist!