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How to wash a window

Few things give a homeowner as much satisfaction as clean windows âEUR” and we mean sparkling clean, I-never-knew-it-got-that-bright-outside clean. An afternoon of washing windows is time well spent. So grab a bucket, and let us begin an assault on grime.

Degree of difficulty: Medium

Tools needed: Bucket, cleaning solution, brush and/or sponge or rag, spray bottle, newspapers, squeegee, ladder(s)

The game plan:

Windows should be done on the inside and outside; start with the latter. If you run out of steam halfway through the project, you’ll feel better if it’s the more difficult outside part of the job that is finished first. Arm yourself with your tools and a cleaning solution, store-bought or make your own: one recipe is a solution of white vinegar and water, about 50-50 ratio, with a dash of dish soap.

Get started:

Use a stepladder for easily reachable windows, an extension ladder for the second or third floors. Anything higher, find a professional. If using an extension ladder, call in a lackey to hold the ladder and pass you supplies (and run for coffee, come to think of it). Before you start slathering, check windows for cracks, chips or areas of missing putty. Repair as needed.

Techniques:

Outside, the windows will be dirtier; use a bucket and brush or sponge. Start at the top of the window and work your way down, washing with a steady circular motion. Wet the squeegee before starting. Make your first swipe horizontally at the very top, then make subsequent swipes vertically, top to bottom, wiping the squeegee between swipes. Finish off with a horizontal swipe across the bottom. Repeat if necessary.

Inside, remove clutter (window shades, blinds, curtains, etc.). Wipe windowsills with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Starting from top, spray cleaning solution on window or apply with a clean cloth. Wipe down glass to remove dirt. Squeegee or dry with newspaper (black and white; not colored ink), which won’t leave streaks or lint like paper towels.

Tips

âEUR Don’t clean windows in direct sunlight: It heats the glass and promotes streaks.

âEUR A 12-inch squeegee is a good size; an 18-incher covers a lot more territory but can be unwieldy. If you have divided light windows with multiple panes, you need a small squeegee to fit inside the grilles. Measure the window before you buy.

âEUR General squeegee nuggets: Make sure the blade is wet when you start; if you stop in the middle of a swipe, you’ll leave a line; go edge to edge when you squeegee to avoid leaving a line.

bhageman@tribune.com