How to Use a Razor Blade for Window Washing

Razor blades remove all liquid and debris from the surface of the glass, making them a choice product for window washers. When washing windows with a razor blade, you must take great care not to injure yourself or scratch the glass. If you choose to use a razor blade for window washing, follow appropriate safety measures at all times.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Razor blade squeegee
• Window cleaner
• Rag

1. Purchase a razor blade window squeegee. Working with a standard single sided razor blade is overly time-consuming. The tool provides safety from slippage that can cut your hand and also makes window washing a quicker process.

2. Insert the blade securely into the squeegee. Make sure it locks into place. A loose blade can be dangerous and will do a poor job clearing the window.

3. Check the glass for a notation in the corner indicating tempered glass. Tempered glass scratches easily, and you must not use a razor blade to clean it. Tempered glass often appears in bathrooms, sliding glass doors and businesses with windows close to the ground.

4. Wet the window with the glass cleaner of your choice and wash the window thoroughly. When finished, place the blade of the squeegee at a top corner of the window. Holding the handle securely, slowly drag it downward in one motion, from top to bottom. Carefully wipe off the blade on a rag.

5. Start at the top once more, partially overlapping your first window pass. Again drag the razor blade straight down, wiping it off at the bottom. Repeat as necessary until the entire window is free of soap and debris.

Tips & Warnings

• For very tall windows, you can work upward rather than downward for the top edge. The key is to work in a vertical motion, not a horizontal one. Most glass scratches appear as side to side or kitty corner scrapes. By moving from top to bottom, you can assure yourself (and customers, if you have them) that any scratches on the glass were not of your making.
• Take extra precautions when handling the razor squeegee. The blade is extremely sharp. Razor blade squeegees work extremely well, but rubber blade squeegees are safer if children will use the equipment.