How to Clean Exterior Windows With a Hard Layer of Buildup
Cleaning exterior windows isn't just a necessity in the upkeep and maintenance of your home but something that can save you money. Clean windows allow more sunlight through, which warms your home and lowers your heating costs in winter. While most people just use a glass cleaner and a paper towel to clean windows, you may need a better plan to clean up a great deal of dirt and grime on the outside. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ammonia
- 2 gallons of water
- Bucket
- Window scrubbing wand
- Extension pole
- Professional quality squeegee
- Damp cloth
Instructions
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1
Fill the bucket with two gallons of extremely hot water. While warm water is used for most jobs, very hot water is necessary to loosen a hard layer of buildup. Add five capfuls of ammonia and mix.
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2
Dip the window scrubbing wand into the solution without soaking it. Apply the wand to the windows (use the extension pole if necessary). You want to wet the windows just enough so that it loosens caked-on dirt, but you don't want the windows to be dripping, sopping wet. Run the wand over the window a second time to loosen any reluctant dirt.
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3
Dampen the squeegee in the solution and bring it to the top left corner of the window pane. Run the squeegee horizontally across the pane until reaching the end. This will leave an upper perimeter of dry area to prevent drips.
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4
Dip the squeegee in the bucket and start at the top of the window, pulling the squeegee down the window pane until it's approximately three inches above the bottom. Wipe the squeegee off with a damp cloth between each stroke. Make sure each stroke slightly overlaps the previous one.
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5
Place the squeegee at the lower left corner of the window pane and pull horizontally to finish the entire window. Dry any small puddles of water on the window sill with your cloth.
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1
Tips & Warnings
In step 1, don't add more than five capfuls of ammonia. More will most likely facilitate streaking.
