Window Cleaning in Florida— How do I get smear-free windows?

It’s not going to be short! In order to answer this question, we’ll have to dive into a more in-depth explanation. What makes things even harder is the paralyzing abundance of all sorts of cleaning methods and window cleaning solutions, so finding the best way to wash your windows is not an easy task.

However, there is light in the end of the tunnel! This is what this article is for — helping you with some tips to do your own window cleaning or what you need to look for in a window cleaning service in Florida.

If you’re interested in hiring a service instead, you can do so by calling Express Home Services, Toll Free: (833) 952–2533.
Hours: Monday through Friday: 7am — 10pm EST
Saturday: 8am — 10pm EST
Sunday: 7am — 9pm EST

First things first — why do smears appear?

One of the main reasons they appear is leftover water on the glass. When you clean windows but don’t properly dry them afterwards, the water left leaves these stains and smears as it evaporates. Another way to get smears on your windows is if you clean them with a rag that has lint or is not properly cleaned.

That’s the reason why professional window cleaners here in Florida use the “snake-technique” — aka not taking the squeegee off of the glass before the entire window is covered. This way they minimize using a rag on the glass.

No matter what, though, the edges will need additional drying with a rag. For that you should follow these tips:

• Use a clean rag, best is an old towel — keep rotating it to use the clean parts
• It’s much harder to do with sun on the glass. It makes rags get static and the dust can cling to the glass

Tip #1 How do you clean windows without smearing — the Eco-friendly solution

1. Make sure to get all the needed materials and tools: depending on how stubborn the stains are you should have at hand:

• Bucket or other container
• Sponge and rubber squeegee
• White Vinegar
• Scraper for window tapes or stickers
• Microfiber cloth (or e-cloth)

2. Remove obstinate stains: bird droppings, paint, sticckers or other marks should be removed before you start cleaning the windows. For that you can use just a sponge and water to scrub them from the windows.

3. Mix the window cleaning solution: you can combine any ingredients for the cleaning process. The most vital for the smear-free window cleaning are the tools and techniques you use. What you can use is:

• Pour equal parts of the white vinegar and water. (I would recommend you to use distilled or purified water because sometimes the tapped water can leave marks)
• Add around 15 ml of dishwashing liquid (if you use apprx. 4L of water). If you want a nice aroma, buy a scented dish soap)
• Now, you have the eco-friendly homemade powerful window cleaning detergent.

4. Use the sponge and rubber squeegee: You can find a combined tool with the sponge and squeegee which is known as a telescopic window washing equipment.

You can carefully wipe the windows with the sponge. For better results you may use circle motions, back and forth. The aim is to ensure there is no grime and smear left so it’s up to you.

5. Wipe off the glass with a microfiber cloth: After you wipe the water, take a white towel and dry the edges where water drippings are left. You can find an innovative solution to the traditional towels that is called an e-cloth. It might be a revolutionary way to clean, but it’s somewhat expensive.

Tip #2 How do you get streak free windows using high-tech products

In case you are looking for more advanced methods how to clean windows inside you can consider some tech gadgets that will make your life a little bit easier.

Even if you don’t like using sophisticated tools but still want to know how to get streak free windows you can explore other options as well.

Tip #3 Using Windex to get clean windows without streaks

It’s common knowledge, Windex is the most popular glass cleaner in the US. According to research, it is one of the more popular brands for cleaning in the UK as well. It’s been one of the most popular methods for generations and that is with good reason:

• The results are compelling — One of the secrets of Windex is the inclusion of ammonia cleaning agent. This is a very effective way of getting rid of hard to remove stains such as paint or fingerprints. Initially, the smell might bother you as it is quite unpleasant, but it disappears quickly, just like the stains.
• It is safe — Due to the fast rate of evaporation, the health risks are very low. Even if you inhale a small amount, it won’t be a problem.
• Versatility — Another pro of Windex is its versatility. You can clean not just windows, but other surfaces like marble, steel and a lot more.
• It is effortless — Furthermore, it is easy to use. Spray — wipe — clean with a cloth, and that’s it. Simple, effective.

Tip #4 How to get streak-free windows with some help from a professional window cleaner

Before you ask for a help, make sure you hire the right window cleaners. The best way you know they are real professionals is to do a thorough research. You can check the reviews other customers leave and what services are offered. Most of the window cleaning companies offer a wide range of cleaning solutions like:

• Work with a top notch equipment — The pros use a purified water while cleaning windows that works as a magnet to the dirt and leaves no streaks. Usually, it is used with a special equipment for high reach windows and which is known as a water fed-pole system. This solution is one of the most efficient and secure way to wash the inaccessible windows.
• Get what you paid for — usually you give a reasonable amount of money to receive a professional, high-quality and long-lasting result that you may not be able to achieve by yourself.
• Let someone else do the hard work — sometimes it’s better to leave this task to more experienced and qualified people and spend the time for something more pleasant.

Common Window Cleaning Mistakes

Mistake #1: Not Using The Right Tools

Scrubbing. This is a huge one. Scrubbing is not a ppropriate for gentle surfaces due to the high risk of scratching the windows you’re attempting to clean. This will lead to permanent damage, you can’t remove those scratches. The way to avoid this is by using only clean and soft cloths, preferably microfiber, for cleaning your windows.

Mistake #2: Cleaning windows with chemicals

Sure, you can do a lot of cleaning with chemicals these days, but the health risks alone are reason enough to avoid them. There are non-toxic alternatives for most chemical cleaning products, not to mention that it’s going to be cheaper too. Hopefully, you didn’t neglect your windows so much that they would require a chemical cleaning! For your everyday cleaning you can just mix fresh lemon juice in water for example.

Mistake #3: Safety

Do not put yourself in danger by hanging out of your window trying to clean the outside part. Do NOT climb on your windows, if you need them cleaned call a professional.

Mistake #4: Using Newspaper To Wipe The Windows

This is one of the most common mistakes. Newspapers only move the leftover dirt around, they do not soak it very well so you’re much better off using other cloth to dry the windows. Not to mention the wet ink might further stain your windows.

If you’re interested in hiring a service instead, you can do so by calling Express Home Services, Toll Free: (833) 952–2533.
Hours: Monday through Friday: 7am — 10pm EST
Saturday: 8am — 10pm EST
Sunday: 7am — 9pm EST