DO-IT-YOURSELF : Tips for Those Who <i> Do </i> Do Windows
Windows will sparkle if rubbed with a lint-free cloth, newspaper or a chamois. Or some folks try to master the knack of manipulating a squeegee.
Regardless of the method, anyone can finish with a fine shine by rubbing a clean blackboard eraser over the windows after they’ve dried. If possible, enlist a helper, then get two of everything that is needed so one person can work on the outside of the window while the other is working on the inside. Having someone on each side will eliminate a lot of running back and forth.
If working alone, use horizontal strokes on the inside and vertical strokes on the outside to quickly determine which side smudges are on.
Besides polishers or a squeegee, a liquid window cleaner will be needed (or an ammonia and water solution). This type of cleaner will give sparkling results compared with soap-and-water solutions that can leave a filmy residue. A solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water, a scouring brush and one or more sturdy stepladders will be needed too.
Before attempting to clean the glass panes, scrub the frame surrounding them (if necessary) with the TSP-and-water solution. Let it set for awhile, then rinse the frame with a clean, damp cloth.
Now, spray or brush on the window cleaner, then wipe the window with a cloth, chamois or wadded up newspaper. (When the newspaper becomes too wet, simply toss it away and use another ball.) Repeat the process until the window is clean.
If using a squeegee, it will take a while to learn the correct way, especially with large expanses of glass. Once a person learns how, though, he can wipe down windows in about half the time it takes to polish them, and he won’t need to lug around a lot of cloths or newspapers.
If windows have multiple panes, purchase a squeegee one pane wide. Then each pane can be cleared with a single pass. Brush or sponge on a window-cleaning solution (the wetter the better) and scrub off dirt. Now press the squeegee firmly against the glass and draw it down in a single stroke.
The main thing to keep in mind is to wipe off the squeegee after each pass. The rubber blade must be clean and dry to do its work. With multi-pane windows, work from top to bottom, also wiping off the muntin at the bottom of each pane.
With large windows, make several overlapping passes. If streaks show where the passes overlap, wipe them away with a clean cloth. Professionals end each downward stroke by looping up again, as though drawing a giant J. This keeps excess water from spilling over the bottom of the frame. Then they finish with a single horizontal pass along the bottom edge of the glass.
