Top Tips for Clean Windows in Federal Way, WA

Keeping your building looking its best can come as quite a challenge, yet simply cleaning your windows can make a whole world of difference. Whether you're a residential or commercial unit, clear, streak-free windows allow natural light to flood into your space and offer you a view of the great outdoors, improving how you feel when in your space.

If you're in Federal Way, WA, where weather can bring a few challenges to keeping windows spotless, our top window-cleaning tips can help you achieve a professional look year-round.

Navigating the Local Climate

If you're a resident near the Federal Way area, you'll be no stranger to the rain, wind, and unpredictable coastal climate, which really pose a challenge when keeping your windows spotless.

The regular rainfall in Federal Way often leaves irritating mineral deposits and water spots across your glass, or if you're really unfortunate, the wind has brought dirt and grime to settle across your windows.

To keep your windows clean, it's important to adjust your cleaning frequency based on local weather conditions. Typically, home and business owners in the area benefit from cleaning their windows at least twice a year, if not more frequently, in bouts of bad weather.

Using the Right Window Cleaning Tools

It doesn't matter how thorough you are at cleaning your windows; if you have subpar tools, then you cannot possibly clean your windows effectively. Some examples of tools that'll help make the job a little easier are:

• A high-quality squeegee: Choose one with a rubber blade for smooth, streak-free finishes.
• Microfiber cloths: These are great for wiping and polishing without leaving lint.
• Soft-bristled brush: Useful for loosening dirt from the glass, frames, and screens.
• Bucket and cleaning solution: Opt for a non-abrasive window cleaning solution or make one at home using equal parts water and white vinegar.

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Cloudy Days Are Perfect For Window Cleaning

Wait for a cloudy day if you're serious about getting the most out of your window cleaning. If you are cleaning windows in direct sunlight, it can cause your chosen cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leading to streaks on the glass.

Cloudy days allow you a little extra time to wipe down the glass before the cleaning solution evaporates. In Federal Way, cooler seasons often bring overcast days that are perfect for this task.

How to Make Homemade Window Cleaning Solution

There are so many different commercial cleaners on the market, which cost a lot of money and can be harmful to the environment. A simple mix of water, vinegar, and a small amount of dish soap can cut through dirt and leave your windows sparkling just as well. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can leave streaks and a strong odor that's hard to shift.

Here's our easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid

Simply combine the ingredients in a clean spray bottle and give them a good sake for a simple yet effective homemade window cleaning solution.

Start With The Frames and Tracks

There is nothing more frustrating than getting your glass sparkling clean before realizing the window frames, tracks, and sills are filthy, and cleaning them after would leave dirt on the glass.

Use a small brush or vacuum attachment to remove any debris from the tracks, then wipe them down with a damp cloth. Cleaning these areas first prevents grime from being pushed onto clean glass.

Clean From Top to Bottom

Gravity is your friend in window cleaning. You must begin at the top of the window and work your way down to avoid any dirty water dripping onto cleaned areas. This method saves you from the extra work that comes with working from bottom to top!

Wipe in Every Direction

From our experience, the best results are to wipe the inside of the window horizontally and the outside vertically. This makes spotting streaks incredibly easy, as you can instantly see if they are on the inside or outside of the window. Alternating directions also helps prevent accidental streaks that might appear if you wipe in the same direction on both sides.

Grab Some Newspaper For A Streak-Free Shine

While microfiber cloths are great, many people swear by using old newspapers for a streak-free finish. The ink in newspapers contains softening agents that help polish glass. Use a sheet of crumpled newspaper to buff the glass after cleaning, leaving a perfect shine.

Clean Window Screens Separately

It can be tempting to attempt to wash your window screens while cleaning your windows. Window screens can trap a surprising amount of dust, pollen, and grime. Start off by removing your screens and cleaning them with a soft brush or vacuum, followed by a rinse with mild soapy water.

After rinsing, let them air dry completely before reinstalling. Regularly cleaned screens not only improve your view but also prevent debris from accumulating on the glass.

Schedule Regular Window Cleaning

Rather than trying to tackle all your windows on the same day, you can set a reminder to do one window a week, and methodically move around your house, breaking the large project into small manageable pieces.

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Why You Should Choose King County Window and Glass Today

Here at King County Window and Glass, we offer expert window repair and replacement solutions for both residential and commercial clients. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, we use the latest tools and techniques to solve your problem windows every time.