There are about a thousand and one ways to clean your windows. You can use a microfiber cloth, a sponge, a dishcloth or — in a pinch — a newspaper or paper towel. Any of these products could get the job done, sure, but there is an unfortunate reality: not all methods for cleaning windows are created equal.
Sponges are streaky, newspapers are scratchy and paper towels and dishcloths will leave fluff all over your windows. A microfiber cloth will do a good job, absolutely, but if you really want to bring your window-cleaning skills to the next level, you’re going to want to consider something else entirely.
A squeegee.
Squeegees take a little more work to get used to than cloth or paper, but the resulting difference is well worth it. On top of that, cleaning windows with a squeegee takes a fraction of the time. To help you get started, here are some tips to make the transition that much easier.
Invest in a nice brush. The ideal squeegee brush should be 10–12 inches, and it’s a good idea to buy a few extra blades (known as rubbers) to keep it performing its best. If a squeegee’s blade becomes nicked or rounded with use, it will start to leave streaks. Squeegee blades are relatively inexpensive, so don’t hesitate to replace the blade whenever you notice a decrease in performance.
Clean from the top down. When squeegee cleaning, you want to make sure to always dampen the squeegee before you use it, and you want to wipe it off with a rag after every stroke or every few strokes so water and soap don’t accumulate on the blade. If you don’t, you guessed it — the glass will streak.
Utilize other tricks to make the most of your squeegee. Switching the tools you use isn’t the only thing you can do to make your windows shine. Rinse your windows down with water before you clean them to get any dirt, grime and cobwebs off. That way the dirt buildup on your windows doesn’t make it streak. And, if you can, try to clean your windows on a cool, cloudy day. The cleaning solution dries faster on hot days, and it will, again, cause streaking.
And there you have it! Using a squeegee saves so much time and lends itself to much better results than other methods, so get out there, grab a squeegee and make your home windows shine.
