8 Window Cleaning Tips
Tip #1 - Just Say "No" to Abrasive Nylon Pads
Abrasive nylon scrub pads... Like the ones found on the back of many household dishwashing sponges, will scratch window glass. The fact is, window glass is much softer than glass manufactured for beverage containers. Specialized nylon, fine grade steel wool, and glass scrapers are the professional window cleaner's choice to safely remove stickers, decals and other hard to remove debris from window glass. So, if you're thinking about using that sponge to clean your window...Just Say "No" to Abrasive Nylon Pads!
Tip #2 - Do Not Use Razor Blades on Dry Glass
A common and costly mistake I see is window glass scratched from improper razor blade use. To remove decals, tape and paint. Window glass MUST Be lubricated BEFORE using a razor. Typically, most professional window cleaners use soap and water to lubricate glass which helps minimize the occurrence of scratches. It's also important to note that razor blades can not be used on 'Treated Glass Surfaces', tinted or mirrored window glass, and special care must be given when working on 'Tempered Glass', heat strengthened glass common in doors and other high-impact areas.
Here are a few more tips to consider:
Here are a few more tips to consider:
- Only use a professional grade glass scraper
- Start each project with a new blade
- Replace blade when marred or dull from use
- Test razor in an inconspicuous place on glass, before scraping entire surface
Tip #3 - Painting? Cover Windows in Plastic
Continuing the subject of razor blade procedures... The best answer is always PREVENTION! You can easily prevent the need to remove paint from windows by covering, or having your painting contractor, cover your interior and exterior glass in plastic. Paints and stains are corrosive to glass... And, if left long enough on window glass, can cause permanent staining.
Also, 'Hard Water Stains' can occur immediately after your building's exterior is painted or stained. Hard water stains are cause by rain water running over a prefabricated surface, leaching hard minerals and acids from that surface, and depositing them on windows below. In the case of new paint. Damaging stains can occur immediately after the first rainfall.
The need for a complete exterior window cleaning is a must to prevent glass degradation. The use of proper window cleaning techniques will neutralize the P.H. of the glass and effectively stop the corrosive property of hard water stains caused by new paint.
Also, 'Hard Water Stains' can occur immediately after your building's exterior is painted or stained. Hard water stains are cause by rain water running over a prefabricated surface, leaching hard minerals and acids from that surface, and depositing them on windows below. In the case of new paint. Damaging stains can occur immediately after the first rainfall.
The need for a complete exterior window cleaning is a must to prevent glass degradation. The use of proper window cleaning techniques will neutralize the P.H. of the glass and effectively stop the corrosive property of hard water stains caused by new paint.
Tip #4 - The Importance of Routine Window Cleaning
As mentioned (above), window glass can become permanently stained from hard water deposits caused by rain water and new paint. All of these factors can cause permanent damage to glass:
- Acid Rain
- Salt Water Spray
- Oxidization
- Airborne Pollutants
- Over Spray
- Rust
- Calcium Salts
Tip #5 - Rearrange Sprinkler Systems
Rearrange your sprinkler systems so 'Tap Water' does not wet windows. Tap water contains calcium and other hard minerals and will, over time, etch exterior window glass. Although, this might make a beautiful counter top finish for your kitchen; it will surely steal the natural beauty of your favorite viewing window! Can this glass be restored to it's original shine?
99.9% of the time the answer is "Yes"!
Calcium salts from tap water can be remove through the proper use of restoration chemicals, applicators and techniques. Although, once in a great while, I've found these techniques and chemicals to be ineffective. In that case, the problem stain has actually changed the molecular structure of the glass, and glass refinishing or replacement may be needed. So, If your sprinklers are wetting your windows... Rearrange 'em!
99.9% of the time the answer is "Yes"!
Calcium salts from tap water can be remove through the proper use of restoration chemicals, applicators and techniques. Although, once in a great while, I've found these techniques and chemicals to be ineffective. In that case, the problem stain has actually changed the molecular structure of the glass, and glass refinishing or replacement may be needed. So, If your sprinklers are wetting your windows... Rearrange 'em!
Tip #7 - Replace or Remove Metal Window Screens
As you learned earlier, 'Oxidization' can occur and damage your glass investment. But, if you already have oxidized glass, it will appear hazy and have a white etched look. Cause: Metal around exterior window has been exposed to rain or humid conditions causing the metal to slowly deteriorate and become oxidized.
Most commonly seen on windows with metal frames or metal screens, this condition penetrates exterior glass surfaces and renders regular window cleaning techniques ineffective. Again, in most cases this glass can be restored. But, prevention is the best solution! So, if you have exterior metal window screens, replace them with new screens made of fiberglass. Or, simply remove the screen permanently... It'll improve your view!
Most commonly seen on windows with metal frames or metal screens, this condition penetrates exterior glass surfaces and renders regular window cleaning techniques ineffective. Again, in most cases this glass can be restored. But, prevention is the best solution! So, if you have exterior metal window screens, replace them with new screens made of fiberglass. Or, simply remove the screen permanently... It'll improve your view!
Tip #8 - Homemade Window Cleaning Recipes Can Damage Glas
I recommend the use of a professional window cleaning soaps over homemade recipes because, I want to help you diminish the risk of permanently damaging glass surfaces. With the wrong mix of chemicals, when cleaning a specific type of glass surface, homemade recipes can cloud glass, damage treated glass and harm window surroundings i.e.. (window frames, caulking and paint). On-the-other-hand professional window cleaning soap is just that...soap!
Nonabrasive, environmentally friendly, contains no solvents, ammonia, or alkali. Many types are biodegradable and are designed to clean and naturalize the P.H. of most window glass surfaces. If you've read or heard about a recipe to make your own window cleaning solution... Just say "No"! Without confirming the application of those chemicals with the window glass manufacturer, it just isn't worth potentially damaging your favorite view window!
Nonabrasive, environmentally friendly, contains no solvents, ammonia, or alkali. Many types are biodegradable and are designed to clean and naturalize the P.H. of most window glass surfaces. If you've read or heard about a recipe to make your own window cleaning solution... Just say "No"! Without confirming the application of those chemicals with the window glass manufacturer, it just isn't worth potentially damaging your favorite view window!
