Tricks of the Trade

Outdoor windows should be washed at least twice a year, and it can be a time-consuming task that most people don't look forward to. Without the proper tools window cleaning can be a major chore.

Scrubbing with a bunched up towel isn’t a good idea, you’re just moving dirt around from one spot to another, as soon as you finish, the window looks dirty again. The most effective way to clean windows as the pros do is with a squeegee and a few other tools you might even have on hand.

For large picture windows, you may want to invest in a strip applicator. The long cloth head soaks up a lot of soapy water and knocks dirt loose without scratching the glass.

For the cleaning solution, all you need is a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water.

Starting at the top left or right (depending on your handedness), run the soapy squeegee down the window in a reverse "S" pattern, wiping the squeegee clean at the bottom. For added efficiency, you may want to invest in multiple squeegees for different window sizes.

For multipane windows, it may be easier to use a natural sponge for the initial soap and scrub. Use the same top to bottom, left to right pattern, and be sure to focus on any stubborn corners. Follow this up with the previously mentioned squeegee technique, being sure to clean the squeegee between each pane.

Once you have finished the entire surface, dry any remaining edges with a dry, clean cloth chamois, as this will reduce pesky streaks.