Difficult to clean glass is everywhere. But do not fear! We have plenty of tips and tricks to get you cleaning that hard shiny see-through stuff with ease.
So you’ve mastered the art of window cleaning but are there some difficult types of windows that slow you down or you don’t enjoy cleaning? We’ve identified 9 of those difficult, pain in the bottom window varieties, and the best way you can clean them.
Hopefully these tips help you get your work done faster with better results. Enjoy!
1. French Or Colonial Windows
The French window consists of a collage of small windows with frames. The key here is to use a small window squeegee and minimum water. Remove the window washer sleeve from the frame handle and use only the sleeve. The reason being that the washer will be too big for this type of window. Remember to fold the washer over on itself.
Don’t try to wash too many small glass panels at once. Aim for 5 to 6 panels at a time. Choosing a squeegee size similar to the small window frame is an advantage. You would still need to cut the edge and wipe the blade after each pass. Regardless of how well you wash and squeegee you will need to tidy up with a microfibre cloth.
2. Sloping Or Irregular Windows
You will certainly encounter unusually shaped windows that come in different sizes. Adaptability is key here. Sometimes you may need to use an angled adapter that attaches to your extension pole for reaching difficult places.
3. Mirrors
Cleaning mirrors is just like cleaning windows. You can use your squeegee and washer just as you would on any normal window. Be careful not to use too much water and remember to wipe up any drips. Electrical outlets are often positioned around mirrors so ensure the outlet does not come in contact with the water.
4. Tinted Windows
Tinted windows are great for reducing heat and glare, but in most cases, they do require special care when cleaning. If the tinted film is suitable for cleaning, wash and squeegee the window in one direction (across, or top to bottom). It is best to keep it simple when squeegeeing tinted glass and do not use the fanning squeegee method.
Inspect the tinted window first, and point out to the client any imperfections to avoid any difficulties or disagreements later on. If you need to remove any sticker, tapes, or adhesives from the tinted film, proceed with extreme caution. Test any chemical you plan to use to ensure it will do no damage. Eucalyptus oil is a good choice for this but it is not 100% safe for tinted film and should be tested first, then wiped off with a damp cloth immediately. If eucalyptus oil is left on tinted film, it will damage the film.
If you have any doubts or concerns, please contact a window tinting professional for advice and assistance.
Warning
Never use a scraper, scourer or blade on the side of a window that has been tinted with film. Tinted film scratches and tears easily, so be very careful.
5. Louvered Windows
Louvered windows are one of the most difficult windows to clean. They are like shutters that open and close, with rectangular panels of glass set one below the other. Cleaning this type of window is not fun, takes plenty of patience, and can be time consuming. So, make sure you quote appropriately if you are a professional.
Here are some tips to clean the louvered windows…
• Open the louvers as wide as possible.
• Gently wash the top and the bottom of each glass panel using minimum water. If you prefer using a sponge or cloth that’s fine. Whatever you find easiest. Be gentle, we don’t want any breakages.
• Squeegee the top side of the highest louver first from left to right.
• Now turn your squeegee upside down and squeegee the underside of that louver.
• Repeat this process down the window until finished.
• Use a lint-free microfibre cloth to soak drips.
Remember
A perfect job on louvered windows is difficult, so don’t be too hard on yourself. You will get better with practice. It might be a good idea to explain the complexity of the work with your client to make sure their expectations are realistic.
6. Car Windows
You can clean car windows just like normal windows with the spray and wipe method using Wow Fast Dry; however, you may prefer to use a smaller squeegee length of 30cm/12” or less. Car windows are curved, so it can be tricky to get the rubber to be flat on the window. That’s why a smaller squeegee is a better idea.
7. Shower Screens
Most people blame dirty-looking shower screens on soap scum and body fat. Though that is often the case, there is a second culprit as well - Hard Water Mineral Staining.
You’ll know it’s hard water mineral staining when you take a good quality bathroom cleaner, like Bravo, and use it undiluted. Scrub the glass with a white scourer. You can even use a scraper with a new blade if you like. If the stain remains, it will require a special restoration process and the best place to start is with an amazing XO2 product called Pixie Dust.
When you know it’s hard water mineral staining, there is no point trying different bathroom cleaners: you will be just wasting your time and money because it is a restoration process, not a cleaning process that is needed. In some cases hard water mineral staining cannot be removed and is classed as permanent damage, which will require the glass to be replaced.
8. Fly Screens On Windows
Remove the fly screen, then dust it on both sides with a Super Brush. Brush in different directions. Ensure you clean the screens before you clean the window. If required, wash the fly screen using generous amounts solution and a heavy duty window washer. Don’t forget to wash both sides. Rinse, clean, wipe dry and tap each corner on the ground to remove any addition water from the screen’s frame.
9. Windows With Lots Of Cobwebs
Always remove cobwebs before washing windows. Start from the top and work down. Don’t apply too much pressure, it may push the cobweb further into the surface. Just let the tool do the work by lightly catching the cobwebs as it touches them. The Super Brush is our favourite tool for removing cobwebs; it also fits every major brand of extension poles. To clean the brush when finished, use a vacuum or warm soapy water.
Making difficult to clean windows easy and fast to clean can take some practice. And plenty of patience too. Have you got any more ideas about cleaning difficult windows? Get in touch with your tips and experiences. We’re always looking for better ways to clean and we’d love to hear from you.
Feel free to call our customer care team on 1300 123 499, if you require any help or advice on our range of window cleaning equipment. For more information you can also check out XO2's window cleaning equipment and tools online.
Happy window cleaning!
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