Ultimate Guide to Crystal-Clear Windows: DIY Window Cleaning with Dish Soap, Squeegee, and Microfiber Scrubber!
Transform your windows into sparkling perfection with an easy-to-follow DIY window cleaning tutorial! In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to achieve streak-free, crystal-clear windows using simple household items and economical tools - dish soap, a trusty squeegee, and a microfiber scrubber. I did a lot of research and testing to come up with this pro level process to get super clean windows. Seriously consider getting high quality tools for this project. They are budget friendly and well worth it. Cheap tools will make this project way harder than it needs to be. I have listed my recommendations below.
My deep dive into window cleaning video. If you have not seen it check it out VIDEO
What you'll need:
Dish soap The exact soap I used in the video. A powerful yet gentle solution for breaking down dirt and grime.
My favorite wash bucket system These are high quality wash buckets with gamma lids and a wheeled dolly. My personal auto detailing buckets. They look cool too.
Microfiber Scrubber Professional quality and designed to lift and remove stubborn debris, ensuring a thorough clean.
Squeegee Professional quality. The secret weapon for achieving a streak-free finish without any fuss. Clean larger windows with ease. Start out with a smaller squeegee to build you skill set. After you have good technique a larger squeegee is best for larger windows. There are really cheap versions out there but they do not get these results. This squeegee is what the pros use. very affordable also.
8” Squeegee This squeegee is for the smaller windows. Made out stainless steel & professional quality.
12” Squeegee This squeegee is for the medium sized windows. Made out stainless steel & professional quality.
16” Squeegee This squeegee is for the large windows and or for the experienced squeegee user. Made out stainless steel & professional quality.
Extension Pole For those hard to reach windows. Sometimes this is safer then using a ladder. If you choose to use a ladder educate yourself on best practices prior to starting your window cleaning project. SAFETY FIRST!
Microfiber towel all purpose Used for general clean up. I use these on the window frames. These are ultra high quality all purpose towels. A huge step above the cheap versions.
Microfiber Towel Lint Free Glass (3 options) Will not leave lint on the window. Most cheaper towels leave lint and streaks.
Ultra high quality waffle weave lint free glass towel with soft sued edges. My Favorite. I use this exact towel detailing car windows
Medium grade waffle weave lint free glass towel. Great quality towel but slightly lower GSM and no soft sued edges.
Economical Lint free microfiber towels Good quality but fall short compared to the above versions. Good to have a few in a pinch.
Spray Sealant These are tough yet easy to use sealants that I have tested vigorously auto detailing. Super slick & very durable. Can be used on any painted surface or glass. Prep is the key. The cleaner the surface the better the sealant will adhere to the surface. This will produce longer lasting durability. Reapply as needed to keep the surface slick and hydrophobic.
Have water spots?
Water spot remover For stubborn water spots on most surfaces. Be careful as this is an acidic product. Water spot remover needs to be used per the directions or etching of delicate surfaces can occur. Bottom line is spray on let dwell for a short time and wipe off. Start in an area that is inconspicuous to get to know the product. This test goes for any product that you are unfamiliar with.
Glass polish For stubborn water spots on glass. When working on tough to remove water spots always use the least aggressive removal method first. Glass polish is a method using a light abrasive to buff off water spots and contamination. Apply a small amount on a microfiber towel and buff surface. Wipee product off with a dry microfiber towel. Always test in an inconspicuous area to get to know the process and the affects it has on your surface.
0000 steel wool For stubborn water spots on glass. When working on tough to remove water spots always use the least aggressive removal method first. When all else fails this will do it. Be gentle while using and test in an inconspicuous area to get to know the process and the affects it has on your surface. Lightly buff and visually inspect as you go to avoid overworking or having an unwanted outcome.
Step-by-step guide:
Here is a link to my very in depth video that describes every bit of this process in the most detail I could provide VIDEO
Prepare your cleaning solution in the bucket: Mix a small amount of dish soap with water in a bucket. This DIY solution is tough on dirt but gentle on your windows.
Apply the soap directly to the scrubber: Apply a continuous line of dish soap down each side of the the scrubber.
Squeegee: Use the 2 Stroke or Fanning method depending on the size of the window. As a rule of thumb if the window is less than 2 squeegee’s wide a 2 stroke method is acceptable. If the window is larger than 2 squeegee’s wide fanning is recommended to avoid streaks and lines. As a beginner using the stroke/pull method is the easier of the 2 methods. It gets great results and should be considered until you get comfortable fanning.
Repeat if necessary: For particularly dirty windows, don't hesitate to repeat the process until you achieve the desired cleanliness. Also do not be afraid to practice your technique over and over until you perfect it. Its not hard.
Inspect & Correct: Use a dry lint free glass microfiber cloth to polish away any streaks or missed areas as a finishing touch.
This easy window cleaning method is perfect for anyone looking to achieve professional results without the hefty price tag. Give it a try and let us know how your windows shine! Happy cleaning!
Please let me know if you have any questions or if any of these links are not working properly Jeremy@HawaiiDetailing.com
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