We’ve been cleaning windows in NYC for more than a decade, so we know how dirty they get and how hard they are to keep clean. You’re not alone if you struggle. Whether you’re in a street-level brownstone or a tenth-floor apartment, there’s no escaping the dirt and grime that are just part of living in the city that never sleeps.
If you are tackling your windows on your own, we admire you. But, if you aren’t using the right tools for the job and following some basic strategies that the professionals have perfected, you’re going to get really discouraged, really quickly. We don’t want that. We’d much rather have you let us take care of those pesky windows. If you are determined to take on the challenge, here are some tips to help you be successful. Good luck!
Make Sure You Have The Right Supplies
- A Strip Applicator
- A Large Squeegee
- A Big Bucket
- Several Clean Chamois of Microfiber Cloths
- Soft, lint-free cleaning cloths
- A Water Source
- A Sponge
- Professional Window Cleaning Solution or Dish Soap
- Vinegar
Follow These Steps
Remove surface dust and debris. You don’t want to start cleaning while all of the loose dust and debris are still on your windows. You’ll just be moving it around with a sponge or strip applicator, and it’ll take forever to get it off. Give your windows a good spray with water and vinegar first, and wipe that off with a clean cloth.
Use your strip applicator to apply and work in a good amount of soapy suds. They’ll break up the stuck-on yuckiness.
Thoroughly wipe off all of the soap and water using your squeegee.
Get any grime that’s left or corners that didn’t get clean with your sponge. Dip it into the soapy water and scrub.
You’ll have drips and drops, so use your squeegee to get rid of those so you don’t end up with streaks.
Then give your corners a good wipe with your clean, dry chamois or a microfiber cloth.
Make sure you’re working from the top down. If you’ve got a three-story brownstone, that’s going to be tough. Be careful. You’ll need a lot more equipment if you’re cleaning a multi-story home. We recommend never trying to do that yourself. It is just too dangerous. Call a professional.
If you must clean your upper-story windows on your own, make sure to follow these safety tips. First of all, always make sure you have the proper scaffolding, support structure, and equipment so you can safely bring all of your supplies with you. You don’t want to be going up and down the ladder every time you need a bucket, water, squeegee, or something else. Then:
- Only use a ladder on a flat, stable surface.
- Make sure your ladder is secured.
- Anchor yourself to your building with a properly tied harness.
If all of this sounds too daunting, just give us a call. We’re your go-to NYC window cleaners, and we’re here to be of service.
