I know you don’t clean outside, but this can apply to a lot of things. What’s the best way to clean without leaving water spots, especially on window exteriors?

Sandy
Colorado Springs

Hi Sandy,

Windows are a tough job, no matter how you swipe it. But going back over cleaned areas to tackle those annoying water spots makes the job even harder. The best way to clean windows, or any large expanse of glass, is with a squeegee. It does a faster and better job. And when done properly it leaves the glass free from stubborn water spots.

You need a professional-quality squeegee, a window wand (or a clean sponge mop works as a money-saver), and an extension pole  if you’ll be doing high windows. The basic process is simple -- apply the cleaning solution (a capful of ammonia per two gallons of water) with the window wand, them pull all the dirt and water off with the squeegee. Resist the urge to put extra ammonia in the water, excess can cause streaking.

Wet the windows with the cleaning solution, scrubbing any large particles of dirt away with the window. Now here's how we make those water spots disappear. Water spots come from water drying on the surface, so we have to remove all the water from the window using the squeegee. Dampen the squeegee blade before you start, and wipe it with a damp cloth between strokes. A dry blade will skip and jump on the window instead of gliding smoothly.

1. Tilt the squeegee at an angle so that only about an inch of the rubber blade presses lightly against the top of the window glass. Then pull the squeegee across the window horizontally. This will leave a 1-inch dry strip across the top of the window. By squeegeeing across the top first, you eliminate drips running down.
2. Place the squeegee close to the frame in the dry area near the top, and pull down to about three inches from the bottom of the glass. Continue this way all across the window, overlapping into the clean, dry area with each stroke, and wiping the blade with a damp cloth after each stroke.
3. Finish with a horizontal stroke across the bottom, and wipe any water off the sill or remaining on the window with a dry microfiber cloth for a perfect shine.

Trick: If you’re doing both the inside and outside the window, you may want to squeegee horizontally on one side and vertically on the other, so you can tell whether any streaks are inside or out.

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Before following any of the cleaning information, methods, advice or suggestions above, always test a small area that is less visible first. Also, you should consult the manufacturer's care instructions and warnings before trying any of the above. Due to the general nature of the advice in this material, neither Merry Maids, L.P.®, nor its individual franchises assumes any responsibility or accepts liability for any loss, damage or injury, which may be incurred as a result of any action inspired by information, advice or suggestions through this material.