Cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass around your home on your own isn't a difficult task, but getting it done efficiently and streak-free can be a challenge. Oftentimes we spend hours spraying and wiping only to be left with windows that look almost as dirty as they were to begin with. A few tips and the correct tools, however, can make this dreaded task simpler, leave your glass surfaces sparkling clean, and save you a lot of money in the long run.

By following these simple steps and making just a few small changes to how you clean your windows, this once daunting task can be made easy. However, hiring residential window washers in Chicago is still easiest way to the most beautiful windows on your block! Without further ado, here are three quick and easy tips to wash your windows, just like the professionals! I hope you like our window washing hacks

Step #1: Treat Your Windows Before You Wash

Has it been awhile since your windows have been cleaned? Has there been construction on your house or yard, or even nearby? If so, you can likely see a layer of dust, dirt, and grime built up on your windows. Trying to go from dirty, grimy windows to squeaky clean windows just like that is nearly impossible. You’ll waste time, energy, and tons of cleaning solution in the process.

The best exterior window cleaners in Chicago know that using a pretreatment on windows instead of jumping right into the cleaning process will save time and make your windows look even better. You can buy a commercial pretreatment for your windows, or you can make your own. In order to make your own solution, find a high-quality dish soap (Dawn is always a great choice) and mix just a few tablespoons into a gallon of water. You can also add Jet Dry or another rinse aid to add even more power to your solution.

Once you have your pretreatment solution, spray your windows down with water. Using a sponge or cleaning brush, cover your windows with the solution. Typically, you will use the pretreatment on the exterior of your windows. However, in some cases, it may be necessary on the interior side of your windows as well. Once you have applied the solution to your windows, give it time to soak, but do not allow the solution time to dry completely. Before the solution has dried, make sure you carefully and completely rinse your windows, removing both the pretreatment solution and all the dust, grime, and build up from you windows.

After the pretreatment has been rinsed off, you can clean your windows as normal, using the cleaning solution of your choice.

Step #2: Remove Stains Caused By Hard Water

In Chicago, most houses have hard water, especially from outside faucets. Professional residential window cleaners in Chicago know how to combat hard water and the stains that come with it. Hard water stains are typically white or translucent stains left on your windows, even after a great cleaning. They can be incredibly difficult to remove if you don’t know the secrets to getting them off.

The best way to get rid of hard water stains on windows, or any glass surface, is to use a vinegar solution. Mix a 1:1 vinegar: water solution into a large spray bottle. If you don’t have a spray bottle handy, you can just mix it in any container (even inside a vinegar bottle) and pour it directly onto your rag or towel. Vinegar is one of the best-kept secrets for beating hard water stains and will help your windows shine with very little effort! For added effectiveness, we recommend using a squeegee to clear the surface once you have sprayed your vinegar water solution onto the window.

Step #3: Don’t Neglect the Interior of Your Windows

No matter how beautiful and crystal clean you get the exterior of your windows, they still won’t shine if the interior remains dirty and stained. Tiny fingerprints, pet nose-prints, even built up dust, can all lead to less than stellar window interiors. What is the best way to clean the inside of your windows? Since your interior windows are more likely to come in contact with pets and children, we recommend using a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solution on your windows. While you can, again, purchase a commercial cleaner, making your own interior window cleaning solution can also be quick and easy.

For window cleaning in Chicago, we recommend a solution of one cup of water mixed with one cup of rubbing alcohol and one tablespoon of vinegar. You can increase or decrease the amount you make depending on how many windows you need to clean. Much like with the hard water spot treatment, we highly recommend putting your solution into a spray bottle. Spray your windows with the solution and use a clean cloth or your squeegee to dry your windows. This will leave your windows sparkling and shining, both inside and out!

Get Professional-Quality Clean Windows

Here are a few more tips for getting windows that look like you hired a professional residential window cleaner in Chicago.

1. Purchase your own professional equipment. We recommend purchasing a squeegee and a specialized window cleaning brush with an extendable handle.

2. Leave the paper towels behind. Instead, use high-quality microfiber towels to clean your window. They are softer, safer, and less likely to scratch your windows. They are also better at leaving a spot free finish.

3. If you really want windows that look professionally cleaned, hire the best residential window cleaners in Chicago.

We pride ourselves on our excellent service. If your windows are hard to reach or are too dirty to clean, by following this step-by-step guide, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to sort it out for you. You can call Chicago Cleaning Services Company at (773) 538 3031. We can give you a reasonable estimate for beautiful, squeaky clean windows!