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Greetings!
Fall is nearly upon us. The kids are back to school. Before you know it, you'll be pulling out your Halloween decorations and making some hot apple cider. There's another fall tradition, too: Replacing your storm windows. Which is, of course, a perfect opportunity to wash your windows. According to our recent poll (thanks for rocking the vote!), 50% of you wash your windows seasonally. And 35% of you can't remember the last time you washed a window. ("Wash my what???") But did you know that some experts recommend cleaning your windows bi-monthly -- if not more often? We don't recommend any more often than they are actually dirty, but I can still hear the chorus of groans. Believe it or not, window washing does not have to be the most dreaded chore on your list. This month, our feature article offers you eight easy-to-follow steps for getting a spot-free finish on your windows -- without ever breaking a sweat. Please be sure to check it out. Letters from our Readers: I am so honored by your responses to our monthly newsletter. I'm thrilled that we are reaching so many of you -- and that you, in turn, are sharing your wonderful insights with the rest of the Clean Team family. This month we have a trove of reader tips for cleaning your bathroom, which poured into us after last month's newsletter. Please check them out. And keep sharing your thoughts with me at jeff@thecleanteam.com. Coupon Code: At the bottom of this (and every) newsletter, we feature a coupon code for a great Clean Team product just for you who receive our newsletter. Be sure to read through to the bottom of this newsletter for a window washing bargain. | |
Washing Windows the Easy Way
8 Steps to Clean Windows
 Imagine walking around all day with dirty old glasses. How do you think the world would look?
Just like eyeglasses, your windows affect how you see your home. And if those windows are covered in smudges and dust, your home will look grey and dull. No matter how frequently you vacuum, dust or mop, your house won't look clean. If you want to improve the appearance of you home, wash your windows!
Despite the fact that clean windows are so vital, most home owners wash their windows twice a year -- at best. In many households, the windows never get cleaned.
The popularity of "I don't do windows!" jokes begs the question: Why is window washing such a maligned chore? For most would-be washers, the answer is simple: Technique. Washing windows the wrong way is a major drag.
Think about it: You don't see professional window washers hoisted up 20 stories in the air cleaning with a blue bottle of spray and a wad of newspapers. They use squeegees for an easy, efficient and streak-free job.
Here is how you can use that same professional technique for quick and spotless results:
#1 Pick the Perfect Cloudy Day
Hot, sunny days are the enemy of a good window washer. The warm sunshine speeds up the rate at which your cleaning solution evaporates, which means you end up with streaks or a milky film. Instead, pick a cool and preferably cloudy day for your foray into window washing.
#2 Arm Yourself with the Right Equipment
Your equipment will quite literally be the key to your window washing success. You will need:
* Professional 14-18" squeegee -- Get the widest squeegee you can use in your space. An 18-inch  squeegee is perfect for large picture windows; 14 inches are better for medium panes. If you have French doors or little panes, you can get a 6" squeegee.
* New rubber blades -- Keep a spare blade on hand, too, since even a little nick in the rubber leaves a streak each time you use it.
* Window Scrubber -- This is what the pros use to transport the cleaning solution to the windows to wash them fast. (see #3).
#3 Make Your Cleaning Solution
Grab a bucket and fill half full with cool to lukewarm water. Don't use hot water -- it evaporates too quickly, which can leave streaks. Mix in a teaspoon or so of Cascade; both liquid and powder work equally well. Believe it or not, Cascade is remarkably similar to the formula used by window washing pros. The same chemical ingredients that leave your water glasses spot-free will help to prevent streaking on your windows. Liquid dishwashing soap is also good. Use a small amount of whatever soap you choose. This is one of those times when less is definitely best.
#4 Apply the Solution
Drop the window scrubber into the bucket of solution and then lightly squeeze it out. Using the scrubber, apply just enough solution to your window so that it won't dry before you finish with the squeegee. A too-wet window  will dribble all over your window sills and floors. (If this happens, sop up the overflow with some spare rags.)
If you can't reach the top of the window, slip the window scrubber onto an extension pole . If the whole pane is within arms reach, just hold the window scrubber in your hand.
#5 Cut the Water
There are two secrets to being successful with a squeegee: Keep the blade dry and start on a dry surface for every stroke. Start by creating a dry starter strip -- AKA "cut the water". Do this by grabbing a clean, dry cloth and wiping a 2-inch strip across the top and down both sides of the window. Finish off by wiping the blade of your squeegee against your rag. Dry the squeegee between each stroke with the cloth.
#6 Apply Light, Even Pressure
Window washing is kind of zen. Deep breaths. Light pressure. Steady focus. No death grips, here! Using your thumb and fingers to lightly hold the squeegee handle will net the best results -- and keep you from getting fatigued. If you start to sweat, you're doing it wrong!
#7 Down, Dry, Across
You are finally ready to squeegee! (In reality, steps #5 and 6 will take a matter of seconds. You want to move quickly enough so that the solution doesn't evaporate.) Starting in the dry spot of either the upper left or upper right corner, recite this mantra as you swipe your squeegee: Down, Dry, Across.
· Make the first stroke down, stopping a few inches from the bottom of the window.
· Wipe the blade dry.
· Make another stroke down, overlapping the first pass by 3-4 inches.
· Wipe the blade dry again.
· Make a third stroke down, again overlapping by 3-4 inches.
· Wipe the blade dry again.
· Draw the squeegee across the bottom for the final stroke. (If you started in the left top corner, your last stroke should be started in the left bottom corner.)
#8 Take it Outside
Step outside and quickly repeat steps #4-7.
That's it: You are done cleaning your window! Can you believe it? No pain, no fuss, no shredded newspaper all over the living room. Now that you know how easy it is, it's time to putting Washing Windows on your list of cleaning chores. Just be prepared for a home that not only is clean, but looks it, too!
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 Letters From Our Readers
Thank you so much for your steady stream of reader mail. We love hearing from all of you! Last month, we kicked off our series on "Dreaded Cleaning Jobs" by focusing on the bathroom. We asked you to share your #1 tip. Boy were we flush with your great suggestions!
My #1 tip for cleaning the bathrooms? Teach my children to do it--the Speed Cleaning way, of course!
-- Jennifer P., homeschooling mother of 7
We train our team members to fold 1-2 (MAX!) pieces of quality paper towel in quarters, then dampen it slightly with a mist of Red Juice, then wipe up any hair, lint or dust on the ceilings (yes, ceilings), sides and bottom and drain area of tub.Then we have them fold the hair in gunk to the inside of the paper towel and go around the floor, base of the tub, vanity, etc. to pick up anything else. This makes a huge difference for us even when we vacuum, as there is less hair and lint to fill the vacuum bag and it reduces the chance of us dragging it around the bathroom and adjoining rooms and hallways.
-- Jim Gardziola, Intrex Cleaning Royal Oak, MI
When I began using The Clean Team methods I followed your advice and cleaned the bathrooms according to your procedures. However, I had difficulty with the Yuck factor of cleaning the floor especially around the base of the toilet. I have implemented an additional step which helps me when it comes time to do the floors. Before I begin any wet cleaning, I vacuum the floors ... This greatly reduces the amount of floor particles I have to pick up by hand with the cleaning cloth and thereby helps me overcome that emotional yuck feeling.
-- C. M. Ramirez
Eliza G. agrees with C.M.: I would never get on my hands and knees to wash the bathroom floor before I vacuumed it thoroughly. Then the washing really would take a short time!
I read that liquid shower gel doesn't make scum like soap does. I tried it. They were right!
-- Carole
For a quick cleaning between full-scale assaults, spray red juice on the sink top and faucets, wipe down quickly with a paper towel, then use the slightly damp paper towel to give the floor a quick swipe. Now you can put cleaning off for one more day!
-- Beth from Pittsburgh, PA
Note from Jeff: We do the same thing at my home but we use a spare towel, but I know many people prefer paper towels.
I like a clean vanity top and sparkling faucets. I keep a washcloth that matches my towels on the rack just for wiping up water and toothpaste spills after I use the sink. Always looks good that way.
-- Anonymous
As always, we love hearing from you. The more you share with us, the better we can serve you -- and the rest of our readers -- with our monthly newsletter. So, tell us: Are you a window-washing whiz? What are your best tips for keeping your windows sparkling? Please send me your emails at jeff@thecleanteam.com
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Coming Soon: Kitchen
Take Our Newest Poll
We loved your response last month to our poll about how often you clean your windows. Please stop by and answer our newest poll describing the cleanliness of your kitchen!
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Learn To Be A Window-Cleaning Whiz
Enjoy 50% Off Spring Cleaning Book
If you want to learn more about how to clean windows (and other dreaded seasonal chores), you'll definitely want to check out this great promotion.
Buy any of the Clean Team's window cleaning supplies (we've got squeegees, extension polls, buckets and window scrubbers) and you can add a copy of our best-selling book Spring Cleaning to your order for just $4.98. That's half-off our regular price!
Spring Cleaning book tackles the tough jobs like washing windows, walls and ceilings; sealing, waxing, and stripping floors; cleaning carpets; and more. The 191-page book teaches you how to do a job while getting it over with quickly.
To order your copy, select "Specials", then "Code" and enter the code: CTNSEPT8. | |
Thanks for reading us this month! Come visit us on the web at www.thecleanteam.com.
Sincerely,
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Jeff Campbell
The Clean Team Catalog |
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