Having clean windows can undoubtedly do wonders for your property. So, whether you decide to sparkle up your home or business building, there are a lot of benefits, both health and appearance-wise, to getting your windows clean again.
However, cleaning your windows is not an easy feat. It is a tedious and sometimes even dangerous task that can take a lot of your time and energy.
Still, this task can be a lot easier if you decide to drop the rag, bucket, and hose and get your hands on a power washing machine.
Why It’s Good to Power Wash Your Windows?
Dirty windows are more than just greasy fingerprint stains. Over time, your windows can accumulate quite a bit of dirt, grime, and dust, as well as all sorts of debris.
Furthermore, windows are a place to breed for many types of insects such as ladybugs and spiders. All this makes your windows not only unsightly but also a health hazard with all the bacteria and allergens stuck to the glass.
And while traditional window washing techniques can return some shine to the glass, only windows power washing can remove the dirt from even the tiniest cracks and corners.
If handled properly, a power washer can even help you remove the old paint from the windowsill and prepare it for a new coat of paint.
What You’ll Need
- A Power Washer– most importantly, you need a good power washer and preferably one with a detergent reservoir.
- Low Pressure- the amount of pressure used for window cleaning needs to be under 2,000 psi (pound per square inch)
- Wide Spray Nozzle- to avoid damaging the glass, you need a wide spray pattern and a nozzle that will spray the water at an angle of 40 to 65 degrees.
Steps of Window Power Washing Process
Inspect Your Windows
Power washing sure is fun, but before you begin ”playing” around with a power washer, you need to inspect your windows carefully. Ensure your panes are intact or that the glass isn’t chipped in some places.
Also, take note of any signs of rot. If your windows require some repairs or at least re-caulking, reschedule washing your windows until after the repairs are completed.
Water The Surrounding Area
No matter what kind of cleaning agent you are using, some may prove to be pretty aggressive, especially to the plants beneath your windows.
So, if you have soil patches, plants, or garden beds near your windows, water the whole area. It will help dilute the detergent or soap you are using while cleaning your windows.
Administer The Soap Correctly
To make sure you’ll have the maximum soap coverage, you need to know a few things. First, not all soaps can be used for window glass and windowsill.
Second, considering some of the soap will end up on the siding of your property and sidewalks, you’ll want to make sure you are using the correct detergent.
Luckily, you can always get multi-purpose soap, made especially for pressure washing machines. Once you pour the cleaning solution into the washer’s reservoir (as suggested on the box of the product) next, you’ll need a proper nozzle.
The soap tip or soap nozzle will give you a nice soapy stream of water. The pressure on this nozzle is also slightly lower than on 0-degree tips, and this one will spray water at an ~60-degree angle.
When applying the soap, make sure you are holding the tip of the wand at a 45-degree angle. This will help you get rid of every bit of dirt from the windowsill and glass both. Furthermore, this is the best way to remove any flaking paint bits.
Rinsing
Once you are done applying the soap, it’s time for rinsing. It’s also time for you to change the tip on the wand again. The most important thing in power washing is knowing what kind of tip to use and at what level of pressure.
Since windows are fragile, you will never use a 0-degree tip on them. These tips spray water on one point, and that kind of pressure is just too great for cleaning glass surfaces.
What you need to do is change the tip to one for ”general use”. This type of tip will apply water at a 15-20-degree angle, which is powerful enough for rinsing but not too strong to damage any part of your windows.
Rinse from the top of your windows downwards.
Inspect Your Windows Again
It’s imperative to recheck every corner of your windows after power washing. Ensure that the glazing, windowsill, and caulk are in good condition. If there are no damages to the windowsill, you’ll need to leave it alone for a few days to air dry before you start repainting.
Call A Power Washing Company
If you are at any point uncomfortable to complete this task by yourself, you don’t have to give up the benefits of having you windows power washed. Simply call a professional power washing company to do this task for you.
Pressure washing technicians are usually equipped with much better power washing machines and a variety of tips and nozzles that allows them to do an amazing job.
They’ll also use bio-degradable and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that will preserve the health of your plants, pets and family while making your windows sparkle.
Furthermore, most of the best power washing companies are insured so you and your property will be covered if any damages occur.
