Keeping your windows clear and clean is not just about aesthetics. It’s also about safety.
You may live in an HOA or want more natural light to spread throughout your interior. It could be you would like to see your garden without having to squint through the built-up grime on the window’s exterior pane.
Whatever the reason, our professional residential window washing team at Rinse Prince is here to help. While we highly recommend calling our services for an appointment, we don’t want to gatekeep any info that may make your project a little easier.
First – Know the Risks
Before we get into the tips, be sure you’re ready to accept the possible risks. Soft washing your windows on your NJ home is not always a wise choice. Different glass materials will react based on the age of the home, frame fitting, sealants, or existing damage. It is extremely important to check for any of the following before you begin.
- Glass Damage: Cracks and glass fragments from a heavy storm can quickly get more significant with high pressure washing.
- Seal Compromise: Without the right techniques, water can leak into your home or around the wood, causing more damage to your house structure.
- Frame Deterioration: Water intrusion can and will cause wood to rot. It will corrode metal frames and lead to rust if not correctly addressed.
As long as you’re willing to accept these risks, soft washing your windows may be the way to go. On the positive side, you will get to know the overall look of your property and visually check for other damage as you go from window to window.
Steps to Soft Wash Your Home Windows
1 – Get the Right Equipment
You must have the right equipment to make this project move. Simply borrowing your friend’s pressure washer they use for ripping the paint off of siding is not going to do the trick. You want, at a minimum, the following:
- Soft washing pressure washer with an adjustable PSI setting (preferably below 1,500).
- Varying soft washing nozzles with wide angle settings (like 40 to 60 degrees)
- Foam cannon attachment to apply safe cleaning solutions.
- Extension connections for windows you cannot reach.
- Safety gear like protective eyewear and gloves to safeguard against damage.
If you have an extra house window in the garage, set that up 5-10 feet away from your pressure washing and test it out. That will help you get a better idea of side-to-side movement and distancing.
2 – Prep Your Space
You need to close all the windows around your home before you begin. It also helps to cover electrical outlets, relocate vehicles and plants, and double-check that your kids and pets are indoors.
Be sure to remove any window screens and put them somewhere safe. A black market and painter’s tape that labels where they will go when you’re finished is a good idea for organization.
3 – Apply Cleaning Solutions
It’s time to mix and apply your cleaning solution. Carefully read the labels to determine if the solution will interact negatively with the framing around your windows (wood, metal, aluminum, vinyl, etc.).
You want to use the foam cannon and start at the top of the window, working your way down. You can let the solution sit on the glass for a few minutes if needed.
4 – Rinse Thoroughly
Use a low pressure setting (PSI) on your soft washer for window cleaning. You can work from top to bottom or side to side, but take your time to ensure all soap residue is washed away – including from your siding.
Leaving any solution on your window seals could lead to potential leaks, so really get in there and remove all suds as best you can.
5 – Dry Your Windows
Drying your windows can be done with a long squeegee, a specialty tool that magnetizes with exterior and interior connections, or a simple microfiber cloth. If you have windows that open and close both at the top and bottom, you’re in excellent shape.
Be sure to dry the edges and corners thoroughly. That is where water and suds can accumulate, and leaving those unattended will end with mildew or mold.
Special Considerations
As experienced windows cleaning service providers, we want to be sure you pay attention to different window types. For instance, double-paned windows should avoid high pressure near the seals, while single-pane windows are more fragile and require minimal pressure.
If you’re working with bay or picture windows, make sure you’re giving an even application so you don’t get massive streaks. Storm windows are similar to screens in that you want to remove them as much as possible so that every part can be cleaned.
Conclusion
While this quick overview of residential window washing is a great first step, the best thing you can do is hire our professional window cleaning services. You’ll save time and the risk of damage as our experienced team members breathe new life into the natural light and visibility around your property.
If the windows are the soul of the house, then our team is your answer to making it feel like new. Give us a call today at (973) 814-2033 and let our house washing experts address any dirty, grimy, or seasonally changed windows for your NJ home.
