April 28, 2011
The Only Way I’ll Ever Wash Windows Again!
Back in March, I talked about trying this technique I saw over at Martha (you know the one). The weather in my “neck” of the midwest has been less than window-washing cooperative, so I just got around to the outsides of some of my windows. While I was at it, I did the insides again too – just to try out the techinque of course.
I bought this Quickie brand 
window washer and squeegee from Amazon – after using the washer and squeegee combo, I think that’s the way to go because you can scrub the window a bit before squeegee-ing it off
window washer and squeegee from Amazon – after using the washer and squeegee combo, I think that’s the way to go because you can scrub the window a bit before squeegee-ing it off
I put a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent powder in a shallow plastic container, added hot water and set myself up with a large bath towel and rag
Here’s a before – it’s a little hard to see how bad it was – picture fingerprints and dog licks extraordinaire
and after
not a streak in sight – simple process, no drying, just CLEAN windows
My old method of washing windows? Window cleaner (H2) and a window/mirror washing cloth. I thought this was a great method and it’s fine, but this new method is absolutely, perfectly easy, totally foolproof and it worked SO well on the exterior windows, too. The little handle let me reach to get those taller windows that I’d normally need a step ladder to reach. I used a rag to wipe up drips on the window sills from the soapy mixture and a towel on the floor underneath my work surface – you’ll need those. Does everyone wash windows like this and I’m just missing out? Or is this new to you too? Am I a little excited about this new technique, YES! Do you think I’m crazy? Consider the source – and try this method this spring for your windows.
FootPrints Says
i am gonna check this out! cause right now everytime i clean my windows my house smells like a tub of vinegar!
Shannon Says
My sister turned me onto this method last spring and it works like a charm! One tip, at the top you want to squeeqee a horizontal strip & then do the vertical strips. At the bottom do the horizontal swipe again to get the edges. It so quick & easy! I was able to get out & did our whole (small) house windows – inside & out – in under an hour. Love this method!
Miranda Says
I don’t do mine that way, but I think I just might. I HATE washing windows. What a great idea! Thanks ♥
Lori Says
LOVE washing windows with the squeegee. I add a tsp of white vinegar to my sudsy water. Cuts the grime and country dirt. Have washed windows this way for years and would never go back to a rag :). Great post.
Kelly Says
We built this home 3yrs ago and all i’ve done is use the windex and a stepladder method. I will definitely try this! We have 4 floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and 3 in the kitchen. I can’t wait to try this out. Thanks a million!
Jenny (The Housewife Project) Says
I tried a squeegee last year and didn’t have great success. I could still see marks from the squeegee. Maybe adding the dishwasher detergent to water makes a difference, a friend of mine recently suggested that, too. I will try it. I really dread starting my windows (screens, storms, windowsills), but they sooo need to be cleaned.
Jenn Brockman Says
We have a window washer at our shop that does it like this, though I’ve not ever used it home.
WhoWhatLogos Says
Saw you on Tidy Mom…this is genius!
Vickie Says
I’ve used a similar tool for the past few years. I love it. Works great on mirrors, too 🙂
Tanya @ Greetings From the Asylum Says
I love this technique. I am going to have to try this. This weekend perhaps. Thanks for sharing!
Anthony Blommel Says
Nice! Washing your windows is always a nice thing to do. After all, you’re cleaning them so that there will be no hindrance for you to enjoy the scenery outside.
Venetian blinds Says
Thanks for this great idea. I really like your way please share more tips related to home improvement if you have.
carol jane Says
Do you mean dish washing detergent for the dish washer, or just regular hand wash dish detergent?
Cindi Mladenka Says
Last year I ran across my hubby’s squeegee for his truck, and guess what?!!
Yep, I took it on a trial run of the house windows, and found it to be the PERFECT solution to my dirty, hard-to-reach wall o’ windows! One reason we bought the house years ago, was because of the light from ALL the windows (entire dining room is two sets of french doors plus two glass insert windows) that look out into the backyard. I HATED the chore – because it was difficult to do, time-consuming, and because I’m vertically-challenged!!
Not anymore!
Don’t have a squeegee? Get one!!! (And one with the extender is even better!)