So you've decided to tackle your dirty windows. I suppose it's the dirty looks they keep giving you. Well, if you have some glass cleaner and a paper towel your ready. However, if you'd like to keep the streaks to a minimum then use a squeegee with a fresh rubber blade.

If you have some old towels you keep just for standby go ahead and grab a couple, and make sure they haven't been laundered with any fabric softener. Fabric softener can leave a residue behind when you wipe away excess water. Next, fill a bucket with warm water. Use a 3 gallon or 5 gallon bucket or whatever you might have that will hold water. Add soap (dishwashing liquid is fine) just don't use the soap you would put in your dishwasher. Measure about 2 to 3 tablespoons of soap to about 5 gallons of water or just squeeze it in. Stick your hand in the bucket and swirl it around until it's mixed well and you should have a pretty smooth viscosity. The smoothness will help when you are wiping the window clean and will last for the entire project.

Now that you have your water and towels. Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Please see the Products & Services page for a list of basic materials needed to clean your windows. Depending on how short your house is or how tall you are you may not need a ladder. Although I've found in most cases a ladder can be helpful, even if I wasn't standing on it. A ladder can hold your tools or be a prop for you to place a screen or storm window on. I recommend a four foot ladder. Be sure to read the ladder safety guide before using. You'll also need a squeegee and "spongee" or (strip washer) that will fit inside the frames of the windows.

It might be good to have a retractable razor blade with you in case you come across some stubborn dirt. Be sure that the blade you will be using is a new blade. If your blade gets chipped or bent you need to change it right away unless you're going for a more dramatic look with your glass. In case you didn't get that, you'll scratch the glass if the blade is deformed in any way. When scraping across the surface of the glass be sure that it is first WET. Never scrape glass if it is not wet.

Another thing about blades is that they are very sharp, so get the retractable scraper. Another item I haven't spoke of yet is a brush. A paintbrush, toothbrush, cobweb brush, or hand brush will work fine just don't break out the hairbrush. You'll need this to clean the tracks of the windows where the screens stay. Finally, have a scrubbing pad that won't scratch your windows.

Now your ready to begin cleaning your windows. Having a little technique can go a long way in getting your windows done... the same day.