How to Properly Clean a Window: Expert Tips from Good Sorts
At Good Sorts Property Services, we believe that clean windows do more than just let the light in. They create a polished first impression for any business or building. Based in Kelowna and serving the Okanagan Valley, our commercial cleaning and building maintenance team has developed a proven approach to window cleaning, whether it is a quick touch-up or a full soap and blade finish.
This post draws from the same training we provide our team members through Good Sorts Academy. It is the method we trust to deliver professional, streak-free results every time. If you have ever struggled with smudges, streaks, or drips, this guide will help you understand the right tools, techniques, and tips to clean a window the right way.
The Essential Tools for Cleaning Windows in Kelowna Businesses
Before we get into the steps, let’s talk about the gear. You don’t need a cart full of fancy products, but using the right tools makes all the difference between a frustrating clean and a flawless finish.
Here is what we keep in our kit:
- Spray Bottle with Glass Cleaner: We use Glance, a professional-grade cleaner with a small amount of ammonia for quick, streak-free evaporation.
- Glass Rags: Two types: a wet rag for applying cleaner and a dry rag for touch-ups. Keeping them separate is key.
- T Bar and Squeegee (Blade): These are the heavy hitters for soap and blade cleaning. The squeegee pulls water cleanly from the glass, leaving no residue.
- Extension Poles: For higher windows, these allow us to work safely from the ground without overextending our bodies.
- Bucket: For your soapy water mix (and later for safe disposal).
With the right setup, you are already halfway to sparkling glass.
Spot Cleaning vs Soap and Blade
Not every window needs the full treatment. Sometimes a quick polish does the trick, while other times a deeper clean is unavoidable.
- Spot Cleaning: Ideal for fingerprints, smudges, or light dirt. It is quick, efficient, and perfect for day-to-day touch-ups in office spaces or storefronts around Kelowna.
- Soap and Blade Cleaning: Your go-to when the glass is heavily soiled, dusty, or streaked. This method gives you that deep clean shine and professional finish, especially important for high-traffic commercial properties across the Okanagan Valley.
Knowing when to use each method saves time and effort while ensuring the best results.
Step by Step: Spot Cleaning a Window
Spot cleaning may sound simple, but there is a right way to do it. Here is our method:
- Spray your glass cleaner onto one side of a folded blue glass rag.
- Use a gentle figure 8 motion to work across the glass.
- Keep moving until the cleaner has evaporated and the surface shines streak-free.
- If you see fingerprints or smudges left behind, flip to a dry section of the rag and polish.
This quick approach is efficient for mirrors, interior glass, or any spot that just needs a refresh.
Step by Step: Soap and Blade Cleaning
When it is time to pull out the big guns, the soap and blade method is your best bet.
- Apply soapy water to the glass with your T bar. Cover the surface evenly.
- Position your squeegee at the top corner of the glass.
- With a light grip, pull the blade down in a smooth stroke.
- Wipe the squeegee blade dry after every stroke to prevent drips.
- Slightly overlap each pass for a consistent clean.
- Once finished, wipe the bottom sill with your wet rag to prevent a mess.
- Use your dry rag for spot touch-ups where needed.
Pro Tip: Let the blade do the work. Many people press too hard on the glass, but a light hand gives the cleanest finish.
Safety Considerations for Commercial Window Cleaning
Clean glass should never come at the expense of safety. Whether we are working on ground-level offices in Kelowna or upper-level windows in Okanagan Valley commercial buildings, we always keep these precautions in mind:
- Three Points of Contact. If you must use a ladder, always maintain three points of contact.
- Avoid Overreaching. If a spot feels just out of reach, use an extension pole instead of stretching.
- Proper Disposal. Empty window buckets into a toilet, not a sink, to prevent debris from clogging drains.
Safety is not optional. It is part of the Good Sorts standard.
Tips for Streak-Free Windows
- Always keep your dry rag bone dry. A damp rag leaves smudges.
- Work top to bottom to prevent drips from running over clean sections.
- Do not rush the squeegee. A steady, relaxed motion creates the best result.
- For high windows, an extension pole with a swivel handle helps maintain smooth strokes.
Why Professional Window Cleaning in Kelowna Matters
Clean windows are not just about aesthetics. They affect how light enters a space, how customers perceive your business, and even how employees feel in their environment. Streak-free glass gives a professional edge, while neglected windows can drag down the look of an entire building.
For businesses in Kelowna and across the Okanagan Valley, our Good Sorts team ensures every window reflects the professionalism of the people inside. When your clients walk past your storefront or step into your office, they should see clarity and care right from the first glance.
FAQs About How to Properly Clean a Window
What is the best cleaner for windows?
We recommend a professional-grade glass cleaner with ammonia, like Glance. It evaporates quickly and leaves fewer streaks.
Can I just use paper towels?
Paper towels often leave lint and streaks. Microfiber or dedicated glass rags are far more effective.
Why does my window look streaky after cleaning?
It usually comes down to technique. Too much pressure on the squeegee, using a damp rag, or not drying the blade between strokes can all cause streaks.
Is soap and blade better than spot cleaning?
It depends. Spot cleaning is quick for light marks, while soap and blade are essential for deeper cleans or heavily soiled windows.
How often should I clean commercial windows in Kelowna?
It varies by location, but most businesses benefit from a professional clean every four to six weeks to keep glass looking sharp and welcoming.
Can I clean high windows without a ladder?
Yes. With extension poles and swivel squeegees, you can reach high windows safely from the ground.
Conclusion
At Good Sorts Property Services, we do not just clean windows. We restore clarity and professionalism to every pane of glass. Whether it is a quick spot clean or a full soap and blade treatment, the right tools and techniques make all the difference. Our training ensures every member of our team can deliver consistent, streak-free results safely and efficiently.
For businesses across Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, clean windows are more than a detail. They are part of making a strong first impression. And at Good Sorts, we are here to make sure that impression shines.
