Window cleaning - rules and tips for perfect cleanliness

Choose a cloudy day to wash windows in Tallinn — the bright sun quickly dries the cleaning agent, leaving streaks. The optimal temperature is from +5°C to +20°C, which is typical for the spring and autumn months. Use a scraper with a rubber attachment and a microfiber cloth: the first will remove dirt, the second will provide a final polish.

Due to the high humidity in the region, to remove limescale deposits, mix 200 ml of white vinegar with 1 liter of warm water (35–40°C). For PVC frames, add 2–3 drops of dishwashing liquid — this will dissolve the grease without damaging the surface. Do not use abrasives on glass with an energy-saving coating: micro-scratches will reduce their properties.

After washing, treat the window seals with silicone grease — this will prevent freezing in winter. In Tallinn's new buildings with panoramic glazing, use a telescopic mop with a soft sponge: a handle up to 2.5 m long will allow you to reach the upper sections without a stepladder. Check the quality of the work by directing the light of a flashlight at the glass at an angle - this way all the defects are visible.

For difficult stains (traces of construction dust or paint splashes), apply isopropyl alcohol (70%) for 10 minutes, then gently wipe with a sponge. After treatment, wipe the glass with a dry chamois - the material will absorb the remaining moisture and give the surface a mirror shine. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a year so that the windows remain transparent even in maritime climates.

Window cleaning in Tallinn: secrets of a perfect result

For external frames in panel houses, choose soft brushes with a long handle: salt deposits from the Baltic Sea are easily removed without scratches. After cleaning, wipe the surfaces with a dry microfiber with a pile of 250-300 g / m² - this will prevent the appearance of a dust film.

Plan to wash windows on cloudy days: direct sun quickly dries cleaning compounds, leaving streaks. If you work in frost, add 50 ml of medical alcohol per liter to the water - the liquid will not freeze on the glass until completely wiped off.

When ordering services in Tallinn, check whether the craftsmen use demineralized water for the final rinse. It removes 99% of mineral residues, which is critical for windows with energy-saving coating.

Selecting tools: what you need to clean glass and frames

• Prepare a solution of 1 liter of warm water, 50 ml of white vinegar and 10 ml of isopropyl alcohol - this composition copes with greasy stains and mineral deposits. For external window cleaning, add 1-2 drops of dishwashing liquid to the mixture to reduce the formation of streaks in windy weather.
• Use a rubber scraper with an adjustable handle: a short one is suitable for kitchen glass, a long one for panoramic windows. Check that the blade is not chipped - this will prevent scratches.
• To clean the seals on the frames, take an old toothbrush and baking soda. Wet the bristles in water, dip them in soda and go over the rubber elements - this will remove fungus and dust.
• Store the tools in a separate plastic bucket with a handle - this way you can quickly move them between rooms. Add a sprayer with a thin nozzle to the kit for spot application of the solution to the glass.
• When working with high windows, choose a telescopic mop with magnetic attachments. Check the fastenings before starting cleaning - this will reduce the risk of tools falling from a height.

Surface Preparation: How to Remove Dust and Cobwebs Before You Begin

How to treat hard to reach areas

Wet a corner of the cloth in water, wring it out and wrap it around the ruler – this is a convenient way to remove dirt between the sashes. Don’t forget about the rubber seals: wipe them with a damp cloth so that dust residue doesn’t get on the glass during washing.

Why you shouldn't skip this step

The dust remaining on the frame will mix with the cleaning solution and form sticky streaks. Check the surface with your palm: if traces remain, repeat the cleaning. After preparation, let the windows dry for 5-7 minutes before applying the product.

Companies offering professional window cleaning in Tallinn use similar methods - this reduces the time of work and improves the result. The next step is to choose a suitable solution for glass, but more about this in other sections.

Making a cleaning solution: proportions of water, vinegar and detergents

For heavy dirt or PVC frames, increase the proportion of vinegar to 150 ml for the same volume of water. Add the detergent carefully: excess foam will leave streaks. If the water in your area is hard, use distilled water - this will reduce the risk of white spots.

Work with the solution immediately after preparation. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray it evenly onto the glass, avoiding wooden frames (vinegar can damage the coating). Wipe the surface with a microfiber or rubber squeegee, moving from top to bottom.

Tip: add 2-3 drops of lemon or orange essential oil to neutralize the smell of vinegar. For winter window cleaning, heat the solution to 30-40°C - this will speed up drying and prevent freezing.

Technique of moving the rag: vertical or horizontal stripes?

• Start from the top corner, move the rag downwards with light pressure.
• Overlap the previous strip by 2-3 cm so as not to miss areas.
• Rinse or replace the rag after each pass, especially if you are cleaning windows in Tallinn - high humidity can slow down drying.

Horizontal movements are suitable for frames with horizontal transoms or decorative elements. For example:

• Wipe each section separately, moving from left to right.
• Use suede or microfiber - they absorb liquid better, preventing smudges.

Check the result in daylight: if you notice streaks, change the direction of movements. For example, after vertical treatment, wipe the glass horizontally with a dry cloth, and vice versa. In windy weather (a common occurrence on the Baltic coast), wash the windows in the morning or evening so that dust does not stick to wet surfaces.

Treatment of seals and corners: how to avoid dirt accumulation

To clean rubber seals on windows, use a soft toothbrush and a solution of warm water with the addition of 2 tbsp. baking soda per liter. Gently run the bristles along the rubber to remove accumulated dust and fungus.

Tools for hard-to-reach areas

Clean the corners of frames and glass joints with a narrow spatula wrapped in microfiber. Dampen the cloth in a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1) to degrease the surfaces and prevent streaks. For plastic frames, avoid abrasives - a sponge with fine bristles will do.

Preventing dirt accumulation

Check the integrity of the seals every six months: replace deformed elements to avoid gaps. For windows with wooden frames, apply a thin layer of linseed oil to the corners - this will protect against moisture and cracking. If deep cleaning is needed, professional window cleaning services in Tallinn include treating the joints with a steam generator.

After treatment, wipe all areas with a dry, lint-free cloth - this will eliminate residual moisture that attracts dirt. To maintain the result, repeat the procedure every 2-3 months, especially if the windows face busy streets.

Glass polishing: how to remove streaks after drying

Tools for final polishing

• A scraper with a rubber attachment - removes excess moisture without leaving scratches. Hold it at an angle of 30-45 degrees.
• A microfiber with fine bristles - absorbs dirt and residues of the solution. Wash the fabric after each use without fabric softener.
• Newspapers — rub slightly damp glass with crumpled sheets: printing ink adds shine and removes small streaks.

If streaks remain

1. Apply dishwashing liquid to the glass (3-4 drops per 200 ml of water) and treat the streaked areas with a sponge.
2. Rinse off the foam with clean water, then wipe the glass with a dry part of the microfiber from the bottom up.
3. For difficult cases, use an isopropyl alcohol-based spray (sold in window cleaning stores in Tallinn).

Check the result in daylight: bring your palm to the glass — if the reflection is not distorted, the surface is perfectly clean. Do not polish windows in direct sunlight: the solution dries too quickly, increasing the risk of streaks.