A Guide to Window Cleaning with a Squeegee

Cleaning windows is one of those chores we might put off for a while because of how difficult and time-consuming it can be, but what if there’s an easier way to get your windows spotless and streak-free?

For centuries, people have tried pieces of cloth, paper towels, and even newspapers, but nothing can compare to the mighty squeegee. This little cleaning tool has revolutionised window cleaning with just a piece of rubber and a metal or plastic handle.

What is a Squeegee?

A squeegee is a small, handheld window-cleaning tool made up of a handle and a flat rubber blade held in place by a metal channel. It is intended for wiping off excess water after cleaning surfaces like windows, windshields, mirrors, etc. The rubber, T-shaped squeegee has been around since 1936 when a window cleaner by the name of Ettore Steccone thought of an idea to make his job a whole lot easier. Fast forward to over eighty years later, and the rubber squeegee is now one of the most popular window-cleaning tools out there. Not only is it the ideal window-cleaning tool, but its usages extend all the way to cars, mirrors, and any other glass or flat surface that you might want squeaky clean and spotless. 

What are the Benefits of Using a Squeegee?

There are a few reasons why the squeegee has been such a reliable tool for decades:

1. It’s Fast
   Let’s face it, nobody likes cleaning for long periods of time, and the squeegee drastically reduces your window-cleaning time compared to other window cleaners. Using a piece of cloth or newspaper may work, but you find yourself putting more effort into the cleaning task itself and ultimately taking longer. With the squeegee, once you master the wiping technique, you’ll be just as fast at cleaning your windows as a professional. It also means less strain on your hands and arms because who said cleaning has to be a workout? Another benefit when it comes to speed is the size of the surface area you can cover easily with a single swipe. We have a range of sizes available to suit any job.
2. Streak-free Cleaning
   Streaks are the most common issue when using traditional glass or window cleaners. The squeegee eliminates this problem entirely. The rubber blade of the squeegee does not hold on to water or moisture, unlike cloths or paper towels, so the final finish does not include any streaks of water, soap, dirt, or even shampoo or shower gels if you’re cleaning a bathroom.
3. It’s Low Maintenance
   Squeegees are perhaps the most low-maintenance cleaning tool out there. The rubber can be changed regularly to ensure continuing perfect results. They’re easy to store and easy to clean by simply rinsing them, and since they’re not expensive, you can replace them every few years, and it won’t break the bank.

What are Some Tips for Using a Squeegee?

It may seem like using a squeegee is as simple as tossing water and soap and sweeping it away with the rubber blade, but there are a few extra steps and tricks that can ensure ideal window-cleaning results:

1. Wipe Your Surface First
   Before going in with the squeegee, it’s recommended to use a brush or microfibre cloth to clean as much dust, debris and cobwebs as possible. This is an easy way to avoid streaks of grime or dirt when you use soap or solution.
   
2. Prime Your Surface
   Use a mixture of water and window cleaning solution. You can soap up the surface with your mixture using an applicator before the squeegee sweeps everything away.
   
3. Wipe Your Blade
   Your squeegee might have some dirt or debris on it from its last window-cleaning battle, so it’s best to wipe it with a cloth or rinse it under some running water to make it primed and ready.
   
4. Perfect Your Technique
   When using a squeegee, you should wipe with a slight 45-degree angle. Start at the top and make your way to the bottom. The best technique is the S technique, where you start at the top and then overlap the strokes to collect all the water. Once the water is gathered at the bottom of the glass, remove it with the edge of the rubber blade.
   
5. Wipe After Each Stroke
   Since the squeegee is collecting all the dirty water on the blade, you should wipe or rinse it after each stroke to make sure that no excess water and dirt cause streaks with the next stroke. 
   
6. Use a Cloth Support
   The corners of your glass or window are likely very hard to reach with the squeegee, which is why using a cloth or towel to go over the edges or corners is recommended. 
   
7. Use a Scraper for Stubborn Smudges
   Sometimes a squeegee can only do so much, and you have to pull out the big guns: a window scraper. If you have smudges that are too hard or sticky, a quick stroke with your window scraper should do the trick. Same as the squeegee, use your water and cleaning solution and wipe the scraper blade.
   

How Do I Maintain My Squeegee?

Even though maintenance for squeegees is no hassle, you still need to keep them in good shape. As mentioned, cleaning your squeegee after each use is essential so that no grime or debris builds up and sticks to the rubber blade. 

As for storing your squeegee, sunlight is the enemy of the rubber blade. So, to avoid its deterioration, you should store your squeegee in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Your blades should last you a long time, but once they’re in rough shape, replacing them will save you a lot of smudgy windows.

What to Avoid When Using a Squeegee

While everything is simple enough with a squeegee, there are a few things you should avoid. Firstly, you have to make sure your window or glass surface is wet enough. Dry patches will cause the squeegee to skip and leave marks; plus, it makes a really uncomfortable skidding noise.

The angle at which you hold your squeegee can also make or break your window-cleaning process. If your angle is too steep or too straight, you won’t get the best results. Again, a 45-degree angle is ideal and going in the S direction makes things fast and efficient.

Summary

Overall, a squeegee can get you spotless, sparkling windows. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional window cleaner, understanding its benefits and usage can make the whole cleaning process much more effective and even fun. So, why not grab a squeegee and embark on a streak-free cleaning adventure?