How to Choose the Right Window Cleaning Soap

It might not seem that important, but selecting the right window cleaning soap is crucial so that you not only protect your windows but also get the squeaky clean streak-free results you desire. So, let’s take a look at how you can choose the correct soap for your specific windows.

Why pH matters in window cleaning soap

The first point to consider is the pH of the product. This will show you the balance between acid and alkaline. You need to choose a product with a balanced pH of approximately 7 in use. This is neither too acidic nor too alkaline and will be kind to your hands. It won’t dry out your skin and will be safe on paintwork, plastic, metals or glass. Fortunately, all the products we sell for washing glass are designed around this pH.

The perfect balance of foam

Secondly, consider foam levels. Washing-up liquids will work well when washing windows and glass, but they have a high suds (foam) level – fine for dishes but time-consuming on windows because of the need to wipe up or ‘detail’ the glass after squeegeeing. All the window cleaning solutions we sell have the ‘Goldilocks’ foam level – not too little, otherwise you won’t see the mixture on the glass, and not too much that you waste time wiping up the residue.

Washing-up liquid also contains lanolin, which is included to help protect your hands and is designed to be rinsed off after washing. When washing windows, lanolin can leave a residue on the glass, causing it to attract dust and result in more rapid re-soiling. A specialised glass washing soap will not contain this ingredient.

Ease of use

Blade-glide is an important factor to consider. Try wiping a squeegee across a window with plain water, and you’ll notice resistance. By using a product designed for use with a squeegee, you’ll notice a much smoother glide. This allows you to use reduced pressure on the squeegee, resulting in longer blade life.

The right soap for your area

Look for a product that will suit your local water type. Most of our products work well with all water hardness, but we do have a couple of specialised products. Titan’s Glass Gleam 3 & 4 are specifically designed to work in soft water and hard water areas, respectively.

For heavier cleaning or particularly greasy windows, Titan’s Glass Gleam 4 has increased grease-cutting ability – ideal for cleaning interior glass in fast food establishments such as burger outlets and fish & chip shops where airborne grease can settle on the glass, making normal cleaning difficult.

Should I choose a gel or a liquid?

Here, the choice is purely personal. A gel can be used either diluted in your bucket or applied directly to the wet applicator – both methods will give excellent results. Just remember, when applying the gel directly to your applicator, that you need to rinse it from time to time to wash out any accumulated debris.

Check that dilution rate!

When using a liquid, check the dilution ratios – there is no sense in just pouring a heavy glug into your bucket, as it will not improve the cleaning and is just a waste of money.

With the right soap for cleaning windows, tools and technique, you will get results as good as professional window cleaners in no time.