When it comes to cleaning windows, everyone seems to have a "secret trick" they swear by—a tip passed down from grandma or a hack seen on the internet. But while some advice is well-meaning, many of these common myths can leave you with streaky results and a wasted weekend.
Today, we’re setting the record straight. As Perth's window cleaning experts, we're busting the five most common myths to help you save time, effort, and maybe even your glass!
Myth #1: Use newspaper for a streak-free shine.
The theory goes that the texture of newspaper and the carbon in the ink helps to polish glass without leaving lint.
The Reality: This might have worked decades ago when newspaper ink was alcohol-based. Today, most inks are soy-based and can easily smear, leaving a hazy, greasy film on your windows. The paper itself can also break down and leave behind a linty mess.
The Pro Tip: Nothing beats a high-quality microfiber cloth for absorbency and a lint-free finish. For perfect results, professionals pair them with a professional-grade squeegee.
Myth #2: Clean your windows on a hot, sunny day.
It makes sense, right? You can see the dirt better in the bright sun, and everything will dry faster.
The Reality: This is a recipe for streaks! The heat from the Perth sun causes your cleaning solution to evaporate almost instantly on the glass, leaving behind soap scum and mineral deposits before you even have a chance to wipe it off.
The Pro Tip: It's best to clean windows on an overcast day, or work on the shaded side of the house. Professionals overcome this challenge by using purified water systems that contain no minerals, ensuring a spot-free finish even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Myth #3: A splash of vinegar and water is all you need.
Vinegar is acidic, so it must be great at cutting through grease and grime.
The Reality: While vinegar can help with very light films, it’s often not powerful enough for the baked-on dirt, pollutants, and salt spray we see on Perth homes. It can also have a potent smell and, if used incorrectly, its acidity can potentially damage the rubber seals around your window frames over time.
The Pro Tip: We use specialised, pH-neutral cleaning solutions designed for glass. Even better, our pure water cleaning systems require no chemicals at all, providing a safer and more effective clean.
Myth #4: It doesn’t matter when you clean your windows.
Why bother in winter? The rain will just make them dirty again.
The Reality: Rainwater isn't pure; it carries airborne dust and pollutants that get deposited on your glass. Letting this grime (along with coastal salt) sit for months can lead to permanent etching and staining. Regular cleaning is a vital part of home maintenance.
The Pro Tip: We recommend cleaning your windows at least twice a year. A clean in late autumn protects your glass through winter, and a clean in spring gets your home sparkling for the sunny months.
Myth #5: Anyone can use a squeegee.
It looks so easy when you see a pro do it. Just swipe and go!
The Reality: The squeegee is a tool of technique. Using the wrong angle, applying incorrect pressure, or failing to properly overlap your strokes is what causes those frustrating little lines and waterways down the glass.
The Pro Tip: Professional technique involves precise angles and a method called "fanning" to pull all the water away from the edges, leaving absolutely nothing behind. It takes practice and is a key part of our training.
Tired of Battling the Myths?
Achieving a truly professional result requires professional tools, techniques, and knowledge. Stop wasting your weekend with methods that don't work and let us give you a perfect, long-lasting shine every time.
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