Window Cleaning Tips for Arizona’s Monsoon Season
If you live here in the Valley of the Sun, you probably know that monsoon season runs from June through September, each year. That said, we’ve had many customers over the years, ask us for window cleaning advice during Central Arizona’s monsoon season.
While the monsoon storms provide much-needed moisture and a break from the relentless heat, they can also leave behind a dirty mess on your windows. Dust, debris and rain can all contribute to less-than-clear views from the windows of your home or business. To help you maintain sparkling clean windows during and after the monsoon season, we’ve compiled some essential window cleaning tips if you’re planning to clean your windows yourself.
Timing is Everything
As you may know, Arizona monsoon storms can be quite unpredictable, with sudden downpours following days of intense heat. Understanding the weather forecast can help you plan your cleaning schedule. Ideally, consider cleaning your windows just before a rainstorm. The rainfall can wash away some of the grime, making your cleaning efforts more effective. Conversely, it’s best to avoid cleaning your windows immediately after a storm, as moisture can trap dirt and dust, making it more challenging to achieve spotless glass.
Get the Right Tools
Having the appropriate equipment is vital for effective window cleaning, especially during the monsoon season.
Here’s a list of must-have supplies:
A Squeegee
A squeegee will enable you to achieve a streak-free finish. Look for one with a rubber blade to ensure efficient water removal.
Microfiber Cloths
Using lint-free, microfiber cloths to wipe off and dry up residual water after squeegeeing from window frames and glass panes should prevent scratches from occurring.
A Clean Bucket
Using a clean bucket is important when mixing your cleaning solution and/or rinsing your cleaning tools.
Natural Cleaning Solution
Use of warm water mixed with white vinegar or a few drops of dish soap can offer an effective and gentle way to clean your windows.
Extension Pole
If you need to clean windows high up (second story), then utilizing an extension pole can make the reaching those windows easier and safer.
Clean in Sections
Sounds obvious, but believe it or not, some people would not thing to clean their windows in sections. Why do this? The primary reason you would want to do it this way is to prevent water streaking on your windows. First, start by using a cleaning solution on the window. You then want to squeegee it off starting at top and then work downward from there. This should help to ensure that filthy water won’t travel down onto previously cleaned sections further down. Keep in mind, that it’s a good practice to clean off the squeegee blade with a microfiber cloth after each pass.
Pay Attention to Tracks and Frames
When cleaning the glass on your windows, it’s imperative that you pay attention to the window tracks and frames. Why? That’s because after a rainy and windy, monsoon, you’ll usually find a gritty, muddy residue covering the window tracks and frames. By utilizing something like a toothbrush, you can remove stubborn debris from window tracks. When done, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe dry and clean.
Not Interested in Cleaning Your Own Windows? Consider Professional Window Cleaning
Of course, not everyone has the time, skill and tools to properly clean their own windows. That’s completely understandable, thus, you should leave monsoon window cleaning to the professionals.
This is especially true if your home’s windows are high up and difficult to safely reach. Attempting to clean windows that are two stories or higher up, is simply not worth the risk to your health.
Regular Maintenance
Finally, regular window maintenance is key to keeping your windows looking their best throughout the monsoon season. Aim for at least two thorough cleanings during the season, once at the beginning and again after the bulk of storm activity has settled. This will help reduce the build-up of debris and make each clean easier.
Though the Arizona monsoon season has its challenges, maintaining clean windows is entirely achievable with a little preparation if you choose to do it yourself, or even more so, if you decide to hire a window cleaning professional.