There’s something satisfying about sparkling clean windows — and with the right technique, you can get great results yourself on the windows you can safely reach. Here’s what actually works, what to skip, and when to call a professional.

The Right Tools Make All the Difference

• A quality squeegee — 30–45cm wide for large panes, 20cm for smaller ones. A sharp rubber blade is the biggest upgrade you can make.
• Microfibre cloths or a scrubber sleeve — for applying solution. Avoid paper towels and newspaper.
• A bucket — with a small amount of dish soap. Less soap than you think — too much creates streaks.
• A lint-free detailing cloth — for drying edges after squeegeeing.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Choose the Right Day

Never clean windows in direct sunlight — solution dries too fast and leaves streaks. Overcast days or early morning are ideal in Queensland’s hot climate.

Step 2: Rinse Off Loose Dirt First

Use a garden hose to rinse the glass before applying any solution. This removes loose dust and pollen that would otherwise scratch the surface when you scrub.

Step 3: Apply Solution and Scrub

Wet your scrubber and apply soapy solution across the pane using overlapping horizontal strokes. Pay extra attention to edges and corners.

Step 4: Squeegee in Overlapping Strokes

Start at the top corner and pull the squeegee across in one smooth stroke. Wipe the blade clean after each pass. Work top to bottom.

Step 5: Detail the Edges

Use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe edges and the sill. This catches the water the squeegee misses.

When to Call a Professional

• Any window above ground level — ladders cause thousands of serious injuries in Australia every year
• Hard water staining or mineral deposits — requires specialist products and technique
• Post-construction dust — silica dust needs careful professional removal to avoid scratching
• Fly screen cleaning — best professionally cleaned and refitted

Need help with the windows you can’t safely reach? Request a free quote from QLD Window Cleaning.