Cleaning windows is a task that must be undertaken at least twice a year. However, houses in areas where there is heavy traffic or industries might accumulate dirt and grime more often. As a professional pressure cleaner, you might be called in every three to four months. Pressure cleaning windows is a job that you must do with care. That’s because the glass in most sash windows is fragile and can crack under the force of the pressure washer. But, when done in the right way, power washing windows can leave them sparkling clean.
Precautions to Take
Before you get started, you might need to examine the worksite carefully and prep the house. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
- Always choose a cloudy day to wash windows or choose the time of the day when the worksite is in the shade. When exposed to direct sunlight, detergents tend to dry quickly leaving streaks on the glass that can be difficult to clean.
- Make sure the windows are closed and securely latched.
- Examine the caulking of the windows carefully. If you see any loose or missing caulking, it is advisable that you talk to your client about having them repaired before you pressure wash the windows. Also, check and make sure that the glazing holding the windows in place is intact.
- Check the windowsills and trims for missing or chipping paint. Although pressure cleaning can help remove the paint and prepare it for a fresh coat, the high velocity of the pressure washer jets can damage the wood.
- Take care to wet the soil under the windows so that any soap seeping into it is diluted.
- If there are any plants around the cleaning site, cover them with plastic sheets. You might also want to wet them thoroughly before covering and after removing the sheets.
- Check with the client about the possibility of the windows being under warranty. Many manufacturers may void the warranty if the windows are pressure cleaned.
Choosing the Equipment
Considering that you’re dealing with fragile items, choose a pressure washer that has a PSI of between 1,500 and 2,000. Pick out white nozzles that provide a wide spray pattern at 40° to 65°. You’ll also need a black nozzle for spraying detergent or soap water. As an added precaution, never spray directly in the windows but use an angled direction. When choosing the detergent, check with your supplier for the detergent that is suited to the window frame material and is also compatible with the pressure cleaner you’re using.
Performing the Cleaning
Now that you have your pressure cleaning equipment in place, you’re ready to begin the cleaning. Here’s how:
- If your pressure washer has a detergent holder on board, you can fill it, then affix the hose to the tank, and fit the black detergent dispensing nozzle. Using the low pressure, you can begin soaping the windows. Move the wand back and forth to cover the entire glass.
- If you don’t want to use a wand, you also have the choice of applying the detergent with a sponge and then using the pressure washer for the rinsing process. Similarly, soap the trim.
- Switch the nozzle to the white tip and begin rinsing. Start from a distance of three feet from the glass to make sure that the force of the spray is not too strong for it. Move closer slowly carefully checking the glass.
- Begin from the top of the windows working your way to the bottom. Take care to choose a wide spray pattern and never spray for long at a particular spot.
- Never spray on the caulking or putty or you might loosen or remove it completely.
- When spraying the windowsills and trims, remember to angle the wand so that you can get at the hidden dirt dislodged by the soap. If you’re prepping the trims and windowsill for a fresh coat of paint, the pressure washer can help remove the old, flaking paint.
- Having completed the pressure cleaning, check the caulking to make sure it is in place.
Pressure cleaning windows can give them a nice sparkle, but the process needs to be undertaken by a professional who knows how to take care of the glass and use the proper precautions to protect it from damage.
References:
1.“How to Clean Windows With a Pressure Washer”DIY Network. n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2016.
2. Deziel, Chris. “How to Clean Windows with a Pressure Washer.”eHow Discover. n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2016.