Most people hate washing their windows.
Large windows are becoming more popular nowadays, and we agree; we love them just as much as you do. They bring in natural light, provide a spacious feel, and allow fresh air, but we can’t deny that they are a pain to clean.
Windows get streaky and foggy, dust sits in the most hard-to-reach spots, mold develops, and grime builds up on the frames.
This is where pressure washers come in, and combining them with the right type of soap tackles all dirt, making cleaning efficient and eco-friendly.
In this article, we’ll discuss what soap should be used when pressure washing your windows and why. With this, we’ll also answer a few FAQs.
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Can you pressure wash windows?
Yes, you can pressure wash windows.
One may argue that windows and frames are often made of glass, aluminum, and wood, which are easily damaged, but just use a lower PSI setting and you’ll be fine.
What soap should I use to clean windows with a pressure washer?
Although there are many cleaning products available, it’s essential to research ingredients and apply the suggested ratio per the directions so it’s safe for your pressure washer and the environment.
Remember, not all glass and window cleaners are compatible with pressure washers.
Look for soaps with chemicals like ammonia and sodium lauryl sulfate.
While ammonia is a commonly known degreaser, sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant that allows the solution more dwell time on the problem areas.
All-purpose cleaners are often gentle and great for cleaning wooden window frames and other surfaces.
You can also use mild dishwashing liquid, but remember that certain dish soaps are incompatible with pressure washers.
Check the labels to ensure that the ingredients are biodegradable and safe for your pressure washer.
If you are washing surfaces other than your windows, check out our complete guide on how to use soap with a pressure washer.
Frequently asked questions
The following are some frequently asked questions that homeowners have about cleaning products.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please get in touch with us and someone from our team will get back to you.
Can you use Dawn detergent to wash windows?
Dawn claims to be versatile, so many people use it to wash windows- it’s also biodegradable and pretty safe.
However, if you’re using pressure washers to wash windows, Dawn dish soap can be used, but may clog the pressure washer if it isn’t diluted properly.
What mixture do professionals use?
Professionals use a gallon of water, ¾ cup of white vinegar or clear ammonia, and 2 to 4 teaspoons of blue Dawn dishwashing liquid.
You can use distilled white vinegar and warm water combined with a window cleaner liquid for a more eco-friendly cleaning solution.
Vinegar and water may be combined in a 1:10 ratio, or 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water.
Can you use any dish soap to clean windows?
No, dish soaps are generally made for the kitchen and leave a residue.
Additionally, some dish soaps are unsafe to use with a pressure washer. They may not clog or cause damage immediately, but they aren’t suitable for long-term use.
4 Tips for cleaning windows with a pressure washer
Since washing windows demands extra care and skill while cleaning, we categorize it as a task of medium difficulty.
Here are our four pressure washing tips for preventing surface damage and to avoid leaving streaks.
1. Examine the condition of your windows
The glazing between the frame and the glass should be intact.
Otherwise, your glass windows may shatter.
Peeling paint on windows may also damage exposed wood when water enters them.
2. Set the right amount of pressure and pick the appropriate nozzle
Because windows are made of delicate materials, you should use 1500 PSI and never more than 2000 PSI with the white 40-degree nozzle.
3. Use the appropriate spraying method
Spray at least 3 feet away from the glass on your windows and window frames at an angle. Aside from controlling the pressure, this efficiently removes dirt and loose paint.
Be sure to spray it with clear water before the soap can dry to avoid leaving streaks after pressure washing.
4. Make sure your cleaning solution is in the right ratio
You can combine vinegar with water in a 1:10 ratio, or 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water. ¾ cup of ammonia or vinegar is sufficient for 1 gallon of water. When adding window cleaner or mild dishwashing liquid, 2 to 4 teaspoons is enough.
When you use too many chemicals, a residue is left and can be difficult to remove from the surface. The soap may not be enough to clean the dirt when you use too little.
Conclusion
There are four key important factors to consider when washing windows: the amount of pressure, the spraying technique, the ratio of the cleaning solution, and the type of soap used.
Know these and you should be able to keep your windows sparkling clean all year.
If you need expert window cleaning help, JCS Refresh offers pressure washing services in the Washington State area. Contact us now for a quote.
Thanks for reading!
