It’s always mesmerizing to watch gasoline personnel leave a car windshield spotless by using a nifty squeegee. At one point, you probably wondered how they clean car windows without leaving streak marks. Well, you’re in luck because today, we’ll share tips on using squeegees like a pro.
Moreover, we’ll share the other uses of squeegees aside from keeping your windows spotless. After reading this article, you’ll quickly realize why you should include a squeegee in your essential home cleaning tools.
How to Use a Squeegee on Windows
A study published in the Atmospheric Environment journal mentioned that fine particulate matter concentration in Metro Manila consistently exceeded the World Health Organization’s guidelines.[1] So, you shouldn’t be surprised if you always find your windows dusty a few days after you cleaned them.
It’s not enough that you understand how to clean curtains at home. You should also know how to use a squeegee on windows to ensure that dust particles won’t enter your house.
Prepare Your Cleaning Supplies
Squeegee
Spray bottle
Surf dishwashing liquid
Microfiber cloth
Glass scraper
Steps in Cleaning Windows Using Squeegees
The first step is to create a homemade window washing solution for a squeegee. Pour warm water into your spray bottle and add about a tablespoon of Surf dishwashing liquid. Shake the bottle to mix the solution thoroughly.
Spray the solution onto the window surface.
Use the microfiber cloth to spread the foamy soap across the window.
Spray more of the cleaning solution onto the window surface.
Remove dirt or grime buildup using the glass scraper.
The next step is to remove the water from the glass surface. You can either use the novice or pro method:
The PollWould you be more likely to buy a Cleaning or Laundry product that had a QR code visible on the pack over a product without a QR code?
0 Votes
Novice method – Take your squeegee and glide it from the top to the bottom. Repeat the process, ensuring the tool slightly overlaps with the area you’ve covered.
Pro method: You can use the fanning technique. This process involves doing a deep curl from the bottom, then moving the squeegee up, across, and down the window. You’re going to repeat the process while covering the inner portion of the “fan”.
7. Finally, take a dry microfiber cloth and use it to clean the water buildup off the window sill, corners, and sides.
How to Use a Squeegee on Car Windows
Visor, a website specializing in automobile reviews, published an article about the dire state of car wash shops in the Philippines.[2] It’s no wonder why many Filipinos prefer stocking up on auto cleaning tools. So, if you’re among those who want to take matters into their own hands, review our guide on how to use a squeegee on car windows:
Note: For this procedure, you’ll need a squeegee that comes with rubber and scrubber sides. Moreover, you can use the same cleaning solution we shared in the previous guide.
Spray your cleaning solution onto your car windshield.
Use the scrub side of your squeegee to remove grime or stuck-on bugs.
Flip the tool and use the rubber side to remove the soapy foam.
Start from the top and glide the squeegee across the glass surface. Make sure that you’re applying the appropriate pressure to avoid leaving streaks.
Flick the squeegee to the ground or use a microfiber cloth to remove the water. Ensure the tool is clean before running it across your car windshield.
With every pass, ensure that the squeegee slightly overlaps the area you previously cleaned.
Practical Ways to Use a Squeegee
Did you know that the uses of squeegees go beyond cleaning windows? Here are a couple of ways you can use the tool around your home:
Removing hair off surfaces – If you have pets around the home, you can use a squeegee to get their hair off your furniture and carpet. This tool works better than a vacuum because you can cover hard-to-reach areas and scrub the hair off efficiently.
Cleaning leather upholstery – Are you struggling to learn how to clean leather car upholstery? Well, try using a squeegee. You can use the tool to gather dust, dirt, and hair.
Cleaning laminated or tiled floors – Squeegees offer an easier way to get your laminated or tiled floors sparkling clean. You can use the soapy cleaning solution we shared earlier for this procedure.
Installing wallpaper – Instead of running your palm across your walls, you can use a squeegee to install your wallpaper quickly. The tool will remove the air bubbles, ensuring a smooth surface once you’re done.
Preventing water stains on countertops – If you have stainless steel countertops, you understand the struggle of avoiding water stains. Well, you can use a squeegee to clean up spills quickly without leaving water streaks.
Wrapping Up
Cleaning windows won’t feel like a tedious chore when you know how to use a squeegee like a pro. If you want to learn more cleaning hacks and tips, keep reading Cleanipedia’s blog posts!
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Squeegees
Q: Where should you begin cleaning while using a squeegee?
The easiest way to use a squeegee is to start from the top portion of the window surface. Glide the squeegee down, then go back to the top. Make sure that the tool is slightly overlapping the area you previously cleaned.
Q: Are squeegees good?
When you’re cleaning windows, a squeegee is the best tool to use. It helps you avoid water streaks, allowing you to have a clear window.
Q: Why should you use a squeegee?
Cleaning solutions and water usually leave streaks and stains. Running a squeegee over a glass surface will help prevent these problems.
References:
1. Cruz, M. T., Simpas, J. B., Sorooshian, A., Betito, G., Cambaliza, M. O., Collado, J. T., Eloranta, E. W., Holz, R. E., Topacio, X. G. V., Del Socorro, J., & Bagtasa, G. (2023). Impacts of regional wind circulations on aerosol pollution and planetary boundary layer structure in Metro Manila, Philippines. Atmospheric Environment, 293, 119455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2022.119455
2. Schuengel, F. (2018). The pathetic state of Philippine car wash. Visor PH. https://visor.ph/wisdom/the-pathetic-state-of-philippine-car-wash/