A quality storefront window will provide a clear look into what your shop has to offer. But prospective shoppers may be discouraged from getting a closer view if the glass is covered in dirt, streaks, and other imperfections. Unfortunately, many of these flaws will still show up even after you’ve cleaned the surface. To avoid these common complications, here are a few simple steps to follow when you’re cleaning the store’s windows.

Do:

Clean when it’s cooler outside.

For smudge- and streak-free cleaning, try to schedule your cleaning session earlier in the day when it’s cooler. The intense afternoon heat in the summer could cause water or cleaning product liquids to evaporate before you’re able to thoroughly wipe them away. This will leave behind streaks or water spots, and you’ll likely have to start the process over.   

Wipe in sections.

Once the glass is soaped up, position your squeegee along the window’s edge and swipe across the window in horizontal lines. When wiping down the glass, divide it into sections with about a two-inch overlap. Move from top to bottom so you can clean up any drips along the way.

Dry with a microfiber towel.

Newsprint and standard cloth towels may be too rough and could end up spreading dirt around, rather than cleaning it up. Use a microfiber towel when wiping away and drying excess moisture. This fabric is better at trapping both moisture and dirt particles, leaving your storefront windows shinier and clearer.

Don’t:

Use abrasive cleaners.

Avoid using cleaning products that have caustic or abrasive elements since they may scratch the glass. Use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water or glass cleaner. You can also mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water to create a safe and effective cleaning agent.

Use the incorrect tools.

Before you wipe the window display glass with a squeegee, covering a spongey scrubber in the soap mixture of your choice. As you lather up the window, apply pressure as needed to scrub away debris—such as bird droppings or dried dirt. If the scrubber isn’t enough, consider using a sharp scraper, like a putty or spackling knife, to gently lift layers of stuck-on debris.

Leave the squeegee dirty.

Make sure you clean off the rubber edge of the squeegee after each swipe across the storefront window. If you don’t wipe the tool off, you may end up spreading dirt to clean sections of the window. Dirty water could also drip downward to cleaner sections, ruining your hard work.

Keep your storefront windows sparkling with high-quality glass panes from Aladdin's Glass & Screen Products, Inc., in Nicholasville, KY. This glazier serves residential and commercial clients throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky, and their team will introduce you to a wide selection of premium glass that’s both strong and stylish. To learn more about their products—including shower doors, custom mirrors, and patios and sunrooms—visit this glass repair and installation company online. Call (859) 887-4070 to speak with a friendly team member about a free estimate or service request.