How To Clean Windows With Steam Cleaner?

Windows are prone to catch dirt, dust, grime, fingerprint, and streaks. It matters a lot for those homeowners who want everything to be perfectly cleaned. Simple wash and wipe cleaning are a good option, but you may see still cloudiness on them. 

So you can utilize the power of a steam cleaner in your window cleaning task. It effortlessly dissolves dirt and marks, leaving sparkling clean windows.

As you decided, you may search for how to clean windows with a steam cleaner. In this case, I will guide you below.

Traditional Window Cleaning vs. Steam Cleaning

You can clean windows in two primary methods: traditional cleaning and steam cleaning. Both ways help to get clean and sparkling windows but there are many differences.

1. Working process

The traditional method is typically a time-consuming task. Firstly, you need to spray cleaner on the window and wipe it with a squeegee or cloth. This process requires more manual effort. 

In the steam cleaning process, you use use a steaming device. The device heats water to produce steam. The high-temperature steam is applied onto the window surface effectively loose dirt and grime.

2. Effectiveness

Traditional methods can effectively clean windows, but they often leave streaks or residue behind. If you want to get a streak-free finish you have to be skilled and precise in using the squeegee and drying cloth.

Steam cleaning is best in this case. The heat and pressure make it easier to remove dirt and grime, reducing the need for extensive scrubbing. Moreover, the moisture easily vapors and doesn’t leave streaks.

3. Time-Consuming

The repetitive motion of cleaning with hands and the meticulous drying process of traditional cleaning increase the overall time of cleaning. On the other hand, a steam cleaning wand is much easier to handle that contributes to quick cleaning. 

4. Chemical Usage

Traditional window cleaning typically involves the use of chemical-based glass cleaners. But they have environmental implications and potential health hazards if not used properly or in excessive amounts.

Steam cleaning is an environmentally friendly option. There is no need for chemical-based cleaners.

How To Clean Windows With Steam Cleaner?

You will get a lot of benefits from using a steam cleaner. Here is the guide you need to follow to ensure a smooth and efficient cleaning process. 

Things You’ll Need

• Steam cleaner: Use a workable steam cleaner that has an appropriate attachment. If you don’t have it, you can rent it from various rental companies. 
• Clean water: Use clean distilled water that has fewer minerals because it can leave residue after cleaning. 
• Microfiber cloth: Pick a lint-free microfiber cloth for cleaning.  

Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Wipe loose dirt and debris

Before you begin steam cleaning your windows, it’s important to properly prepare the window surfaces. This is an important step to get a streak-free result. Remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the window using a soft brush or cloth.

Thoroughly clean the corners, edges, and window frames, as dirt and debris tend to accumulate in these areas. You can also use a vacuum for better cleaning. 

Step 2: Fill the steam cleaner with clean water 

Following the user manual, fill the water tank with clean water. Make sure not to overfill it. Use distilled or filtered water if possible to prevent mineral buildup. 

Step 3: Attach the appropriate window-cleaning attachment 

Depending on your steam cleaner model, select the attachment specifically designed for window cleaning. Then securely attach the window-cleaning attachment to the cleaner’s wand.

Step 4: Preheat the steam cleaner 

Plug in the steam cleaner and turn it on. Allow the steam cleaner to heat up and reach the recommended temperature for effective cleaning. This usually takes a few minutes.

I recommend using a lower temperature to prevent any damage to window glass. 

Step 5: Start cleaning 

Place the steam cleaner nozzle against the window glass. Gently press the steam cleaner’s trigger or button to release steam onto the glass surface. Start wiping from the top corner and gradually come down.

Don’t put excessive pressure and don’t hold it in the same position for a longer time. Then thoroughly wipe the entire window surface. 

Step 6: Treat any stubborn stains or spots

If there are stubborn stains or spots, then apply gentle pressure and provide more steam to lose the stains. You can also move the cleaner back and forth over the stain. 

Step 7: Finishing

When you are done cleaning, leave the window. There will be less moisture left in the glass that will evaporate soon. However, many wipe the glass with a squeegee or cloth to get sparkling results.

Most professionals clean windows in this way. You should start from the top and use a straight, horizontal, or vertical motion

How to Remove Difficult Stains or Residue?

Steam cleaning is generally effective at removing most stains and residue from windows. But sometimes there are stubborn stains sit on the glass that require extra attention. Here are some tips to follow: 

• If there are persistent stains or residues that did not fully dissolve with the initial steam cleaning, repeat the steaming process for the affected area.
• Allow the steam to penetrate the stain and soften it, making it easier to remove.
• You scrub the stained area gently using a soft brush or sponge. Ensure that the brush or sponge is suitable for use on glass surfaces to prevent scratching.
• Work in small, circular motions, applying gentle pressure to lift the stain or residue.
• If stubborn stains still don’t remove even after steaming and gentle scrubbing, you can try using a mild glass cleaner in addition to the steam cleaner.
• Choose a glass cleaner that is safe for use on windows and does not contain harsh chemicals or abrasives.
• Spray a small amount of the glass cleaner onto the stained area.
• Sit the glass cleaner on the stain briefly to break it down.
• Then, use the steam cleaner to apply steam to the stained area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best thing to clean really dirty windows?

If the windows are heavily dirty, then you need to pretreat them with glass cleaner. And then you can clean them with a steam cleaner.

Do steam cleaning windows leave streaks?

Most time, steam cleaning doesn’t leave streaks, when done correctly. It effectively provides Streak-free windows. But if you don’t use distilled water in the cleaner, it may leave residues.

Can I put vinegar in my steam cleaner?

No, I don’t recommend putting vinegar directly into a steam cleaner as it is designed to work with water.

Adding vinegar or any other cleaning solutions directly can damage the internal components of the steam cleaner. It would be best if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Conclusion

Steam cleaning offers a multitude of benefits for window cleaning. It’s a highly effective, chemical-free, and eco-friendly method that provides superior results.

You can easily get sparkling clean and streak-free windows using this method. With the power of steam and your window cleaning routine will be more efficient and effortless. 

However, try to use the best steam cleaner to get the best result. It would be best if there is a temperature controller as you need to use lower heat while cleaning windows.