Cleaning Windows in Canada
Clean glass is mostly a question of timing, water quality, and a few consistent habits. In a country that runs from coastal damp to prairie dust to road salt, the right routine shifts with the season.
Why streaks happen
Streaks usually come from one of three sources: drying too fast in direct sun, leftover mineral content in the rinse water, or a dirty cloth redistributing film. Cleaning on an overcast day, or on the shaded side of the house, gives the surface time to be worked before it dries. This single change removes most of the frustration people associate with glass.
A simple working method
- Dry-brush or vacuum the frame and sill so loose grit is not dragged across the pane.
- Wash with a dilute solution of dish soap in warm water, or plain water with a microfibre pad.
- Pull a squeegee from top to bottom in overlapping strokes, wiping the blade after each pass.
- Detail the edges and corners with a dry lint-free cloth.
In hard-water regions, spotting is caused by dissolved minerals left behind as droplets dry. Drying the glass fully before it can air-dry, or using filtered water for the final rinse, addresses the cause rather than the symptom.
Season by season
| Season | Typical issue | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Pollen and salt residue from winter | Rinse generously before washing to avoid scratching |
| Summer | Fast drying in direct sun | Work shaded sides; clean early or late in the day |
| Autumn | Leaf debris and rain spotting | Clear sills and tracks; dry edges thoroughly |
| Winter | Freezing wash water and interior condensation | Limit exterior washing; focus on interior glass |
Interior glass and condensation film
On the inside, the most common residue is a thin film from cooking, candles, and ordinary household air. A microfibre cloth dampened with water removes it without leaving the streaks that ammonia-based sprays can produce on coated low-emissivity glass. If your windows carry a manufacturer coating, check the documentation before using harsher cleaners.
When to call a professional
Ground-floor windows are well within reach of a homeowner. Upper storeys, fixed picture windows, and anything requiring a ladder over hard surfaces are a different matter. Professional cleaners use pole-fed pure-water systems and fall protection that make high or awkward access far safer than improvising from a household ladder.
A rubber-bladed squeegee, two microfibre cloths, and a bucket cover almost every situation. Replace the squeegee blade once it stops clearing cleanly; a nicked blade leaves a thin line on every stroke.
For background on the materials involved, the general reference on insulated glazing is a useful starting point.