The simple sequence
Prepare the area, wash with a suitable cleaner, rinse as directed and dry with a clean, grit-free tool. Keep coated or filmed glass to its own care instructions and leave awkward access for a separate discussion.
Check the glass and prepare the area
Identify any film, reflective finish or special coating and follow its care instructions. Clear small items from the sill and protect nearby belongings. Choose a time when you can work comfortably on the glass; avoid direct sun on tinted or reflective panes.
- A clean cloth or soft washing tool for the glass.
- A clean, grit-free squeegee or finishing cloth.
- Fresh rinse water and a separate cloth for surrounding edges.
- A glass-cleaning product suitable for the surface.
- A stable position from which the whole area is safely reachable.
Keep the cleaning set together and separate from tools used on gritty or heavily soiled surfaces. Before starting another pane, check that the cloth and squeegee are still clean.
Finish one pane before moving to the next
- Clear loose dirt around accessible sills and tracks before wet cleaning.
- Wash ordinary glass with a suitable glass cleaner or mild detergent solution, following the surface and product instructions.
- Rinse away the cleaning residue with clean water.
- Dry with a clean, grit-free squeegee or cloth while the surface is still wet.
- Dry remaining water from surrounding frames, seals and edges.
Keep the finishing cloth for finishing, rather than returning a dirty washing cloth to the cleaned glass. If a pane needs more attention, check the tools and residue first before adding more cleaner.
Look at the pattern of the remaining marks
The shape and location of a mark can help you decide what to check next. Use the table as a practical way to review your method, rather than treating every mark as a reason for a stronger product.
| What you see | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Broad smears | A dirty cloth or cleaning residue | Use clean tools and rinse the suitable cleaner away. |
| Lines left while drying | The squeegee edge and moisture left behind | Clean the tool and finish the wet glass again. |
| Spots around the edges | Water left on frames or seals | Dry the surrounding edges after the glass. |
| A mark that stays in the same place | Surface care instructions and previous cleaning | Pause and ask about the mark before using an abrasive or stronger product. |
If the glass is drying before you can finish it, choose a cooler part of the day or work on a smaller area. Keep the care requirements of the actual pane in mind throughout.
Separate a cleaning problem from an access problem
This sequence is for ordinary glass you can reach safely. A high window, a pane beyond a roof edge or glass behind an obstacle needs a different access discussion. Photograph it from a safe position and explain the route around the building.
Our window cleaning in Wellington service starts with a glazing list and the access available. Name inside and outside glass separately, then add any frames or tracks you want included. Coatings and window films belong in that enquiry too.
Keep a note of the panes needing help
Walk through the property in a consistent order and record the room, side of the building and concern. A wider photo shows the approach; a closer photo shows the mark. This makes the enquiry easier to understand than a total window count on its own.
“The lounge glass is reachable inside but difficult to approach outside. The kitchen panes have streaks after cleaning; we used the listed glass cleaner and a cloth. We’d like both sides assessed and frames discussed separately. We can send photos of the panes and access paths.”
Use the same list to separate the upkeep you are comfortable doing from the work you want us to assess. That keeps the quote focused on the windows and detail that matter to you.
Your questions, answered
Should I use more cleaner when streaks remain?
Check the tools and remaining residue first. Use the recommended amount for the product and rinse and dry according to the glass-care instructions.
Can I clean coated glass the same way?
Follow the instructions for the particular coating or film. Share those details with us if you would like the windows assessed.
Can you discuss difficult-to-reach panes?
Yes. Send photos from a safe position and describe the access around the building so we can discuss suitable arrangements.