ClearView Window Cleaning Presents

The Ultimate Window Cleaning & Home Exterior Care Checklist

Your step-by-step guide to streak-free windows, spotless gutters, and a like-new exterior — from the pros at ClearView Window Cleaning.

This guide gives Austin homeowners a practical, pro-level checklist for maintaining windows, gutters, pressure-washed surfaces, and solar panels. Follow these steps to extend the life of your home’s exterior, boost curb appeal, and avoid costly repairs — all while keeping your views crystal clear.

☑ Complete Checklist

Residential Window Cleaning

☐Remove all window screens and set them aside for separate cleaning.
☐Use a soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth to dust window frames and sills before washing.
☐Apply a professional-grade, ammonia-free glass cleaner (or a DIY mix of distilled water and a few drops of dish soap).
☐Use a squeegee with a new rubber blade — start at the top and pull down in a single, continuous stroke.
☐Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean, lint-free cloth after each pass to prevent streaks.
☐Clean window tracks with a small brush or vacuum attachment to remove dirt and debris.
☐Reinstall screens only after windows are completely dry to avoid trapping moisture.

Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance

☐Inspect gutters from a sturdy ladder — never lean or overreach; keep your hips between the rails.
☐Wear heavy-duty gloves to protect against sharp debris, bird droppings, and mold.
☐Remove large debris (leaves, twigs, dirt) by hand or with a gutter scoop into a bucket.
☐Flush downspouts with a garden hose to check for clogs; use a plumber’s snake if water doesn’t flow freely.
☐Check for rust spots, holes, or separated seams — these need prompt repair or replacement.
☐Ensure downspout extensions direct water at least 4 feet away from your foundation.
☐Install gutter guards if you have overhanging trees — they reduce cleaning frequency by up to 80%.

Pressure Washing (Driveways, Decks & Siding)

☐Choose the right nozzle: 40° (white) for siding, 25° (green) for driveways, 15° (yellow) for tough stains.
☐Pre-wet all plants and nearby surfaces with water to protect them from cleaning chemicals.
☐Apply a biodegradable detergent or a sodium hypochlorite solution (1:10 ratio) for mold and mildew.
☐Hold the spray wand at a 45° angle and keep the nozzle 12–18 inches from the surface to avoid etching.
☐Work from top to bottom on siding and from one end to the other on flat surfaces to avoid streaks.
☐Rinse thoroughly with clean water — leftover detergent can attract dirt and damage paint.
☐Seal concrete or wood surfaces within 48 hours after pressure washing to protect against future stains.

Solar Panel Cleaning

☐Check your solar panel warranty — some manufacturers void coverage if panels are cleaned with abrasive tools.
☐Clean panels early in the morning or on a cloudy day to prevent rapid drying and streaking.
☐Use deionized or distilled water to avoid mineral deposits that reduce efficiency.
☐Gently rinse panels with a low-pressure hose to remove loose dust and bird droppings.
☐Scrub with a soft-bristle brush or a microfiber mop attached to a telescoping pole — never use a pressure washer.
☐Dry panels with a squeegee or a clean, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots.
☐Monitor your system’s output after cleaning — a 5–15% efficiency gain is typical for dirty panels.

High-Rise Window Cleaning Safety (For Multi-Story Homes)

☐Never clean windows above the first floor without a proper safety harness and anchor system.
☐Use a water-fed pole system with a brush and purified water — no ladders needed for second-story windows.
☐Check all window locks and hinges before cleaning — a broken lock can cause the window to slam shut.
☐Remove any window screens on upper floors before starting to avoid dropping them.
☐Work from a stable platform (scaffolding or a boom lift) if windows are more than 30 feet high.
☐Always have a spotter on the ground when using ladders or lifts for high windows.
☐Schedule high-rise cleaning during mild weather — wind speeds above 15 mph make the job dangerous.

💡 Pro Tips from the Experts

💡 The Squeegee Angle Trick

Hold your squeegee at a 45° angle to the glass and use a consistent, steady pull — this prevents the rubber from skipping and leaves a perfectly dry edge.

💡 Gutter Cleaning Frequency for Austin

With our live oaks and cedar elms, clean gutters at least twice a year — once in late spring after pollen season and once in late fall after leaf drop.

💡 Pressure Washing Wood Decks? Watch the Grain

Always spray with the grain of the wood, not against it, to avoid splintering and lifting the fibers — and never use a zero-degree nozzle on wood.

💡 Solar Panels: Soft Water is a Must

Austin’s tap water is hard — using it on solar panels leaves calcium spots that block sunlight. Rent a deionization system or hire a pro for the best results.

💡 Window Screen Cleaning Shortcut

Lay screens flat on a clean towel, spray with a 50/50 vinegar-water mix, and gently scrub with a soft brush — then rinse with a hose and let them air-dry completely.

💡 The ‘No-Streak’ Final Wipe

After squeegeeing, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the edges of the glass where water tends to pool — this eliminates those annoying corner streaks.

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always use proper safety equipment when working at heights, and consult a licensed professional for high-rise or complex exterior cleaning tasks.