Chapter 7

How To Squeegee Windows

Square and Rectangular Windows

While it may seem like a lot to remember, the entire procedure will become very natural and easy to do after you clean a few windows.

Most windows fall into four categories: double-hung, casement (crank-out), picture windows, and French windows. 

  • Double Hung Window

    These windows have two sections, one over the other, that slide up and down in tracks along the side of the window frame.

  • Casement Window

    Casement or 'Crank-Out' Windows pivot at or near the side of the window frame and open outward from the house.

  • Picture Window

    Picture Windows are large stationary plates of glass. They may be square, oblong, triangle, semi-circle, circle, or trapezoid in shape.

  • French Window

    French Windows  (sometimes referred to as cut-ups) may be found in doors and windows of both double-hung and casement types. See Chapter 8 for cleaning French windows.

  • The wider the separator, the higher the insulating factor.

  • Within these categories, you will find that some windows are made up of a single pane, double panes (with one being removable), and thermopane units.


    Thermopane windows consist of two pieces of glass that are separated by a metal separator, sealed, and filled with inert argon gas. 


    It is best not to clean glass in direct, especially hot, sunlight. (Early morning sun or late evening sun may or may not be a problem) The hot glass causes the solution to dry out very rapidly before you can completely squeegee the glass. The result will be streaky glass.


    It is possible that there will be a haze over all of the glass from squeegeeing in direct sunlight. After you are done and the frame is dry, buff the glass clean with a fresh cloth or towel to remove any streaks and/or haze. A clean dry scrubber sleeve on its handle works well. On a windy day, the solution will dry out very fast. You may only be able to do one half of a large picture window. You will have to rewet the second half in order to finish.

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How To Squeegee Regular Windows

First things first, take hold of the Squeegee!

Wrap your hand around the handle with your thumb resting on the side of the handle.  The squeegee rubber should be facing away from you. The top edge of the rubber will point away from you.

Think of it as a tool you would use, like a rake, to gather something towards you.

Your grip should be firm enough to have good control of it(Do not grasp it too tight). This way you will be able to control the pressure and the movement of the squeegee as it removes the solution from the glass.

Proper control of the squeegee is essential! 

Using your thumb or first finger on the back of the squeegee handle to control the pressure of the rubber against the glass puts undue pressure on the finger joints and will tire your hand. Proper control of the squeegee requires a full-hand grip. Squeegeeing is easier, faster, more controllable, and more comfortable with a full-hand grip.

 Too much pressure on the squeegee will cause problems with the removal of the solution. You do not have to scrape the solution off the glass. Reasonable pressure is required on the squeegee rubber to be effective in removing the solution.

  • Awning Windows

  • Tilt the frame in until it is almost in the horizontal position. The lower edge of the glass should be lower than the top.


    Leave the window in this extended open position for a while after cleaning the glass to be sure that it is completely dry around the edges of the glass and the frame.


    1. Crank the window open until you can clearly see the operating mechanism.
    2. Disconnect the operating mechanism from the window frame.
    3. Tilt the window into position for washing.
    4. Wet and scrub the glass.
    5. Quick-wipe all sides.
    6. "Cut-it-in" along one side.
    7. Squeegee horizontally.
    8. Dry the squeegee rubber after each pass.
    9. Wipe all edges and frame. Buff the glass where necessary.
    10. Reconnect the operating mechanism.
    11. Close the window. Check for runners.

  • Semi-Circle Windows

    1. Wet the glass.
    2. Quick-wipe all edges.
    3. Squeegee the glass along the outer edge of the arch. The squeegee handle will be pointing upward as you start. The handle will be in the downward position when you finish the pass.
    4. Dry the squeegee rubber after each pass.
    5. Place the squeegee channel in the vertical position on the glass in the dry area so that you can make a horizontal pass. As you get to the end of the pass and with the "high side" of the squeegee in the dry glass area created by the first pass, turn the squeegee downward to finish the pass. Do this as many times as required to complete the job. You will in effect be squeegeeing in an "L" pattern. This may take several passes depending upon the size of the glass and the size of the squeegee.
    6. Wipe all edges and frame. Buff the glass where necessary.

  • Circle Windows

    1. Wet the glass.
    2. Quick-wipe all around the edge.
    3. Squeegee the glass along the curved edge starting at the bottom. The squeegee handle will be pointing upward as you start. The handle will be in almost the same position when you finish the pass.
    4. You will have to reach over the channel to hold the handle when you start.
    5. Dry the squeegee rubber after each pass.
    6. Make vertical passes starting in the dry area at the top.
    7. Make a horizontal pass along the lower edge of the circle to finish. Both ends of the channel will be touching the frame along the side when you finish.
    8. Wipe all edges and frame. Buff the glass where necessary.

  • Triangle Windows

    1. Wet the glass.
    2. Quick-wipe all edges.
    3. "Cut-it-in" along one side.
    4. Make the first pass starting at the top proceeding down along one side.
    5. As you squeegee, bring the top of the channel perpendicular to the frame as soon as possible. Turn the squeegee to the horizontal position as you reach the bottom.
    6. Dry the squeegee rubber after each pass.
    7. Make additional passes until done.
    8. Wipe all edges and frame. Buff the glass where necessary. 

  • Trapezoid Windows

    1. Wet the glass.
    2. Quick-wipe all around the edge.
    3. Squeegee the glass along the curved edge starting at the bottom. The squeegee handle will be pointing upward as you start. The handle will be in almost the same position when you finish the pass.
    4. You will have to reach over the channel to hold the handle when you start. 
    5. Dry the squeegee rubber after each pass.
    6. Make vertical passes starting in the dry area at the top.
    7. Make a horizontal pass along the lower edge of the circle to finish. Both ends of the channel will be touching the frame along the side when you finish.
    8. Wipe all edges and frame. Buff the glass where necessary.
Chapter 6Chapter 8