The steam glass cleaning technique is one that quietly addresses one of the most common issues of home cleanings: streaky windows. It’s a universal problem you’ve all experienced: cleaning glass with a spray bottle and cloth, it’s clean, then the sun shines on it and you see all the streaks, smears and spots you missed. Steam based glass cleaning is a different technique and with many homes and offices in Malaysia, it yields much more satisfactory results with minimal effort and, crucially, chemicals.
Why Windows are Tough to Clean Correctly
Glass is unforgiving. Unlike most surfaces, it will reveal any blemish: any streak from a dirty drying cloth, any smear from too much cleaning solution, any dust that re-accumulates before drying. The traditional method of cleaning glass is all about getting it right – the right product, the right cloth and the right drying technique, that doesn’t leave lint behind or streaks. If you do it a little wrong, your glass will look worse in sunlight than it did in the beginning. That’s why steam cleaning is a great alternative.
The working principle of steam glass cleaning.
Steam glass cleaning employs high-temperature vapour to loosen and lift dirt, grease and grime from the glass. The heat will clear away the buildup (fingerprints, dust, greasy residue, water spots without the need for heavy chemical cleaners to do the work. The dirt that was loosened is then removed using a clean microfibre cloth or squeegee, which leaves the glass clear. Since the steam does most of the work of dissolving film and grime, there is very little need to use a spray product, which is the root cause of streaking in most cases. The outcome is an honest streak-free glass, when correct.
The Big Advantages
Streak-free finish. Because there is less chemical product involved, there’s less residue that will cause streaks. This “heat and wipe” technique will give a cleaner, clearer finish.
Fewer chemicals. Heat won’t work with sprays is a big asset for homes with children, pets, or those who are sensitive to cleaning product fumes. It’s a softer way of doing a common task.
Better sanitising. The heat is not only the cleaning solution, it’s also the sanitizer for the glass and surrounding frame areas, eliminating germs that a quick wipe would leave behind.
Takes a dump when a cloth does not. When steam enters the edges, corners and frame gaps where dirt accumulates, it is difficult to clean with a normal wipe.
Why It’s Appropriate For The Malaysian Climate
Malaysian windows suffer from devastating impact. It gets dirty here on glass much faster and in more difficult ways than in many other climates because of dust, humidity, occasional haze and water spots and mineral marks from rain. With a regular spray and cloth, it can be very difficult to move water spots, especially mineral residue, but steam cleaning is more effective in removing them. Throw in the fact that during the haze season, fine dust has been seen to settle in every nook, including windows, and you have a compelling reason to use a technique that actually removes the dirt and not spreads it. The efficiency makes a difference in high-rise condos that have large glass panels, and for office buildings that have large windows.
Steam Glass Cleaning is particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:
Large windows and glass panels at condos and landed homes
Fingerprints and grime are absorbed by glass doors and sliding doors;Fingerprints and grime cling to glass doors and sliding doors;
Shower screens that accumulate soap scum and water marks in the dampness.● Shower Screen that gets soap scum and water marks in the humidity.
Important surfaces such as office glass partitions and facades where a professional, streak-free finish is important for appearance
Ballustrades and railings made of glass, which are frequently used in contemporary Malaysian residences and structures.Glass balustrades and railings that are often seen in modern Malaysian homes and buildings.
The bright lights of the night through mirrors, which show streaks even more mercilessly than windows do.
Steam vs Traditional Glass Cleaning
Traditional glass cleaning can of course get the job done — with the proper products and technique. It’s not foolproof, however, and is product-oriented and technique-dependent, and minor errors in execution are obvious. The steam glass cleaning method is less demanding with chemicals, more forgiving, and also provides an added benefit of sanitising the glass surface, which spray and wipe does not. The heat-based method is sometimes just more effective for stubborn deposits, such as water spots, mineral deposits and greasy film. However, best results are normally achieved by individuals experienced in the use of steam in conjunction with the appropriate finishing method, not just steam.
We explain why a Professional Steam Clean Beats DIY.
Handheld steamers do exist and can be used for small jobs, but using steam to clean glasses is not as easy as it sounds. However, there are still some finishing tricks of the trade needed to get a streak-free finish, such as using the right finishing cloth or squeegee, the right drying motion and how to handle the edges and frames. Professional equipment also delivers more uniform, hotter steam than most consumer equipment and trained professionals are familiar with working with large panels, high windows and tight spaces safely. It is this mix of equipment and technique that makes “cleaned with steam” a truly spotless and streak free glass.
The Streak-Free Glass the Easier Way is the more effective and comfortable method to get streak-free glass.
If windows with streaks have always been a problem in your cleaning routine, steam cleaning glass is a good solution — it makes windows clearer, uses less chemicals and adds a sanitising effect! Professional Steam based Glass and Window cleaning is among the many cleaning services provided by Bamboo Cleaning Services trained and certified cleaners at our own centre under HRDF, MECSc, CIDB and ISSA standards in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. Contact us for an estimate and we will take care of the windows, so that you can enjoy more sunnily than ever without having to chase windows!
