While Kirby vacuums are primarily designed for carpet and upholstery cleaning, they are versatile machines that can be equipped with various attachments to handle different cleaning tasks, including window cleaning. Kirby’s Multipurpose Tool Kit allows you to clean windows using the vacuum’s suction and specialized attachments.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean windows with your Kirby vacuum:
1. Gather the Necessary Attachments
To clean windows with your Kirby vacuum, you’ll need the following attachments from your Kirby tool kit:
- Surface Nozzle or Upholstery Tool: This can be used to vacuum dust and debris from window frames.
- Kirby Multi-Surface Shampoo System or Spray Bottle: If you have the Kirby shampoo system, you can use it to spray a cleaning solution onto the windows. Alternatively, you can manually spray the cleaning solution using a regular spray bottle.
- Squeegee Attachment (Optional): Some Kirby models come with a squeegee attachment that can be used for streak-free window drying.
2. Vacuum Window Frames and Sills
Before you start cleaning the glass itself, it’s important to remove dust, cobwebs, and dirt from the window frames, tracks, and sills.
- Attach the Surface Nozzle or Upholstery Tool to your Kirby vacuum.
- Use the vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and cobwebs from the window frames, sills, and tracks. This will prevent debris from smearing when you clean the glass.
3. Prepare the Window Cleaning Solution
If you’re using the Kirby Multi-Surface Shampoo System, follow these steps:
- Fill the system with a water and window cleaning solution (you can use a mix of water and vinegar or a commercial window cleaner).
- Attach the system to the vacuum following your Kirby’s manual instructions.
If you don’t have the shampoo system, you can use a spray bottle with a mixture of water and a cleaning solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water is a great homemade option).
4. Apply the Cleaning Solution
- If using the Kirby Multi-Surface Shampoo System, spray the cleaning solution onto the window using the system’s nozzle.
- If using a regular spray bottle, manually spray the solution onto the glass.
- Ensure that you cover the entire surface of the window, especially areas with dirt or streaks.
5. Scrub the Window (Optional)
- If the window is very dirty, use a soft microfiber cloth or scrubbing pad to loosen dirt, dust, and grime.
- Work in a circular motion to lift off dirt without scratching the glass.
6. Vacuum Off Excess Liquid (with Squeegee Attachment)
- Attach the Squeegee Tool to your Kirby vacuum (if available) and start vacuuming off the excess liquid while running the squeegee over the window.
- Start from the top of the window and work your way down in straight lines to prevent streaks.
If your Kirby vacuum doesn’t have a squeegee attachment, you can use a regular window squeegee to wipe off the excess solution manually and then vacuum the remaining moisture around the window edges and frame.
7. Dry and Buff
- Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe off any remaining water or streaks.
- For a streak-free shine, wipe the windows with a dry cloth or paper towel, paying special attention to the edges where excess water may accumulate.
8. Clean Window Tracks
Once the glass is clean, don’t forget the window tracks. Use the crevice tool on your Kirby vacuum to suck up any dirt or dust trapped in the window tracks.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Windows with a Kirby Vacuum:
- Choose a Cloudy Day: Avoid cleaning windows in direct sunlight as this can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leading to streaks.
- Use Two Cloths: When drying the windows, use one cloth for the initial wipe and a second cloth for buffing and ensuring no streaks are left behind.
- Change Cloths Frequently: If your cloths become too wet or dirty, switch to a clean one to avoid spreading dirt back onto the windows.
By following these steps and using the appropriate attachments, your Kirby vacuum can help you achieve clean, streak-free windows without the need for additional tools or chemicals.