Tips to Keep Your Home Windows Clean and Shiny

 

Though they may not immediately come to mind when you think of the vital components of your home, windows are an important part of it. Windows allow light and air into your home, control the temperature, and add to your curb appeal.

Keeping both the inside and outside of your windows clean is essential to keeping them looking and functioning at their best for years to come. Here are some tips to keep them clean and shiny all year long.

 

Clean on an Overcast Day

A bright, sunny day just makes you want to clean, but that’s the worst weather to clean your windows. The combination of the blazing sun and the window cleaner on hot windows will cause the solution to dry before you can wipe it off, leaving awful streaks. It’s best to clean on an overcast day when you won’t have to worry about avoiding the sun.

Wipe Down Dirty Windows First

It may seem counterintuitive, but spraying cleaner directly onto dirty windows will not help them come clean. It’s best to brush the dirt and dust off your window frame with a brush or suck it up with a vacuum first. Otherwise, you could end up with a gross, muddy mess that takes much longer to clean.

Clean Your Screens in the Sink

Even if your windows are shining, they won’t stay that way if you have a grimy screen. Take out your screens and wash them in your sink or tub in warm, sudsy water to remove all the dirt and grime before you work on the window glass. The same is true for your curtains and blinds, which you can clean at the same time.

 

Use Window Cleaner Generously

Some people try to use window cleaner sparingly, but this isn’t an area to skimp – especially if your windows are especially dirty. You will need the cleaner to suspend the dirt and dissolve it to wipe it away. Otherwise, you’ll have streaks.

Try a DIY Cleaner

You don’t need expensive window-cleaning solutions to get your windows sparkling. DIY options can be just as effective. Here’s a recipe for a homemade window cleaner:

• 2 cups of water
• ½ cup of white vinegar
• ¼ cup of 70% rubbing alcohol

Combine these ingredients in a spray bottle and you’re ready to clean your windows.

 

Clean Picture Windows with a Squeegee

Professional window cleaners rely on squeegees to get a streak-free shine. While this is a bit much for smaller windows, they’re helpful for large spaces that are hard to clean like picture windows or floor-to-ceiling windows.

Focus on One Room at a Time

Your windows don’t need to be cleaned as much as the rest of your house. You only need to clean your windows once or twice a year, so divide the job into each room.

Invest in Reusable Microfiber Cloth

If you’re using an old rag to clean your windows, you’ll have streaks. Reusable microfiber cloths are the best for cleaning your glass because they’re absorbent, washable, and leave a streak-free shine.

How to Clean Windows Step by Step

Now that you know the best options for cleaning your windows, here’s a step-by-step guide to clean your windows effectively, both inside and out.

1. Remove Surrounding Dust

Start by removing the dust from your window tracks, frames, and sill with a cloth or a vacuum. Take down your blinds or shades as well and give them a wash. If your curtains don’t need to be washed, you can do a quick refresh cycle in your dryer and hang them to prevent wrinkles.

2. Clean Screens

As mentioned, screens can gather a lot of dust and dirt. Remove your screens and vacuum or wash them to get rid of dirt and grim. Allow them to dry before putting them back in your window.

3. Spray Your Windows

Spray your windows with a generous amount of glass cleaner or your DIY solution. Wipe them from top to bottom with a microfiber cloth. If you see streaks, keep wiping until the glass is clear.

Move to the outside of your windows. Clean the surrounding area with a brush, then spray the window with your cleaning solution. Wipe from left to right, that way you can see if the streaks are on the inside or outside. It may take more work to clean the outside of your windows, since they tend to gather more dirt and dust.

4. Replace Your Window Treatments

Once you’re satisfied with the look of your clean, shiny windows, you can replace your screen, blinds or shades, and curtains to finish up. All that’s left to do is enjoy the sunshine.

Is time toreplace your windows with modern, more efficient options? Contact us at Bell Brothers to see what we have to offer!