We all want to live in a home that feels clean and welcoming. However, windows may get left off our lists when it comes to regular cleanings. Clean windows let the sunshine in so your home streams with natural light.
Although you don’t have to clean your windows often, it’s a chore you should tackle twice a year in the spring and early fall.
Cleaning windows is much easier when you know how to do it right. Here we share the best way to clean windows with our list of window cleaning do’s and don’ts.
Do Use the Right Tools
Every job done well begins with the right tools. Your window cleaning BFFs include:
- DIY eco-friendly vinegar
- Bucket of warm water and dishwashing detergent for window sills and frames
- Spray bottle for your DIY cleaner
- Lint-free microfibre cloths
- Newspaper
- Squeegee with a pole
- New razor blades
Don’t Focus on Squeegees
Although squeegeeing seems like the best way to clean windows, they aren’t necessary.
They can be messy and awkward when trying to clean smaller windows. So keep your squeegee for tackling floor-to-ceiling windows like the sliding glass doors on your balcony.
Do Use Microfibre Cloths
Microfibre cloths are lint-free and won’t leave traces of lint on your windows. They are also absorbent and work well for sopping up the drops on the window sill and frame.
Don’t Use Paper Towels
Paper towels are handy for spilling and cleaning many surfaces around your home. However, they are not as good for windows. They leave behind tiny traces of lint that are noticeable when the sun shines in.
Do Use Newspaper
Instead of paper towels, use old newspapers in your recycle bin. Newspaper is the eco-friendly way to get a streak and lint-free shine.
Don’t Use Razor Blades on Safety Glass
If your windows have specialty safety or security glass, do not use a razor blade to remove built-up messes like bird poop.
This type of glass has specialty coatings that will scratch the surface and ruin the integrity of the window.
Do Use Razor Blades for Stubborn Buildup on Basic Window Glass
You can use razor blades on basic windows as the ideal tool to scrape off the dry, hardened residue. Just be sure you use a new, wet blade to avoid leaving scratch marks.
Dull, dry blades can cause tiny pits and dents, making it easier for window glass to break.
Don’t Use Ammonia Based Window Cleaners
Ammonia and alcohol-based window cleaners will leave streaks. Many will also create a film on the glass that attracts dust and holds onto moisture.
Do Use Vinegar
Good old-fashioned vinegar is the best way to clean windows for a streak-free shine. Mix your DIY window cleaner in a clean spray bottle using 2 cups water and 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar.
It just takes a few spritzes to get sparkling windows. Vinegar disappears quickly, so you will only have a little dripping as you work.
Don’t Get Wood Window Frames and Sills Wet
If you use a squeegee and bucket of water with cleaner, ensure you sop up all drips on the window frame and sill. Otherwise, the moisture can damage the wood. That’s why using your DIY vinegar, and a spray bottle is always best.
Do Wash Windows on a Cloudy Day
Direct sunlight on window panes heats your windows, making your cleaning products dry too quickly. As a result, you’ll find you’re leaving lots of streaks as you work.
Don’t Wash Windows When It’s Raining
Although cloudy, overcast days are good for window cleaning, rainy days are not. The dripping and raindrops make it hard to tell if you’ve removed all the dirt and streaks.
Do Spot Clean Glass
Spot cleaning your windows makes it easier to keep them sparkling clean.
When you notice things like fingerprints or smudges on your windows, apply a small amount of window cleaner or vinegar to the glass and wipe away the dirt with a dry, clean lint free microfibre cloth.
Don’t Clean Inside First
Accessing your outside windows poses a challenge if you live in a condo or apartment building. However, if you can safely clean the outside of your windows via your balcony, always clean the outside of the windows first.
You can then focus on the dirt inside and avoid wasting time scrubbing something you can’t reach! Also, if you don’t have a balcony, aim to clean your windows the same day or soon after your property management has window cleaners do the outside. It will make your job easier and let even more light shine in.
Do Dust Away Dirt
Removing dust and cobwebs from your window panes and frames before you start spritzing the glass is a window-cleaning must. Otherwise, the dirt will get wet as you clean the windows and create a real mess.
Don’t Use a Bucket and Water
You want to use your vinegar and water spritzer instead of a bucket and water for your window panes. Spritzing applies the right amount of liquid and clean moisture needed for clean windows.
Otherwise, you’re just using dirty water on windows as you work. Spritz small amounts of your DIY cleaner, and add a little more at a time as needed to avoid drips that can get in behind the window frame and sill.
Do Know When to Squeegee
While squeegees aren’t practical for smaller windows, you need a squeegee to tackle your large windows to avoid streaking. In this case, you do need a bucket and water.
Dip your squeegee into the warm water and start at the top of the window. Swipe down, trying to do it in a single top-to-bottom motion. This motion will reduce the number of swipes you’ll need to make and the number of streaks left behind.
As you work, use the squeegee to remove the wet streaks. Then, use your vinegar and a microfibre cloth to remove any remaining smudges and smears.
Don’t Forget the Final Swipe
Once you’re done, you’ll need to reclean your windowsills and possibly the frames to remove any mess or spritz left behind. Do your best to avoid touching the glass, or you’ll have to do yet another swipe to remove the marks.
Mixing warm water and a touch of dish detergent is the best way to clean those sills. Stand back to look for any streaks or smudges and remove them using a dry, clean microfibre cloth.
Although cleaning your windows is a lot of work, you’ll love seeing all that natural light streaming into your space.
Clean windows make a huge difference in how your home looks, letting in all that beautiful sunlight and giving you an amazing view. Stick to the dos and don’ts we’ve shared in this blog, and you’ll have windows that sparkle and shine all the time.
If you’d rather let the pros handle it, reach out to Maid4Condos and let us get your home and windows in top shape. Our experienced crew has all the know-how, tools, and skills to make your windows look incredible.
Get in touch with us for a quote or to find out more about our incredible services. Let’s make those windows shine together! For more information, you can contact us online or call us at 647-822-0601.
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