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Cleaning your windows can look like a lot of work, which is why many homeowners avoid this task. With the right tools and products, however, you’re only a few steps away from clean, bright windows.
Although window cleaning can be easy, it can also pose risks, especially if your windows are high and may need a ladder to do the job. For this reason, some homeowners seek help from Window cleaning experts.
How to clean Windows
Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can easily ruin the beauty of glass windows. This in turn can give the impression that the rest of the house is also not clean.
Here are the steps to get clean, sparkling windows:
- Remove the blinds and curtains. You start by removing things that can prevent you from cleaning your windows thoroughly. Use the dust attachment of your vacuum cleaner or a dry brush to remove cobwebs or dust from the corners of the windows. Take your time to wipe the windowsills as well. This prevents dust and dirt from becoming a muddy mess when combined with the cleaner.
If the window pane looks dirty, remove it and clean it with a soft brush and warm soapy water. Rinse and let dry before putting it back.
The best way to clean blinds and roller blinds is to use a microfiber duster on both sides. You can also open the slats and walk over each slat with a damp cloth. Wipe the slats dry with a dry microfiber cloth.
Clean and refresh your curtains and drapes by placing them in the dryer in an air-only cycle for 15 minutes. Immediately hang up the curtains to avoid wrinkles.
- Wash the windows. Clean your windows thoroughly with soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. You can create your washing solution by filling a bucket with warm water and adding liquid detergent. However, make sure that the soapy water does not become too foamy, as it can leave traces when drying. You can also use special window cleaning fluids. However, be aware of the harsh chemicals that can damage the window finish.
Tip: When washing the windows, wipe the inside vertically and the outside horizontally. In this way, you can easily determine which side of the window should be deleted if stripes form.
- Wipe off any excess cleaner. Next you want to remove soapy water from the windows. Work an inverted S pattern with a clean squeegee, starting from the top down. Use a damp microfiber or chamois cloth to remove the remaining water from the glass and let it dry. Do not use cloths or paper towels that could leave lint on the glass surface.
- Get the perfect timing. While it’s tempting to clean the windows on a sunny day, this can be a problem as the heat is likely to dry the glass quickly and leave messy streaks. Therefore, it is better to choose a cloudy day for cleaning your windows. However, if you can’t wait for a cloudy day to do the job, it’s best to start cleaning the shady part of the house.
- Share the work. Although your windows only need to be cleaned every two months, it’s even better to split the work up. This means that it is easier to clean the windows room by room. That way, the job wouldn’t feel so overwhelming.
Cleaning windows that are difficult to access
You are lucky if all the windows are within your reach so that you can easily wash them if necessary.
For tall and difficult to access windows, you can try the following:
- Use a mop. With your mop, you can easily reach for tall windows from the floor. You can also use a mop to clean the inside of the upstairs windows. However, you should do this carefully and safely to avoid accidents.
- Use a hose. This method is only applicable if you live on the ground floor. Attach a hose to an inside or outside tap and rinse off your outside window. However, this method will most likely leave marks on your glass windows. Therefore, it is best to dry the windows with a dry mop immediately after washing.
Final thoughts
Give your windows one good cleaning once every two months. It is also best to use this time to clean window grilles, curtains and blinds. With warm soapy water, you can easily bring back the sparkle in your windows and give your house a clean impression. When cleaning outside windows, you can use a hose or mop to get the job done. With the right tools and techniques, you can have clean, bright windows again.
