It’s hard to enjoy a gorgeous spring day when your home’s windows are grimy and streaky! Check out these tips to keeping your windows sparkling clean.
Washing your windows can be a daunting task and it’s easy to just ignore the chore altogether. Even when you finally get the job done, it seems those smudges and dirt just keep appearing on your windows the next day. In order to make your clean windows last the longest, it’s important to do the job right, and at the right time of the year.
My windows don’t look dirty. Why should I wash them?’
Even if your windows appear clean, chances are that they have built up a layer of dirt, grime, pollen or pollution just from being exposed to the outdoors. It is important to wash your windows often enough so that these things do not permanently affect their appearance and expose early signs of aging and erosion.
When should I wash my windows?’
Windows are arguably the dirtiest during the wintertime due to harsh weather and cold conditions that make cleaning them almost impossible. After the cold has passed and temps warm up, it is an ideal time to clean your windows.
It’s also important to check the weather. Choose a cloudy day so that you can see streaks as you’re working instead of noticing them later on. Another benefit of cleaning on a cloudy day is that the solution you are using will last longer without drying up.
What should I use to clean my windows?
Start with a dry cloth to get rid of any dust or debris that may be lingering like cobwebs and dead bugs.
There are plenty of pre-made window washing products on the market, but you can also make your own window washing solution that actually may work even better.
Use ammonia to break part tough grit and dirt on the window and vinegar which helps control streaking. WiseGeek recommends a mix of 2 quarts warm water, ½ cup ammonia, 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, ¼ cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of regular dish detergent. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply the mix to the windows and wipe off until dry.
While some people swear by using newspapers to wipe and dry windows, WiseGeek suggests using a sea sponge to apply the solution and a squeegee with lamb’s wool on the alternate side to dray the solution.
Do I need to wash my screens?
If your windows have screens, washing the windows then putting dirty screens in front of them will defeat the purpose. Use a mix of ammonia, dish soap and warm water to sponge on the screens letting them dry soapy. A quick brush of the screens when they are dried will get rid of the dirt.
Won’t the next rain get them dirty again?
Even with the expectation of winter showers, this should not affect your window-cleaning schedule. Unless there is already built-up grime and dirt on your windows, rainwater should not leave any streaks or marks. In fact, if the rain does seem to affect the appearance of your windows, it’s a good sign that it’s time to give them a bath.
Should I wash my own windows or hire a professional?
Washing your windows from the inside is an easy household chore, however washing from the outside can include serious risk to your health, especially for windows higher than one story. It is wise to involve the advice of professionals when determining how exactly to go about window washing. This may be a two-person job in order to ensure your safety while using a ladder.
Importance of Window Cleaning
Newer windows often have the added benefit of tilting into the home so that it is more convenient to keep them clean without having to climb unsteady ladders. Double-hung windows by Thompson Creek have the advantage of both the top and bottom sashes that tilt in for easy cleaning.
Get a bright outlook on your spring by having clean windows that will brighten your home and your mood!