Your windows do a lot for your home. They allow light and fresh air into your home, help you control the temperature, and add to your home’s curb appeal. Because your windows are working overtime, it’s important to take good care of them. Keeping both the inside and outside of your windows clean (and the multiple panes of glass if your windows have storm panels) is essential to their longevity. Here’s how to keep your windows looking great all year round.
What Is the Best Homemade Window Cleaning Solution?
Some people swear by newspaper and vinegar to create a streak-free shine while others purchase the over-priced blue window cleaner. The truth is, neither window cleaning method is superior, because there’s a third option that many people aren’t aware of. Instead of using newspaper or blue spray and paper towels, use a soft sponge or cloth and warm, soapy water to wash the windows. We recommend regular dish soap because it gets rid of greasy residue and makes it easy for the squeegee to glide along the glass. The trick is to use very little soap; a small squirt in a five-gallon bucket of water is sufficient.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning Windows?
- First, use the sponge and the soapy mixture mentioned above to wash down the window frame. Work your way from top to bottom.
- Next, pass the glass over with the sponge and soapy water. For normally dirty windows, you don’t need to saturate the glass. Just use enough water to clean the surface without getting it dripping wet. This only adds to your workload when it comes time to dry.
- Then, use a squeegee to “wipe” the water off the glass. Start on one side of the window and work your way to the other. You should pass the squeegee from side to side and top to bottom. Be sure to dry off the squeegee in between passes with a cloth.
- Finally, you’ll need to wipe up the excess moisture from the window frame and around the glass. The squeegee will remove the diluted soapy water from most of the window, but it doesn’t clear water from the edge. Dry window edges with a chamois, a cloth commonly used in the automotive industry to dry cars after washing them without leaving water spots. Alternatively, you can also use a soft microfiber towel if you don’t have a chamois.
How Should I Clean Really Dirty Windows?
If the glass hasn’t been well maintained over the years, the job is going to be tougher. When you’re trying to clear away layered on dirt and grime, you will need to add a few steps to the window cleaning process. Use extra solution and extra elbow grease to scrub any areas that still have bug residue, bird droppings or grime. Instead of using a regular sponge, try a microfiber window washer. Use this to scrub those tough spots.
How Do You Get Streak-Free Windows?
This is one of the most common questions that we get from homeowners. Getting perfect, streak-free glass can be a tough job. Here’s what we recommend.
Once the windows are clean, you can use a simple vinegar solution to get rid of any residual water spots or streaks. Inside an empty spray bottle, mix one-part white vinegar and one-part clean water. Spray the solution onto the glass and wipe thoroughly with a paper towel for that perfect, shiny finish.
Does Washing Require Taking the Windows Apart?
If you have storm windows, it can be difficult to clean in between the screen and the panes of glass with your normal cleaning routine. The old aluminum style storm windows can be even more challenging. Cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of your windows frequently isn’t enough to keep them looking great.
Disassemble storm windows about every six months and clean both sides of the glass, the screen, and the frames. While you have the window disassembled, use a warm, wet cloth or sponge to scrub your window tracks. If your windows are especially dirty, you may need to use a toothbrush or other scrubbing brush to get deep into the corners of the tracks. Let the tracks dry and reassemble the windows with the clean glass.
How Often Should I Have the Windows Professionally Cleaned?
Despite the best efforts, windows get dirty. Between small fingers that leave prints on interior glass to heavy rains that leave streaks and hard water spots on the outside, it can be difficult to keep up. Avoid a build-up of dirt and grime on your windows and in the tracks that gets harder to clean over time by having your windows professionally cleaned every year.
Learn about the Advantages of Getting Professional Pressure Washing Services.
Residential Maintenance Help – Trotta’s Power Washing
Enjoy your summer; don’t spend it slaving away on home maintenance projects. Trotta’s can save you time and energy. For power washing, soft wash, and pressure wash services you can trust, contact us at (330) 940-3705 or request a quote online today.
