Clean windows allow light to shine into your home and maintain your home’s curb appeal. However, spotless windows take consistent upkeep to stay that way.
You’ll need a good cleaning product, a squeegee and a little elbow grease. But if you follow these tips, your windows will be sparkling all year with minimal effort.
Spring
Getting your windows spotless doesn’t have to be a messy, time-consuming affair. With a little effort and a regular schedule, your windows can maintain their shine year-round. Here’s how to do it.
Start with a thorough cleaning of the window frames and sills. A toothbrush or scrubbing brush will help you reach the corners and crevices where grit tends to build up.
Next, thoroughly wash your windows with a commercial glass cleaner or a homemade solution. Be sure to read the labels on any products you use. Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are damaging to glass and vinyl surfaces. Look for natural ingredients that will not harm your windows or the environment.
For multi-pane windows, Weingard recommends using a handheld sponge or hog bristle brush to get into the corners and edges of each pane. For stubborn dirt spots, he recommends a sponge with a bit of your cleaner on it and rubbing the area with the clean side. Be sure to rinse the brushes and sponges frequently.
Finally, squeegee away the soapy water and cleaning product. Begin at the top left corner and pull the squeegee in a reverse-S pattern to remove the excess water. After each stroke, wipe the blade of the squeegee clean with a lint-free cloth (old rags or cloth diapers work well).
Once your windows are spotless and dry, touch up any areas that need it. Addressing smears or fingerprints as they occur will prevent the grime from spreading and make future maintenance easier. A quick squeegee run after rain or heavy dew will also extend the time between full-scale washing sessions.
Remember to also clean the storm doors, sliding glass doors, and French doors with your window cleaning routine. An all-purpose cleaner or a diluted bleach solution will disinfect these components. And don’t forget your doorknob and knocker, and the doormat! Hose off the doormat and allow it to dry in the sun. Now your home is ready to enjoy the bright, airy light of spring. Enjoy! It is important to remember that clean windows don’t only improve the appearance of your home, but they will also maximize natural light and help extend the life of your windows and doors. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to maintain spotless windows throughout the year, consider hiring a window cleaning dallas service to handle the job efficiently and professionally. By scheduling regular, thorough cleanings in the spring and fall with a quality product or a professional service provider, you can achieve beautiful and healthy windows all year round.
Summer
As the summer sun beats down, windows require extra care to ensure they look spotless in bright sunlight. Regular cleaning and touch-ups can extend the time between full-scale window cleaning sessions and keep your home’s exterior and interior looking crisp and clean all summer long.
The first step is to remove any dirt and debris that has built up on the window sills, tracks, or frames. This can be done with a simple cloth and water or a cleaning solution formulated specifically for glass and windows. Using a microfiber cloth helps to ensure you don’t scratch or leave behind streaks. Corner tips and edges are common spots for buildup and stains, so be sure to pay special attention to these areas when wiping.
It is also a good idea to use a cleaning solution formulated for hard water since this can help reduce the risk of mineral deposits and streaks on your glass surfaces. If you do have hard water in your area, using distilled water can help reduce the amount of residue left on your windows as well.
Before beginning the actual cleaning process, it is a good idea to pre-dust your windows to remove any loose particles. This can be done with a simple, soft cloth or sponge. After this, begin with a generous application of your chosen cleaning solution. It is best to work on small sections at a time, as this will prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly and causing streaks.
After working through each section of the window, be sure to squeegee off any remaining moisture. This will not only prevent the windows from streaking but will help extend their lifespan by preventing damage to the seals. Using a squeegee can be a little bit tricky for those not used to it, but it is a great way to get spotless and streak-free windows.
Remember to wipe down the corners and edges of the window as well. This can prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, and it will also make your next cleaning session much easier.
Fall
A fresh coat of paint and a clean window can make any home sparkle, but regular cleaning is the best way to keep your windows looking like new. A thorough scrub each season prevents grime buildup and stains that can diminish clarity.
Start with a dry cloth or duster to wipe down the frames and sills. Then, use a squeegee to remove any soapy residue from the glass. If your windows have screens, remove them first and wash them separately, using a toothbrush for hard-to-reach corners. When you finish with the glass, be sure to dry it with a lint-free cloth (cloth diapers or old linen napkins work well) before allowing it to air-dry.
When scrubbing, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch or damage your windows. Also, be careful not to oversaturate wooden frames with water, as this can lead to mold and rot. Using a vinegar and water solution or a commercial glass cleaner is a safe, economical option for cleaning most types of windows. When using vinegar, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply generously to the glass, working in small sections at a time. This helps the cleaner dry quickly so you can wipe it away without leaving streaks.
Once your windows are sparkling clean, consider applying a waterproofing sealant to them for added protection. This helps block the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause fading and premature wear. Finally, apply a dab of lubricant to any door or window hardware, such as locks or hinges, to keep them operating smoothly.
Keeping your windows clean not only makes your home look better, but it can also improve energy efficiency. Cracks or holes in the glass or frame allow air to escape, and this can increase your heating or cooling bills. A routine inspection and simple maintenance can catch problems before they become major issues, saving you time and money in the long run. So set aside a few hours each season for cleaning and maintenance, and you’ll be enjoying unobstructed views and brighter rooms with little effort!
Winter
Even though the days are short in winter, windows should be cleaned regularly just as they do in summer. This will allow in more natural light, brighten the home and make it a happier environment. Additionally, clean windows are safer because they are less prone to ice and snow buildup and the detritus of salt spray and sand and ice-removers.
Start by sweeping off any loose dirt, dust and debris that may have accumulated on the window tracks, sills, frames and corners, as well as the driveway or walkways. This will prevent them from being swept onto the freshly-cleaned glass when you are done cleaning. It will also ensure that your vacuum cleaner can effectively reach these hard-to-reach areas.
Using a lint-free cloth or sponge, wipe down the windows in a circular motion to remove surface dirt and grime. If there are stubborn or sticky stains, allow the cleaning solution to sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing. Rinse the cloth or sponge often in clean water to avoid re-applying dirt to the glass. Alternatively, use a squeegee to wash the windows in a smooth, consistent motion from top to bottom. Once again, be sure to wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth frequently to avoid leaving streaks.
If your windows are multipane, Weingard recommends the use of a handheld sponge or hog-bristle brush to get into the corners and crevices. This method is much more effective for getting rid of stubborn dirt than wiping with a rag, as it can reach the tight spots where dirt tends to collect.
If you are cleaning your windows in the winter, opt for a day with expected overcast weather to prevent the cleaning solution from freezing on the glass and causing streaks. For the same reason, you should dilute your cleaning solution with rubbing alcohol (three parts soapy water to one part rubbing alcohol) to keep it from freezing. If you are unable to dilute your cleaning solution, choosing a spray bottle with antifreeze-compatible cleaning solutions is an alternative. This will prevent damage to the glass and minimize any potential leaks from cracking the seal.