Take advantage of the extra daylight and brighten up your living space by cleaning home windows. Not only will you let in more natural light, but you’ll also get to enjoy the outdoor views.
Cleaning Home Windows From Outside
Clean your windows by hosing them down first, then filling a bucket with cool water and liquid dish soap. Use a soft microfiber cloth to scrub the surface of the window. For higher windows, use a sponge mop (or other soft cotton or microfiber mops) attached to a pole.
Thoroughly rinse the area with a hose, then spray or mop with either a vinegar and water solution or commercial cleanser.
Use a rubber-bladed squeegee to dry the window by angling it towards the bottom of the window. Start from the top and work your way down, wiping off any excess water with a clean, dry towel at the end of each pass. You can also use a lint-free towel or newspaper pages in lieu of a regular towel.
If you want to get rid of tough dirt and stains, soak the area with vinegar and water. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it dry. You can also use a soft scrubby sponge but don’t rub too hard or else you’ll scratch the window.
Don’t forget to clean your window screens! First, rinse them with plain water. Next, mix a vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle and generously coat the screens. Finally, rinse the screens again with plain water to remove any residue. Let them air dry completely before putting them back on the windows.
Cleaning Home Windows From Inside
Fill a bucket or pot with clean water and add dish soap. Place a towel to catch spills. Use a cloth or sponge to go over the surface of the window, starting at the top and working your way down. Wipe down the frame too, inside and out.
Be sure to douse the window in either a vinegar and water solution, or a commercial cleaning product. You could also mix one capful of ammonia with two gallons of water.
Dry your window using a clean, lint-free towel or the black-and-white pages of a newspaper. Use a Z-shaped motion. You also can use clean paper towels to dry the windows, if you prefer. If dirt or streaks remain, spray and dry again. Dirty windows usually need two rounds of spraying and drying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Home Windows
Choosing the Right Day to Clean Your Windows
Choosing a sunny day to clean your windows might seem like a good idea, but if it’s blazing hot outside, the professional window cleaner you’re using will dry and streak on the windows before you get to them. So, start with the shady side of your house. To complement your spotless windows, consider learning how to clean mirrors effectively for a complete shine.
Prepping Your Windows for a Streak-Free Clean
Spraying cleaner on top of dirt and dust will just spread the grime around. To begin, use a brush to sweep away any dirt on the window frame, or suck it up with a handheld vacuum or your machine’s dust attachment. This will stop dirt from turning into mud when mixed with cleaner and make the washing process easier. If you’re dealing with stubborn spots on other surfaces too, mastering how to clean a kitchen sink could prove handy. If your window screen looks extra dirty, take it out and wash it with hot water and soap using a soft brush. Afterward, rinse it off and let it dry completely before putting it back in place.
Use a microfiber duster for quickly dusting shades and blinds. To clean both sides, open the slats and go over each one with a damp cloth followed by a dry one. While you’re at it, adding indoor plants near your windows can enhance the freshness of your space and improve air quality.
Choosing the Right Tools for the Job
Don’t skimp on window cleaner. Be generous with the amount of spray you use, especially if your windows are looking extra dirty. You need a lot of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely wiped away — skimping will result in streaks. If you’re also cleaning areas like your kitchen cabinets, check out how to remove grease effectively for a sparkling finish.
If you’re looking for the best way to dry your panes, forget about using newspaper and opt for reusable microfiber cloths instead. They are much more absorbent, can be reused, and will leave your window glass shiny without any streaks. Plus, they have a special honeycomb texture that is perfect for cleaning mirrors and other glass surfaces without scratching them. And for thorough dusting, consider cleaning your ceiling fans as well, ensuring a dust-free environment. If you’re a paper towel fan, make sure to choose a brand that can handle the job, as weaker paper towels can fall apart and leave lint behind.
Wiping with a squeegee.
If you want your windows to be spotless, you need to use a squeegee. But beware, if you don’t know how to use one correctly, all that water will end up on your floor!
She prefers not to use squeegees on small panes because they can make more of a mess and be difficult to control, but they may be helpful for bigger windows.
Cleaning all your windows in one day.
You don’t have to wash your windows too often – just once or twice a year should do it. But, if you want to make the job easier, divide it up and clean one room at a time. Also, when you’re cleaning each window, be sure to wipe one side horizontally and the other side vertically. That way, if any streaks do appear, you’ll know right away whether they’re on the outside or inside of the glass.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Home Windows
When it comes to cleaning windows, there are a few common mistakes that many people tend to make. One of the most important things to keep in mind is choosing the right day for cleaning your windows–ideally, this should be a sunny day when the weather is not too hot or cold. Additionally, it’s important to avoid spraying glass cleaner on top of dirt and dust, as this can make the window cleaning process more difficult.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid using old cotton rags or paper towels when you clean windows and drying your windows, as these materials are less absorbent and may leave lint behind. Finally, many people find that using a squeegee for large panes and window cleaner for smaller windows is the best way to get streak-free results. So if you’re ready to start cleaning your home windows, be sure to keep these tips in mind!
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