Windows are indeed the thing we first see when we enter a home, but when something is exposed to the elements, it doesn’t stay clean for very long.
To make a great impression and achieve sparkling-clean results, windows must be cleaned properly.
So, let’s find out all about how to make the entire process as effective and easy as possible.
Create your own homemade cleaning solutions
A great way to save money and achieve sparkling results is to make your own homemade cleaning solution.
One option is to use the power of white vinegar to your advantage. It is not only an effective cleaning agent, but it won’t fill your home with the chemical fumes of conventional cleaners, which negatively impact the environment and, in some cases, can even cause respiratory irritation.
To make your own cleaning agent using white vinegar, you can put 2-3 tbsp of the substance into a bucket filled with warm water.
Another option is to use soapy water. Fill a bucket with warm water and add simple washing-up liquid. Be careful to create only a few soap suds, as they can leave marks.
Also, purified water is your best friend when it comes to cleaning windows, as it doesn’t leave streaks as opposed to plain tap water, which contains minerals that are the culprit behind that.
Cleaning tools
Before cleaning your windows, it’s best to gather and prepare everything beforehand. Choose which type of cleaning solution and cleaning tools you’d use.
To make the cleaning process a whole lot easier, it’s best to get a lint-free towel or microfiber cloth. Using either will ensure there will be no streaks, so long as you don’t forget to use a second clean cloth to quickly dry the window or else streaks will appear.
Using a squeegee will likely result in smeared panes, so it’s best to use a microfiber towel.
The cleaning process – where to start from, methods etc.
There’s one way to properly clean windows, and that is to always start from top to bottom and to use an S-shaped motion when cleaning the glass panes.
Before you start, however, you need to wipe away the dust and grime from the windowsills and the window frames. Doing that will stop the run-off from the cleaning solution from mixing with the dirt and creating more stuff to be cleaned.
Also, don’t forget to clean not only the outside glass but the inside one as well.
Properly cleaning the windows will ensure that there are no streaks and that their lifespan is extended to the fullest.
However, cleaning can be too overwhelming sometimes, especially if you’re about to move out and have tons of stuff to plan and do. That’s when hiring professionals to perform an end of tenancy cleaning can really help you save time and ensure you get your security deposit back, as landlords are notoriously strict about the condition you leave the property in and will look for any excuse to keep your money for themselves.
Remove stubborn marks
Stubborn marks can be really annoying as they prevent you from enjoying the results of all your hard work.
However, there’s a way to remove them and achieve the sparkling-clean results you want. To do that, you need something stronger than a regular window cleaner and soapy water.
The two best options are mild acid (such as white vinegar) and mild solvent (methylated spirit). Either of those can get the job done and remove those stubborn streaks and marks.
One last thing: never use harsh window cleaners (such as bleach), as they can cause permanent damage to your window.
What is the best time to clean windows?
The best time to clean your windows is on a cloudy day. That may seem counterintuitive, but very hot temperatures and direct sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry quicker, potentially causing streaks and water spots.
That’s why it’s best to wait for a day when there are clouds, and the temperature range is 64-75 degrees Fahrenheit. That makes the ideal times either somewhere in Spring and Autumn or during a very early cooler morning in the Summer.
The second best time to clean the windows is right before your mother-in-law visits.
How often do you clean windows?
Of course, how often you do it depends entirely on the weather and how prone to getting dirty they are. Generally, it’s best to clean your windows at least every 2-3 months.
If that seems too frequent to you, consider the benefits.
The obvious one is that clean windows do make a great impression on people, both inside and outside your home.
The second thing that’s often overlooked is that the accumulation of dirt can damage your glass. When that stuff builds up, it can cause scratches on your windows that can become very damaging over time.
Acid rains, construction chemicals in the air, and hard water can reduce the insulation properties of your windows, resulting in higher utility bills.
Lastly, a dirty window doesn’t let in as much sunlight during winter, which can make your home feel colder overall.
Mistakes to avoid
As with any process, there are also certain mistakes you’d want to avoid to make window cleaning much easier.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t wash the windows during a sunny day, as already discussed, because the sun can prematurely dry the washing fluid, which leaves residue and streaks. Instead, it’s much better to wait for a cloudy and cooler day to clean your windows.
- Not using cotton swabs to clean window corners will result in residue building up in the corners. Use a few swabs, and you will have no problem cleaning those hard-to-reach areas.
- Not using cloths on woodwork frames will cause drips to damage the wood areas. Place a cloth on such surfaces to prevent any drips from causing harm when cleaning your windows
- Not using newspapers: lots of people say they’re really effective and get the job done.
- Spraying too much cleaning solution: this not only results in waste, but it can damage woodwork.
- Using paper towels leaves streaks and residue. Instead, it’s much better to use a squeegee, a newspaper, or a microfiber towel.
Conclusion
Cleaning your windows is one of the best ways to make your home feel squeaky clean and welcoming.
Adhering to these tips and standards will surely result in that and get you the results you need.
So, the next time you decide to clean your windows, just give some of these tips a go and see for yourself how much better and easier the entire process will be. If you’re in the process of moving out and performing window cleaning as a part of your end-of-tenancy checklist, also check out our guide to using plastic boxes for your fall move!