Cleaning your windows may seem like an easy task, but you don’t often do it and most probably, don’t always do it the right way. Windows easily get dirty and accumulate grime, especially when they are not regularly cleaned. But with the right tools and the right cleaning habits, you will be able to make your windows look spick and span in no time. So stay with us as we give you tips on how to clean your windows like a pro.
1. Pick a Dry, Cloudy Day
The weather actually helps you clean your windows better. A dry, cloudy weather will make it easier for you to wipe the glass cleaner from the windows because there’s just enough moisture on the glass. Avoid cleaning your windows under hot weather because this dries the cleaner fast, which leads to streaks that are hard to remove.
2. Remove Dirt and Dust
Before you proceed with cleaning the glass portion of your windows using sprays, make sure to remove dirt and dust first. Use a brush or a vacuum with a dusting attachment to sweep off all the dirt and dust particles that got stuck in between the frame, pane, and stool of your windows. It is best that you regularly do this when you clean your windows to avoid dirt and dust from turning into something that’s grimey.
3. Always Use Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber cloths are really ideal for effective cleaning because they are absorbent, washable, and don’t leave any streaks on your glass windows. They are also not harsh to use on any surface.
4. Choose a Quality Glass Cleaner
To ensure proper cleaning of your glass windows, you have to choose a quality glass cleaner. Look for a glass cleaner that doesn’t ease in streaks, but actually helps remove them. As you apply the cleaner on the glass, see to it that you spray a lot of it to dissolve, enough to cover the dirt, then wipe it off clean using a microfiber cloth or a lint-free cloth. Avoid cutting back on the amount of glass cleaner you spray because it will result in streaks.
5. Make Squeegee an Addition to Your Cleaning Tools
For big, wide sets of windows, you can use a squeegee to clean the glass. The squeegee is a flat cleaning tool with a smooth rubber blade that’s really useful in controlling and removing liquid on the surface, especially on a glass surface. It is also handy if you have a lot of windows to clean because it makes the process faster, but still maintain good cleaning results. Soft trimmed squeegees are advisable for you to buy as they provide just enough protection against scratches.
6. Use Vinegar Cleaning Solution
You may or may not have heard this, but vinegar solution is a good cleaning tool to use for your glass windows. It is easy to do since you only need to mix 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar, then place it in a spray bottle or mix 1/3 vinegar and 1/4 rubbing alcohol in a 32 ounce spray bottle, then fill it with water. This cleaning solution is a great DIY alternative for cleaning your glass windows because it effectively removes streaks.
7. Clean the Inside and Outside Portion of the Windows
When cleaning your windows, it should go both ways, the inside and outside. Here’s how you can clean both portions properly:
Inside
- Fill the bucket with water and add liquid dish soap. Make sure that the ratio of water is more than the liquid dish soap.
- To avoid spills on the floor, place a towel beneath the window. Old bath towels will do, as long as you don’t use it for bathing anymore.
- Dip a microfiber cloth or a sponge in the bucket of water with liquid soap. Squeeze the excess soap and water. Wipe the glass portion from the top going to the bottom. Do the same for the frames as well.
- Using the vinegar cleaning solution you made, spray it thoroughly on the window.
- After spraying the vinegar cleaning solution, use a lint-free cloth or clean paper towels to pat it dry. You can also use newspapers as they are a good buffing tool and helps make your windows shiny.
- For dirty windows, if you still see streaks, spray the vinegar cleaning solution once more, then pat it dry again. Grimey windows usually require a repeat process of the spraying and drying to completely remove the streaks.
Outside
- Since the outside portion of your windows are dirtier compared to the inside portion, you have to wash them with water first. Afterwards, fill a bucket again with water and add some liquid dish soap.
- Same as the inside portion of the windows, dip the microfiber cloth or sponge in the bucket of water and liquid dish soap. Remove excess soap and water, then go over the surface of the window. You can use a mop for the topmost parts of the windows.
- Rinse every side, top to bottom thoroughly using a hose.
- After rinsing, spray vinegar cleaning solution or your chosen commercial glass cleaner on the windows. See to it that you are able to spray enough to cover the whole glass portion. You can also use a mop to apply them on the higher parts of the windows.
- Use a squeegee to wipe off the vinegar cleaning solution or your chosen commercial glass cleaner, then work your way from top to bottom. Wipe the squeegee with a dry towel after every turn to remove the excess liquid. Lint-free cloth or newspapers are also good alternatives.
- Repeat the spraying and drying process if streaks still remain. Using a soft sponge may also help in removing stubborn stains and dirt on your window.
We hope that this article has been helpful in giving you tips on cleaning your windows.
If you are in need of professional cleaning for your home or business, contact us today and we will be glad to offer you the best of our services!