How To Clean Windows

Posted on: 17 October 2014

There's a reason why many maid services proclaim that they don't do windows. Windows can be difficult to get clean. It can be labor intensive to achieve that clear, streak-free look that we all desire but can so infrequently attain.

There are some tricks to cleaning windows that will make the whole process easier for you.

Choose the right time of day.

Never clean windows during the hot part of the day. Choose either the early morning before the sun is beating down on them, or after the sun has lost its intensity in the afternoon. If you wash windows when it's very warm, they will dry too quickly and have streaks.

Use a squeegee for large windows and glass doors.

You can buy a small squeegee at most hardware stores. Opt for one that is no more than 12 inches wide, so it will fit most windows. When you use a squeegee, you'll be able to quickly wipe away and dry water on the glass with one or two swipes. The technique to use is:

  1. Wash the window with soapy water and a cloth.
  2. Rinse the glass with clear water.
  3. Hold the squeegee against the top of the pane and bring it down in one fluid motion.
  4. Wipe the rubber blade of the squeegee with a dry cloth.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the glass is clean and dry.

Use lint-free cloths.

For smaller windows that you are washing by hand, use only lint-free cloths with your favorite window cleaning solution. You can purchase lint-free cloths online or at hardware stores. To maintain the cloths, store them in a sealed plastic bag. Hand-wash the dirty cloths with mild soapy water and hang to dry. If you throw them in the washing machine and dryer, they will pick up lint from your other towels and clothing and lose their lint-free quality.

Use only straight edge blades for scraping.

If you have baked on dirt or dried paint on your windows, you'll need to scrape them before cleaning. For this, use a retractable straight edge blade with a handle. Place the blade just in front of the baked on dirt or paint, so that it is flush with the glass. This will prevent you from scratching the glass. Push forward until the paint is lifted. Wipe the blade clean with a thick cloth, and retract the blade for storage. Retractable straight edge blades are widely available at hardware stores.

When you use these tips for the best window cleaning you'll ever achieve, you'll never have to look through dirty windows again.

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Choosing Great Looking Windows

After I fixed up my yard, I realized that my home itself could use some curb appeal. I decided that one of the biggest eyesores on my home other than the porch with the flaking paint was the windows, so I started shopping for replacements. I was able to find a great deal at a local window shop, and to my surprise, they had a large variety of windows available. It was incredible to find windows that were as functional as they were beautiful, and when they were installed I was really pleased with the outcome. This blog is all about choosing great looking windows.