Cleaning windows, is there any chore more arduous? Is anyone surprised that cleaning windows is among the top 10 most hated house chores? One of the reasons and there are many is that the results are seldom satisfying which can be discouraging. Here are some tips to help you effectively clean your windows and keep them crystal clear.
Timing is everything
Choose a dry and cloudy day. Cleaning windows during a hot day makes the glass dry too quickly which leaves hard to remove streaks.
Collect your tools
Put together all the tools you will need so that you don’t stop to go hunt some item or the other down. You will need soap and water, a sponge to clean, a piece of cloth to dry excess water, and newspapers to buff. Vinegar is optional. Some people also believe using warm water proffers better results. If you are able to, you can purchase a window cleaner.
The cloth you choose should best-case be a microfiber cloth. They are super absorbent, washable and they leave the windows or glass shiny and streak-free. A squeegee sounds like an easy way to do it, but they are only recommended for really big windows and only work well when used exactly right.
Remove any dust or dirt build-up
It can be tempting to jump right in with the soap and water. Resist that impulse. Brush away the debris or use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust before you introduce liquids. If you’re willing to go the distance, take down the curtains, blinds, and anything else on the windowsill that may be hiding dust build-up.
Two different cloths or sponges
Consider using two different cloths or sponges so that the one used to clean the inside of the window is not the one used to clean the outside. The outside will likely be dirtier plus using different ones means not introducing unsanitary materials and compounds from the outside to the inside.
Pick your cleaner and use it generously
There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing the cleaning solution. You can use one part vinegar to nine parts of water, you can add some soap to this solution if you wish. Another option is good old soap (including dishwashing soap) and water whether warm or cold.
Whether you use store-bought glass cleaner or any of the above options, use plenty of it. You need plenty of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt accumulated on the windows. Skimping will also result in streaks on the glass.
The cleaning
To prevent dripping on the floors, consider laying a towel across the floor. Soak the cloth in the cleaning solution, then squeeze it and use it to wash the glass. Make sure you get the corners and apply extra effort to any marks on the glass.
The best practice is to start from the top down. Don’t forget to clean the windowsill as well. Once you’re done scrubbing the windows with your cloth or sponge, dry any remaining water with your cloth. Let the window air dry.
Buffing
Newspapers have long been used to buff windows and give them a shine. Once the window is completely dry, scrunch up a newspaper into a ball and rub the windows with it to make them sparkle. You can also use coffee filters for buffing to get that extra shine when you’re done.
