Your windows are a significant part of your home’s external appeal. Beautiful windows catch the eyes of passers-by. Clean windows also let a lot of good light into your home and can save you money by using internal lighting less often. But window cleaning can be a total chore, doing it improperly can leave streaks, or can damage the frame. At the worst your window might get scratched from improper cleaning. Toronto Door and Windows is here with a few window cleaning tips to help you keep your windows looking pristine and presentable.
Cleaning Solutions for Window Cleaning
First thing you’ll need to get when you’re cleaning windows is what kind of cleaner you’ll be using. Here’s a few window cleaning tips regarding the type of cleaning solution you should choose.
Store Bought Cleaning Solutions
The most important thing to look for in a cleaning solution is to make sure that it’s non-streak. Some cleaning solutions can leave streaks and residue when they dry, making your entire exercise of window cleaning pointless. Usually, the cleaning solutions that do leave streaks are not actually meant for cleaning glass. Look out for cleaners that are specifically formulated to clean glass to avoid this mistake.
However, some dishwashing detergents can be helpful with the tougher spots on your windows. Not only will it provide a better surface for scrubbing away the dirt caked up on your window, they’re usually already streak free as well.
Homemade Cleaning Solutions
If you’re looking to save a bit of money or would rather go with a more natural approach, there are a number of cleaning solutions that you can make at home for yourself. A few of the typical cleaning solutions that you can make readily are:
Vinegar and lemon juice should be pretty common in a homeowner’s cupboard. It has a ton of uses for cleaning: tiles, floors, kitchen countertops, ceramic, and yes, even glass. The mild acidity of these liquids helps break down dust buildup on your windows.
Rubbing alcohol isn’t just for cuts, its antibacterial properties will keep your windows cleaner for longer as well. Meanwhile, you can buy ammonia, which is found in most commercially available cleaners in certain stores as a cleaning solvent for cheaper than the cleaners you can buy regularly. Just make sure that you dilute it properly: at one tablespoon per gallon of water.
Usually you would create a mixture from just some of these liquids to create your homemade solution. A typical suggestion is ¼ cup of vinegar, 2 cups of water, and a bit of liquid soap.
Equipment
After deciding on what you’ll be cleaning with, here are a few window cleaning tips on the essential equipment you need to do all your cleaning:
Vacuum
Besides just the glass of your window, you need to keep your window sill and any rails clean and free of dust and debris as well. Use a vacuum with a wand attachment to clear up all the dirt. This is not only to keep your window clean, but also to make sure that the mechanisms of your window don’t get clogged with dust and debris, damaging how you open and close the window.
Squeegees and Sponges
These are your best friends for cleaning windows, professionals have been using it for years and they’re readily available to you for pretty cheap at any hardware store. Use the sponge to apply your cleaning solution and the squeegee to make sure that there aren’t any streaks.
Scraper
Window scrapers are the most important tool you can have to deal with the peskier parts of your window. Use it to scrape off any residue on your window that a typical wipe down won’t remove like dried tape adhesive or paint.
Paper Towels, Old T-Shirts and Newspapers
These options are there for people who don’t want to buy equipment exclusively for just window cleaning. All of these materials are cheap and generally lint free. Old newspapers and paper towels are disposable, while you can use find a use of old t-shirts you can’t donate.
Lint Roller
While a surprising addition to your toolkit, a lint roller is great for picking up dust and debris that stick to your window or frame, despite all your efforts, sometimes there’s always just a little bit of dust left over when you finish cleaning, usually because dust and debris stick to the window while it dries.
When and how should you do your Window Cleaning?
Now that you have your equipment and cleaning solution, here are a few general window cleaning tips to help you when you’re finally starting the work:
1. Do it on an overcast day
While you might think that a sunny day is the perfect time to do your window cleaning, it’s better to do it on an overcast day instead. The sun can dry your cleaning solution too quickly, leading to marks and residue to build up. On a cooler, overcast day, you’ll have the proper time to wash and clean the windows, plus, you won’t need to be standing under the hot sun for hours.
2. Different Directions inside and outside
When you’re wiping or squeegee-ing down your windows, wipe them one side horizontally, and one side vertically. That way, if there are any smudges or streaks, you’ll be able to identify immediately which side has it.
3. Work from the top down when cleaning your windows
Let gravity do most of the work, the cleaning solution your use will rip down the entire pane of glass, saving you some time spraying everything down, work the cloth or squeegee from top to bottom for the same reason.
4. Once or twice a year
It’s best you do a full cleaning on your windows maybe once or twice a year. The best times of these are usually right before and right after winter. Of course, in between it’s always good to get at least a little cleaning done on them, to make the large cleaning jobs less time-consuming.
5. Break it down
A typical house has a lot of windows to clean, so break the task down. You don’t have to do all the windows all at once, take some time whenever you’re free to clean one set of windows one week, then the next one another week.
Window cleanings are a perfect time to inspect your windows for any damage or deterioration. Broken windows can lead to higher energy costs for your home, and can invite unwanted drafts. When you spot windows in your home that need replacing, call Toronto Doors and Windows at 647-932-3667 for a free estimate for your repair or installation job.
