Best Tips to Get Super Clean Windows
Say goodbye to grime and streaks! Whether it is daily dust build up or a cute dog nose smudge — our windows are dirt magnets. But many times, even with our best intention, we end up with streaks on the glass when we attempt to clean our windows. Not to mention, leftover dirt and debris does not always wash off properly.
Here are a few basic tips that will be a major help in achieving your window-washing goal: spotless, streak-free glass that maximizes your enjoyment of the views your windows provide. Here is how to wash your home’s windows the right way.
How often should you clean your windows?
Windows should be washed once or twice a year, depending on how much exposure they get to dirt and other soiling elements such as tree sap and bird droppings. Spring and fall are optimal times of year to clean windows, especially in colder climates. Choose a cloudy day or when the sun is not shining directly on the window. Sunshine exposure speeds up the drying of the washing solution, which can cause streaking or spotting. Because window solution dries quickly, even in the shade, work on just one window at a time. Don’t apply cleaner to multiple windows and then attempt to wash them all at once. This also applies to double-hung windows. Completely wash the top sash, and when that’s complete, wash the bottom.
What to use to wash windows
Many people purchase sprayable window washing solution to clean their windows. These products are easy to use and effective, but you can also make your own solution. The pros usually mix their own washing fluids because they are more economical and do not contain unnecessary chemicals.
DIY Window Cleaning Solutions
- Distilled white vinegar and water: Cleaning windows with vinegar has been a tried-and-true trick for ages, and with good reason. The acidic composition of white vinegar works efficiently to break down the film that can accumulate on your windows. For a basic vinegar cleaning solution, we recommend mixing one-part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Label the container and save leftovers for future use.
- Rubbing alcohol: If you have an especially stubborn area on your window, you can start your cleaning process by applying a solvent like rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and rubbing it directly on the spot. You can also add rubbing alcohol to the vinegar and water for a slightly more powerful cleaning solution.
- Dish soap: Using a few drops of Dawn dish soap in your homemade window cleaner can help remove tough grime, which may be especially helpful when washing the exterior of your windows.
- Essential oils: While the scent of distilled vinegar or rubbing alcohol typically fades within moments of use, you may want to add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to your homemade window cleaning solution. Adding lemon essential oil is a popular choice for creating a crisp and clean aroma.
If you decide to purchase a standard window cleaner instead of making your, avoid using those that are heavily based in ammonia or alcohol. It may seem like they’d produce a more intense clean, but they can leave window streaks and even a thin film that attracts dust and moisture.
Prep Your Windows
To avoid spreading dust and dirt around after you polish your windows, first clean out your window tracks, dust your frames and wipe down the ledges. You can use a soft brush or vacuum to do so. Next, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the dust from the glass panes. Remove any obvious marks or smudges by applying a small amount of nonabrasive cleaner with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, you can also try a solvent like acetone or mineral spirits. Just rub the cloth on the areas of glass that need spot-cleaning. Be careful to avoid getting cleansers or solvents on the frames, as it may discolor the finish.
Wash Window Frames
When it comes to cleaning frames, avoid power washing. Use warm, soapy water on a rag and avoid abrasive chemicals that may discolor the finish. Stubborn stains and deposits may be removed with mineral spirits or a cleaning solution like Pine-Sol® applied with a clean, dry cloth.
Clean Glass from Top to Bottom
Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to clean your windows. Paper towels are likely to leave behind lint and fibers that can make your clean windows appear dirty. Spray your glass cleaner directly to the microfiber cloth, instead of spritzing the window itself. This can help prevent the cleaning solution from getting on your window frames. Work your microfiber cloth in a zig-zag motion down the window, starting at the top. Once you’ve completed the entire pane, grab a dry microfiber cloth to buff out any remaining solution residue. You’ll want to do this quickly after cleaning to prevent streaks.
Avoid Wiping With Paper
Paper towels and newspapers are commonly misused as products for scrubbing and drying the glass, but they just break down and leave lint behind. Use a microfiber cloth to do the job instead; it will grab dirt and dust and leave nothing behind.
Cleaning Double-Hung Windows
If you have double-hung windows, tilting the sashes in makes it easy to clean exterior surfaces from the interior of your home. Clean the top sash first, starting with the exterior and followed by the interior, and then repeating the same process on the lower sash. If you’re washing larger, hard-to-reach outdoor windows, a squeegee may help expedite the cleaning process. Mix a slightly more diluted solution in a bucket, wash the windows with a sponge and use the squeegee to wipe the solution off from the top down. Wipe the edge of the squeegee clean after each swipe to help avoid dripping.
Vacuum Window Screens
The best way to clean window screens is to vacuum off dust and dirt with an upholstery brush attachment. For grease spots, typically found on kitchen window screens, use a sponge, hot water and a mild detergent. Remember to be gentle as screens can bend easily.
Dust Blinds and Shades
For standard blinds or shades that are fashioned over the glass, regular dusting will help them maintain a like-new appearance. For wood blinds, dust with a dry cloth or vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment. If you have plastic or metal blinds, you can immerse them in a tub of lukewarm water and mild detergent. Then, rinse with clear water and let air dry before reinstalling. For fabric blinds or shades, use a vacuum cleaner with a drapery brush attachment to remove dust and a damp cloth to remove any smudges or fingerprints.
Invest in a Squeegee
The best way to obtain a streak-free shine is to make sure all the water and soap are removed from the window. Run over the glass from top to bottom with a rubber-bladed squeegee to scrape away excess water.
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