Springtime is usually the time when most people think about this loathsome task. But window washing doesn’t have to be difficult or drudgery. With a few professional cleaning tips, you’ll find that cleaning your windows is easier than you thought.
Cleaning Solutions
There are many effective cleaning solutions on store shelves that do a great job of creating a shine. But you can also use homemade window cleaning solutions that will do a great job at a fraction of the cost. It’s a personal choice whether or not to buy or make your solution. If you’re thinking about concocting your own cleaner, consider this proven formula that works hard at removing dirt, grease, fingerprints, and grime:
- Mix a solution of 16 ounces of very warm water to a large spray bottle.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar to the water and mix the solution well.
Other Helpful Tips
In addition to a good quality cleaning solution such as the one described above, you’ll need a couple of other tools to make your job easier and more effective.
- Rubber gloves are a must. This helps keep your hands from getting dry and cracked from the solution, dirt , and grime.
- Old newspapers make excellent ‘towels’ for removing cleaner solution from the window and drying the panes. The rubber gloves will keep the black newspaper print from clinging to your skin.
- Terrycloth is a good material for washing and cleaning windows. You can also buy specially made cleaning towels, although they aren’t necessary. An old worn-out dishtowel is a good option too.
Washing and Cleaning
Once you have your supplies and solution ready, it’s time to get started. It’s advisable to wash windows on a day that is not too sunny. Sunlight makes it more difficult to tell when windows are clean and you may end up with streaks that you didn’t see while washing. Sunlight also makes it harder to wash windows because you have to work very fast to use the solution effectively before the sun dries it.
Before you actually start washing your window, wipe any dust or debris from the window sills and frame. Clean windows won’t stay clean for long with all of that debris and dust lying around so close by. Use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe down the sills and frame, but be sure not to use the same towels for the windows.
Simply spray the solution on the windows and start with the inside panes first. The best way to clean windows is to wipe them horizontally inside and vertically on the outside. This helps you tell where there are streaks as you clean.
After thoroughly cleaning your windows with the cleaning solution, you’re ready to make them really shine. This is when newspaper comes in quite handy. It gives your windows a beautiful, sparkling shine. Step back from your windows when you are finished to identify any streaks that may have escaped your first glance.
Washing windows doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing proposition”. You can wash windows over a period of time by taking them one room or one section at a time. Washing the windows across the front of the house one day, and washing the back windows the next day is a good way to break up the task.
Once the pollen settles, pull out the white vinegar and gloves and get started. After the window washing, is completed, you’ll feel much better. Others will definitely notice the new shine on the house and the curb appeal of your property will be enhanced immediately.
Hard work pays off and the beautiful outdoors will be crisp and clear for springtime.
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