Cleaning your windows may seem like a simple task however, it can be challenging to get a streak-free finish if you aren’t using the right products or techniques. Here are all the dos and don’ts to cleaning your windows thoroughly at home.
The technique will vary depending on whether you are cleaning windows that are inside or outside, so we’ve included the best methods for both.
Cleaning interior windows
The key to flawless windows is preparing them before applying any cleaning products. Applying product or water to a dirty window will only see it smudge everywhere as you wipe them down.
Here is our step-by-step guide to cleaning your interior windows:
Clean off any dust and debris using a portable vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Wipe down the window frames and tracks using a clean, non-abrasive cloth and warm soapy water. Make sure there is no residual water left in the tracks, this can cause decaying and promote mould growth. Cleaning the window frames must be done before the windowpanes otherwise you’ll likely drip dirty water on them after you just cleaned them, and you’ll need to do them again.
Once you’ve cleaned the frames and ensured they are dry, you can then go ahead and clean the glass. You have a couple of options when it comes to product, and each works equally as well to achieve a streak-free shine, they are:
- Dishwashing soap and water
- Vinegar and water
- Pre-bought glass cleaner
Apply whichever product you like liberally to the pane and remove immediately using either scrunched-up newspaper, paper towel, or a lint-free cloth. Ensure you are removing all the product from the pane as leaving excess may result in smears and streaks being left behind.
Cleaning exterior windows
Here is our step-by-step guide to cleaning your exterior windows:
Your exterior windows will likely have flyscreens or security screens on them. If you can remove your flyscreens, this is advisable as it allows you to give the glass behind it a thorough clean. The easiest way to clean these with minimal effort is by using a pressure cleaner on a low setting to cleanse off cobwebs and other nasties that may have accumulated on them. If you don’t have a pressure cleaner, use a soft bristle brush and a soapy mix of dishwashing liquid and water to lightly scrub them clean. Once clean, rinse with a hose. Leave these out to dry while you clean the windows.
If your windows aren’t overly dirty, simply rinsing them with a hose may be enough to do the job. If they are rather dirty, you’ll have to brush them over with a soft bristle brush to remove any dust, dirt, or similar. Once you’ve removed as much of the contaminants as you can, clean each frame and pane using the same technique. Once the flyscreens are dry, you can replace them back into position. Speak to your local Brisbane glass replacement experts to find out if they can assist you with these services.
Do and don’t for crystal clear windows
Do
Make an effort to clean your windows regularly. While window cleaning is no one’s idea of a good time, the reality is the longer you leave it, the dirty your windows will get, and the harder and more time-consuming they’ll be to clean.
Don’t
Use soap to clean your windows. Soaps are notorious for leaving a film behind.
Do
Try distilled water. If you’ve tried cleaning your windows using the steps above and you still have streaks, it may be the minerals in the water that are the culprit. Distilled water will prevent this from occurring.
Don’t
Clean your windows on a super-hot day. This is because the heat dries the window too quickly after cleaning and leaves streaks behind.
Do
Use vinegar as a window cleaner. Store-bought window cleaners can be expensive, not to mention harmful to the environment. White vinegar, on the other hand, is a natural alternative that cleans windows like a dream. You simply mix half water with half white vinegar and you’ve got yourself an all-natural window cleaner. For best results, we recommend using a spray bottle to store and use your vinegar solution. It’s much cleaner, and as it’s already made up, it’s ready to use next time you need it.
Don’t
Use dish cloths, face cloths, or anything abrasive on your windows. Dish and face cloths will leave lint behind on your windows, and it is almost impossible to get this off entirely. Abrasive brushes, cleaning products, or clothes can scratch your glass, and this can make it look unsightly. Not only that, but it can be tricky to fix.
Do
Use scrunched newspaper as a cleaning tool. Sounds bizarre, yes but it works! Simply grab an old newspaper, scrunch it into a loose ball and use it to clean off your window cleaning product. This works very well and leaves behind zero streaks. Additionally, you are repurposing old newspapers that would have otherwise had no use.
Ready to clean your windows like a pro?
We hope this post has given you an insight into how to clean your windows like a pro. A little effort can go a long way, and the more that you clean them, the less time it will take to bring them back to their former glory. If your glass needs more than cleaning and needs replacing, contact the glass experts here at True Blue Glass. We specialize in all things glass and more.
