Cleaning Windows: Do It Like A Pro

The windows are essential parts of your home. You look through them to see what goes on the outside. Normally, you like your windows to be spic and clean, and any disturbing streak of dirt on them would block what is supposed to be a pretty sight of the outdoors. If you want your windows to be spotless clean, you must first know how to go about the right methods of cleaning them well.

Make a good start by inspecting the windows yourself. Check the inside window panes for dirt and grime. Then check the indoor window frame for dust and other small wastes or debris that got caught inside the window tracks. You would also have to inspect the screens for more dust and dirt caught inside these. Then check the outside window panes which are more exposed to weather changes, so expect to see more grime, dirt and other debris that would have clung on these panes.

After a thorough inspection of your windows, then plan out your next move just like how a professional window cleaner would do it. Think of a good cleaning solution for your windows. You may have to do away with chemicals at this time, and just use plain lukewarm water to clean them. You can make your own cleaning solution by mixing about 20 ounces of warm water with about two tablespoons of vinegar and mix well, then placed inside a spray bottle.  Have some mild dish washing detergent available at your side just in case you may need it for more intense cleaning. Get old newspapers to help dry off your windows. Put on a good pair of gloves before you start cleaning.

It is best to do window cleaning on a cloudy day. You can also clean very early in the day or in the evening. It is important that you don’t clean under direct sunlight because window cleaning would become difficult for you. The sunlight would cause streaks on your windows while you are cleaning them. Sunlight would also easily dry out your cleaning solution.

So put on your hand gloves and start by placing some of your cleaning solution to the windows. Remember to wipe horizontally if you are cleaning the inside window panes. For the outside window panes, you have to wipe the windows vertically to get rid of streaks. It would be good to use a terry cloth to wash the windows. After the washing, you can start drying your windows by using old newspapers. Old newspapers help bring out the clean and streak-free shine of your windows. These are also cost effective since you don’t have to use or buy paper towels to dry off your windows.

Then you can start cleaning your window frames by starting with the outside frame. Use a terry cloth to clean all sides and tracks of the frame. If you would be able to remove the sliding window, the better it would be for you in cleaning the tracks. You can use a vacuum cleaner attachment to get rid of the dust inside and between the groves.

After thoroughly cleaning the tracks, wipe the frame clean. Remove smudges by applying your cleaning solution on them and try to wipe them clean. If they don’t totally disappear, this is where you can apply some of the mild dish washing detergent to properly get rid of them. Just as you are carefully cleaning your windows, also remember to take care not to wet the walls too much as paint may be damaged by your washing and cleaning.

Keep in mind that you don’t use any abrasive material that can cause visible scratches on your window panes and frames. If you use anything abrasive to clean your windows, then you are adding more to your cleaning problems. Scratches and streaks on glass panes are very difficult to clean.

If you need to clean your high windows, decide if you can do it by using a good and reliable high ladder to support you. If not, it is best to hire a professional to do it for you rather than risk your personal safety.

The task of cleaning your windows may be difficult at times because you have to really take the time to clean all the parts of your windows. Fortunately, there are now good and useful methods to do it like a pro that would give you the satisfaction of doing it yourself.