Doors and windows complete a home’s thermal envelope. So, if you’re trying to save on home improvement projects, these are not the areas where you should cut costs. As significant investments that improve your home’s looks, energy efficiency, comfort and overall performance and curb appeal, you should take good care of them.
Cleaning your windows is the biggest part of maintaining them. Here’s what you should do:
Collect the Equipment
You need some equipment and supplies to clean your windows like a professional. Get these items:
-
Bucket
-
Sponge
-
Window cleaning solution
-
Microfiber cloth
-
Soft brush with a long handle
-
Squeegee
-
Sock glove
You can use a window cleaning solution recommended by your windows’ manufacturer, or you can make some yourself. All you need is a bucket of clean, warm water and a gentle liquid detergent. Regular dishwashing liquid is fine. For removing greasy stains, however, you can use a solution of warm water and distilled vinegar.
Wash on a Cloudy Day
You can also do it early morning or late in the afternoon as long as it’s not too hot. If it’s too hot, your windows can dry too quickly, leaving ugly watermarks. Whatever you do, don’t wash your windows under direct sunlight.
Use a Sock Glove for Grilles and Tight Corners
It might be difficult to clean tight corners and grilles with a sponge or a piece of cloth. It’s easier to use a sock glove soaked in your cleaning solution of soap and water.
Clean Outdoors First
Use your sponge soaked in warm, soapy water to clean your windows outdoors. You can use a long-handled soft brush to reach higher windows. Don’t use too much detergent so it’s easier to remove the suds with a regular garden hose or clean, warm water from a bucket.
Remove Excess Water With a Squeegee
A squeegee makes light work of removing that water from your windows. You can also use it for cleaning the glass on your patio doors. For your window frames and sashes, use a clean microfiber cloth. A microfiber cloth is a better option than ordinary rags because it picks up whatever dirt you didn’t get with your sponge or brush. It also doesn’t leave streaks.
Clean Window Treatments
Your window treatments (blinds and curtains) might be dusty, so it’s advisable to remove and clean them. Then, you can clean the windowsills and the indoor side of your windows using a microfiber cloth and your soapy water. If you don’t want to use soapy water, you can simply use several wet microfiber cloths. Replace a dirty cloth with a fresh one to avoid leaving stains and streaks.
Use Your Vinegar Solution to Remove Grease
If you have greasy windows, such as those in your kitchen, your vinegar and warm water solution can clean them. You can also use a vinegar, baking soda and warm water solution for tougher stains. Make sure to air out the room after cleaning to get rid of the smell of vinegar.
Follow these cleaning ideas to keep your windows in good shape. If you need a window or door replacement, get in touch with Renewal by Andersen® of Houston. Call us today at (281) 547-6177, or use our contact form to tell us about your project. We work with homeowners in Spring, TX.
