There is nothing as unsightly as dirty windows; they reduce your curb appeal and functionality by hampering clear visibility. While professional cleaning of windows is necessary occasionally, hiring these services all the time is unsustainable both financially and in terms of convenience. This article gives a step-by-step process on how you can comfortably DIY your windows. In addition, we have a comprehensive composition of the tips you can explore in maintaining pristine windows.
Window Cleaning Process
- Tools and Supplies
Even before you embark on cleansing your windows, the first thing you should is source for tools and supplies needed. A bucket full of warm water, squeegee, microfiber cloth, dish soap, extension pole, vinegar, and a scrubber are the tools and supplies that come in handy in this job.
- Preparation
Before you embark on the job, remove window screens and any curtains and clean these separately in the washer. The spaces and crevices on windowsills collect lots of dirt in the form of dust mixed with grime. Before dampening with cleaning solution, use an old toothbrush to sweep it to one corner and pick it up from tight spaces using a vacuum.
Then mix one bucket of warm water with a few drops of dishwasher soap and a quarter cup of vinegar. Adding too much soap leaves you with tougher streaks to deal with so ensure you use only a few drops of the soap. Dish soap is recommended since strong chemicals can corrode the glass panes.
- Initial Cleaning
One mistake you should never make during window cleaning is applying water on dirty windows. That is similar to applying pastes of dirt on the windows and this only leaves you with tougher streaks to deal with. Instead, use a broom or a dry piece of cloth to agitate the dust and grime on the panes.
- Scrubbing
Use a soft piece of cloth to apply the cleaning solution and start from the top sections coming downwards. This allows the solution to take dirt with it, as it trickles down. Then use circular motions to scrub the panes and increase pressure according to the toughness on the stains. For very tough grime, scrub and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
- Squeegeeing
Put the squeegee in the solution and stroke the panes starting with top corners coming downwards. To avoid contaminating the clean solution, keep putting the squeegee in separate water after every stroke. Repeat the process and ensure to overlap the strokes for pristine windows. To clean upper windows, mount the squeegee on the extension pole to access such heights.
- Detailing
By use of a dry soft cloth, remove any water and moisture that may have been left behind by the squeegee. As you do that, concentrate more on the edges since squeegee does not reach those areas properly.
Tips for Maintaining Pristine Windows
- Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your windows regularly can prevent the accumulation of dirt, tough stains, and grime thereby making your next cleaning seamless.
- Pick the Right Day
Cleaning your windows on a hot windy day makes your work harder since the solution will dry off too soon, leaving you with streaks to address.
- Avoid Paper Towels
Using paper towels or newspaper on wet windows only leaves you with significant lint to deal with. Instead, use dry cloths made of microfiber and alternate with lint-free rags.
- Prevent Hard Water Stains
Hard water contains many minerals that leave hard streaks on the surfaces. To make your work easier, look for softer water.
- Avoid Strong Chemicals
As hard and tough as some stains may be, do not get tempted to use strong chemicals. These are best at removing tough stains on other surfaces but they can corrode your windows and leave them looking dull.
- Inspect for Damage
Regular checks can help you identify small issues such as worn sills, cracks and broken panes. Upon noticing such, have them repaired before they escalate to serious problems in the future.
Another great tip to maintain clean windows is to give them a professional cleaning at least every 3 months. For very high windows for instance on high-rise buildings, the cleaning should be done by professionals only.