We get it. The sun is out and summer is quickly on the way, and you have been neglecting the big elephant in the room (well in all of your rooms that is)—your streaky, cloudy, fingerprint-filled windows. It’s time to act. But we also know that you remember the last time you jumped into spring cleaning and your window work was a smidge unsatisfactory. It’s hard to appreciate the light gleaming in through the windows when they are not completely see-through. To achieve the glistening windows of your dreams, it’s time to listen up because the experts are about to weigh in.
Say “No Way” to Paper Towels
Do you want streaks, cloudy finishes, and linty windows? Then by all means take your windows on with paper towels! If you want a crisp finish, then stick with us and get yourself a squeegee for your outside windows and microfiber cloths for the inside ones. With squeegees, one side scrubs the windows and the rubber side pulls the water away revealing the best results possible. Do not succumb to the convenience of the paper towels you have on the counter, go out and get yourself the best window cleaning tool out there—the squeegee. Then practice because it’s a bit of a learning curve, but so worth it in the end. When you step inside, we recommend microfiber cloths so you don’t make a watery mess all over the floors.
Take a Simple Approach with Cleaning Products
Use dish soap (biodegradable for safety please!) or vinegar (50 to 50 ratio with water). You will not regret spending less money trying to figure out what cleaning supply will work best, and you probably already have one of these options at home. We already know these will give you clean results, so take it from us and get to scrubbing.
Grab a Screwdriver…or a Paint Can Opener or a Putty Knife
While you can use your hands to remove window screens, you risk puncturing the mesh. Use a tool to get at the edges of the screen and pull it away from the window on the outside. Go for one side at a time and release carefully without ever having to touch the mesh.
Magic Eraser
Wipe down your screens with a Magic Eraser. It gets in all the nooks and crannies and also makes the job quick and easy. You can buy them almost anywhere from Target to Walmart.
Rags and Microfiber Cloths
If your windowsills are funky use a damp cloth to wipe away the dirt. Rags are also a good thing to keep around for the white edges around the window glass, or even when water gets away from you and starts dripping down your wall away from the glass.
Find the Right Time to Clean
While it is possible to clean windows in the heat of the day, it may become very difficult to manage if the water and cleaner are drying too quickly on the windows before you have a chance to squeegee it all away. Try cleaning your windows in the mornings, evenings, or on cool, cloudy days to avoid this problem.
How Often Should I Clean My Windows?
Windows should be cleaned twice a year. Stains can set in and make windows more difficult to remove, so it’s best to upkeep your windows when you can.
Feeling ready to take on your window cleaning extravaganza? We believe in you! Take your next step (whatever that may be) and get to scrubbing, squeegeeing, and sparkling those windows!