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Most of us take our windows for granted. We open and close them every day, but we seldom think about how to properly care for them. So here’s a guide to help you understand the best ways to clean your windows, both inside and out. Whether you’re a homeowner, maintenance worker, or landlord, keeping your windows in good condition is important for both aesthetic and practical reasons. By following the tips below, you can ensure that your windows will stay looking great and functioning properly for years to come.
What’s So Important About It?
Most people tend to think of taking care of their windows as an afterthought, but it’s a vitally important activity that can help extend the lifespan of your windows. Not only will regular upkeep keep them looking good and functioning effectively, but it can also help to protect your home from a costly damage in the long run.
With sufficient maintenance, you can prevent the buildup of dirt, pollen, mould and mildew from eating away at seals and damaging window frames over time. You’ll also be able to spot any problems early on before they grow into more serious (and expensive) repairs. This simple task can include washing down window frames with a soapy solution, cleaning the glass regularly with a natural cleaner, lubricating any parts that move or tilt, tightening screws if needed, and more. It may not seem like much work at the time but taking care of your windows – both inside and out – is a crucial step towards protecting them for years to come.
Clean It From The Outside
Cleaning the outside of your windows is essential for getting rid of all those fingerprints, smudges and other marks that can dull the clarity of your view. However, it can be a tricky job – especially if you live in a 2-story or taller home!
The first step is to make sure you’ve got all the right tools before starting, as this will make your job much easier. Gather together a mild detergent solution, a large squeegee, and a lint-free cloth (or an old newspaper). Start at one corner of the window and use your cloth or newspaper to apply the detergent solution in an even coat over the whole window – making sure you get any hard-to-reach places!
Then use your squeegee to wipe away any excess water, again starting from one corner and working outwards. Finish off by wiping with the cloth or newspaper again to dry it fully and buff away any streaks. Repeat the process for all your window panels and there you have it: sparkling clean windows from frame to frame! And once you get used to doing it you’ll find that with practice it gets easier each time.
So don’t put it off – remove those disfiguring marks before they become permanent stains on what could otherwise be beautiful views of mother nature’s landscape! Armed with this knowledge, go forth and conquer those dusty window frames.
Now From The Inside
Cleaning the interior of your windows isn’t always fun, but it is an important part of home maintenance. If you have plantation shutters installed, it will make the job slightly easier since you can wipe away dust without having to take them down. However, plantation shutters are plenty versatile and practical but they still need to be wiped down from time to time using a damp cloth.
For windows that don’t have plantation shutters, vacuuming is often the best option for removing dust and cobwebs. It’s also a good idea to use a slightly damp rag now and then to give them a thorough cleaning. Once you vacuum with a brush attachment, use your damp rag and glass cleaner crisscrossed over each window pane to avoid missing any spots. Then buff dry with paper towels, being careful not to leave any streaks.
Finally, if you still have problems getting those stubborn streaks out, use a newspaper and some window cleaner – the acidic component of the newspaper helps clean the glass while buffering away any abrasive particles that could scratch or streak the glass surface.
Water & Soap Are Enough… Right?
When it comes to window cleaning there are different kinds of cleaners available. Professionals may use special window cleaning products, but for the DIY window cleaner in us all, there are a few great options readily available.
It’s always important to start with clean pieces of cloth that won’t leave lint or streaks on your window panes – microfiber cloths work best for this purpose. A simple solution of dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water works best for gentle window washing. If your windows need some extra TLC, consider adding an alcohol-based window cleaner like Windex. For an even more effective window-cleaning experience, window-cleaning experts from Sonaa recommend a vinegar-water mixture that is particularly good at removing film and streaks from inside window panes. But whichever window cleaner you choose, make sure to take your time and be extra careful around metal frames as these can easily get scratched during the cleaning process.
So When Do You Do It?
Clean windows can instantly bring a room to life, providing natural light and creating an appealing atmosphere. However, washing windows can be a tricky task that requires careful timing and good conditions.
In general, the best time for window cleaning is during dry and mild weather, as this will help the window to dry faster after you are done. Another factor to consider is the angle of the sun – sunlight can cause streaks if it lands on wet glass, so you should avoid washing your windows in direct light. Finally, since pollution can leave marks on glass and reduce visibility, it is a good idea to check the air quality index before starting your window cleaning project.
And How Often Again?
If your windows are exposed to direct sunlight and weather, they should be cleaned on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. You can also check for dirt and dust build-up any time you happen to see your windows during the day or when you notice any changes in visibility or light through them.
There are also seasonal elements to consider, such as extra exposure to dirt in dry months that may require more frequent washing or rain in wetter months that may leave streaks and spots on the glass that need to be wiped off. Also, depending on where your windows are located and how often they’re opened, there may be other accumulations like pollen, leaves, bird droppings, etc. These should be carefully removed using special cleaning products if necessary.
Ultimately, it is best to keep an eye out for any dirt build-up so that you can clean your windows on time and maintain clear visibility at all times. So even if you don’t do it very often, taking just a few minutes each month will help you stay ahead of window maintenance and extend the life of your glass panes.
Conclusion
Windows are an important part of your home. Not only do they let in natural light and fresh air, but they also add curb appeal. It’s important to take care of your windows so that they look their best and function properly. With these tips on how and when to clean your windows, you’re set on keeping them in their best condition all year long.
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