At Prestigious Cleaning Team, we specialize in cleaning and sanitizing homes and businesses. Having handled the cleaning needs for hundreds of homes in the Kennesaw area, we have plenty of tips to improve your housework skills. Cleaning windows is a chore with great rewards. With a little effort, you can enjoy the outdoor view without water spots, streaks or dust.
Simple Window Cleaner Options
Clean windows begin with the right cleaning product. While there are several commercial window cleaners on the market, you probably have the ingredients for an excellent cleaner in your home right now. All it takes is tap water, white vinegar and a few drops of dish detergent. This solution will give your windows a streak-free shine.
If you are dealing with serious hard water stains, you can skip the detergent and start with a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. This acidic combination will break down the minerals and leave you with a clear view.
For small jobs, either of these solutions works well in a spray bottle. If you are taking on the whole house, it might be faster to use a bucket with a sponge to apply the cleaner.
Work with a Squeegee (or Two)
A handheld squeegee is a powerful tool for both professionals and amateurs. Using a new rubber blade with each cleaning session gives the best contact with the glass surface. You will find it much easier to wipe away the cleaning solution.
When cleaning windows with a squeegee, work your way down from the top. You will want to wipe the squeegee with a cloth every few strokes to prevent streaking.
Use different squeegees, sponges and towels for the inside and outside of your windows. There are different types of contaminants on the outer surfaces. Using separate tools will prevent the transfer of any nasty residue to the interior of your home.
Cleaning Your Windows Inside and Out
Cleaning the inside of your windows is a simple operation because everything is within reach. Cleaning on the outside can be difficult if you do not have the right tools. If your windows do not flip in for easy access, a long-handled cleaning tool will allow you to clean and squeegee without much of a challenge.
Prevent Streaks with a Microfiber Cloth
Stubborn spots may require some extra effort. Some people like to rub out marks with old newspaper or paper towels. While these materials can be effective at removing marks, they also tend to break down and leave particles behind. With a microfiber cloth, you can put some pressure on stains while leaving behind a clean shine.
The Best Time to Clean Your Windows
You may be the most aware of dirty windows on a sunny day. However, the best time to clean your windows is on a cloudy day. Direct sunlight will heat the glass so that your cleaning solution dries before you wipe it away. The dried solution can leave streaks and spots that you will need to clean again.
Preventing Water Stains
The same products that prevent hard water stains on your car windshield can minimize stains on your windows. Coating your windows with a water repellant treatment will decrease the amount of water that collects on your glass during a rainstorm. Instead of drying in place and leaving a mark, the water will bead, and the force of gravity will pull it down.
Caring for Your Screens
In the summer months, your window and door screens allow you to bring in some fresh air while keeping out insects. As the air flows through the screen, pollen and dust will collect on the surface. Once a year, it is a good idea to remove your screens and rinse them with a hose. Letting them dry completely will prevent dirty water from dripping onto the wall below.
For a quick screen cleanup, a lint roller will come in handy. As you brush the roller across the screen, it will pick up dust particles from the surface.
Clean screens and windows add beauty to your home. With regular window care, you will enjoy an uninterrupted view outside and bathe your interior living space with natural light.
