Access to natural light can make or break a space. But a room with south-facing gems won’t shine if you don’t know how to properly clean the windows. Not only will your space look better with sunlight, rresearch suggests that the sun’s rays positively influence your health and happiness. Alternatively, grime, buildup, and otherwise dirty windows are a buzzkill when trying to bask in that afternoon glow.
Maybe your cleaning energy is absorbed by the operation of the dishwasher, dusting, vacuuming and clean the floors, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect window smudges. Fortunately, streak-free glass is part of the spring cleaning routine and you won’t have to live with dust, grime and buildup much longer. Below are simple cleaning tips so you can clean your windows like a boss.
What’s the best thing for cleaning windows?
No matter what type or number of windows your home has, your window arsenal Cleaners will be quite similar. “Grab a soft towel or microfiber cloth, some vinegar-based glass cleaner, and a small squeegee if you prefer, and you’re good to go,” says Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at two maids. Here, three cleaning products that attack dirty windows.
1. A DIY white vinegar window cleaning solution
If you love DIY, we’ve got you covered. Mix two parts water with one part white vinegar in a spray bottle and you’ll be set with homemade window cleaner. You can also combine warm water with a few drops of dish soap if you prefer. Invest in a glass spray bottle to mix your formula.
2. Commercial cleaner
If you prefer to buy from the store, there are many commercial window cleaning solutions or sprays, such as Windex, on the market, and many will work great for your window cleaning. Cohoon recommends a vinegar-based cleaner, which won’t harm hardware or stain curtains or drapes. Also, if you’re going the commercial route, try to avoid ammonia- or alcohol-based glass cleaners, as they can leave light streaks or films that attract more dust on the road. Eco-friendly, plant-based glass cleaners like Stain Safely tackle stains and leave the surface streak-free. Bonus: the floral scent will linger for hours, leaving your room smelling like a bouquet.
3. Wiping Supplies
Whether you opt for DIY or store-bought cleaning solution, the best way to wipe down your windows is with a clean microfiber cloth. This is the key to streak-free windows. Squeegees can also work well if you get a lot of water on the windows – just avoid paper towels as they can leave lint on the windows. For exterior windows, take a broom in case there are cobwebs or sticks on the window frame that need to be knocked out.
Another simple tip: it’s never a bad idea to place a bath or beach towel under the window before you start. This will catch any excess water, drips or spills and prevent you from making another mess while you try to clean up.
How to Clean Windows in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Wipe off the dust
Once you have the cleaning tools, prepare the window frame before you begin the actual cleaning. “If you notice excessive pet hair, dust or buildup, pat dry dust Gently clean the windows with a feather duster to remove buildup without scratching the glass,” says Cohoon. It is good to have a surface free of debris and particles before using a damp product, much like preparing the floor surface before mopping. Also, don’t forget to dust the window sill, especially if you see small cobwebs in the corners of the window frame.
Step 2: Spray the glass with a DIY or store-bought product
It can be tempting to spray glass cleaners all over the place, but you don’t want to apply too much. Start at the top of the dirty window, spray once or twice to start, then take the microfiber cleaning cloth and wipe in Z-shaped motions to dry. Go down to the window sill.
You can also skip the spray bottle altogether and use a plastic bucket with lukewarm water and a few drops of Dawn dish soap (or the white vinegar solution) and wipe off the soapy water with long, even swirls working from top to bottom. “If you have larger windows, you can also use a squeegeesays Cohoon. “Spray cleaner on the surface of the window and wipe with the squeegee, wiping the squeegee between passes.” Make sure you have plenty of absorbent microfiber cloths on hand to avoid water spots.
Depending on whether your windows are frequently serviced or only see cleaning products during your annual spring cleaning shenanigans, you may have to cycle through the pane several times before you see the best possible window. Take your time and enjoy the meditative movements of a squeegee blade.
Step 3: Clean exterior windows
It makes sense that with snow, rain, and wind-blown dirt, the windows outside are dirtier than the glass inside your home. To clean exterior windows in the best possible way, you need to do some preparations. Take out the mosquito nets and wash them separately. You can use a solution of dish soap and warm water, then scrub gently with a sponge. Water with clean water.
