When was the last time you cleaned your windows? Don’t worry – we won’t judge! The truth is that many of us end up putting off doing so, sometimes for years. But all that dirt and dust that’s collected can end up blocking nice natural lighting, and your rooms look darker than they should. However, that also means cleaning your windows is an easy way to breathe new life into your home.
While it isn’t necessary to do this every week or even every month, you should give your windows some extra attention two to three times a year. This keeps the windows in good shape and your rooms well-lit. Luckily, it’s really easy to learn how to clean windows. Check out our tips for cleaning windows below.
You’ll need a few basic cleaning supplies:
- Window cleaning solution
- Sponge or window scrubber
- Cloth towel
- Clean lint-free towel
- Clean microfiber towel
- A squeegee
First things first: Many experts recommend that you pick an overcast day to clean windows. The sun can bake the cleaning solution onto your windows, so the clouds can help keep streaks and droplet marks from forming. Cursed with good weather? Try to work on the windows that are shaded first.
If you have a window screen on your window, remove it. Then make sure to get rid of any excess dirt and dust from the windows by using a dusting cloth or a vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the window frame using a terry cloth, since this is where much of the dirt collects.
Next, you’ll need to make a cleaning solution. Doing so is easy, but there is a variety of recipes out there. One of the easiest just requires mixing two gallons of water with about one teaspoon of dishwashing soap in a bucket. However, for streak free window cleaning, turn to the following recipe: 2 cups of water, ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Wear gloves.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get down to business.
Step 1: Dip your sponge or window scrubber into your cleaning solution and squeeze out any excess. Apply the solution to the windows. There’s no real right or wrong way to do this. Some go side-to-side, others prefer up-and-down, while some choose the circle technique. If your mixture is in a spray bottle, simply spray the solution on to the window.
Step 2: Using a clean, lint-free towel, create a dry edge on the top of the windowpane. You can also do this with the corner of the squeegee.
Step 3: Place the squeegee on the top of the window, where you just created the dry edge. Then pull the squeegee down to clean off the solution. You don’t need to apply much pressure. Wipe the squeegee clean with the lint-free towel and repeat. Be sure to always move in an up-to-down motion until the whole window has been squeegeed.
Step 4: Wipe the frames using the cloth towel. Then use the microfiber towel to dry the glass, removing any excess water droplets left behind by the squeegee.
Then, take it inside. The process of the indoor-facing side of windows is slightly different (and easier!).
Step 1: Lay out an old towel to protect the floor and to catch any excess cleaning solution.
Step 2: Pour some of your cleaning solution into a spray bottle. Label the bottle so it is not confused with something else.
Step 3: Spray the cleaning solution onto the windowpane and dry it off with the microfiber towel.
To make sure that you have sparkling clean windows, don’t forget the window screen. These practical barriers can also end up trapping quite a bit of dust and dirt. To clean the screen, just pop it out and wash it with hot, soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse it and let the window screen air dry before returning it.