How to Clean Your Windows Inside and Out
Cleaning windows is one of those tasks that seem almost overwhelming. It’s obvious when they need to be cleaned up, but it also obviously takes a lot of work. Nevertheless, you would like to have a clear view from the window the other day – especially since this is how you will connect with the world in 2020.
So what’s the best way to clean a window? Here are some tricks to enjoy your shiny clean windows.
Streaks are due to residues left over after
Striped windows are an extreme frustration when cleaning windows. No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you clean, it’s all too easy to finish the job and see streaks ruining all of your hard work. It doesn’t have to be that way. Streaks can be prevented with a little practice and understanding why they occur.
Streaks appear on the windows when cleaning agent residues remain. This can happen if the water evaporates too quickly, such as on a hot sunny day, or if the water is not completely removed. The type of towel also matters. Towels that are not very absorbent will simply smear dirt and debris all over the window, while other towels may leave dust or lint.
Wash your windows on a cloudy cool day
As mentioned earlier, if water evaporates too quickly, streaks will remain on it. So this is one of those tasks that you will want to reserve for a cloudy day, and not too hot. You can also do this work in the morning or evening when the sun is not too intense.
Collect your cleaning supplies
Before you start, you need to collect all of your cleaning products . This includes a sponge or brush; squeegee, which is a tool with a flat thin rubber blade; absorbent microfiber or lint-free cloth to be used for drying; clean cloth; a bucket of cleaning solution and a large towel to protect the interior floors.
Clean the dirt and dust first
Before washing the windows, you must first clean off the accumulated dust and dirt ; otherwise, you will simply smear the dirt around. Vacuum and wipe down interior windows, frames and corners. For exterior windows, you’ll want to remove dirt and grime using a sponge and water mixed with a little dish soap or vinegar.
The squeegee helps to remove water quickly and well
I swear by the squeegees. There is a reason why professional window cleaners prefer these thin, blade-like tools. The squeegee is used to quickly and accurately evacuate water, which prevents streaking. This is the advantage of the squeegee. The downside is that using one of these makes it harder not to spray water all over the place.
But this is why it is important not to use too much water when cleaning windows and to put on a few towels to protect the interior floors.
Make your cleaning solution
Two simple cleaning solution options: a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of water, or ten parts water mixed with one part white vinegar . You can also use a commercially available window cleaner.
Apply the cleaning solution with a sponge.
The next step is to clean the windows with a cleaning solution and a sponge. The sponge should not be completely wet. Little enough. If you wash your window indoors, make sure the floor is covered with a towel and be careful not to get the window frames wet.
Remove water with a squeegee.
Take a scraper, which should be wet (to prevent the blade from sliding on the glass), but not completely wet, andrun it across the top of the window from left to right and from top to bottom. It’s important that the blade is sharp (you know, as sharp as rubber can be), so be sure to have spare blades on hand as they need to be changed periodically.
Then wipe off excess moisture from the corners and frame with an absorbent microfiber cloth. TA-dah! You now have clean windows. As soon as the sun comes out again, be sure to take a few minutes to enjoy your achievement: drinking from the outside world through sparkling clear windows.