Having clean windows in your home can make a world of difference. You wouldn’t want to live your day with dirty glasses skewing your vision of the world around you, so why put up with grimy windows that may be hindering the natural light and beautiful views coming into your home?
Investing the time and skill into regularly maintaining clean and functional windows is one of the best ways to care for your home and ensure a great view, both inside and outside. Keep reading for our tried-and-true advice for tackling window cleaning.
Select the right tools.
First, equip yourself with the right tools to make the job safe and feasible. Do your windows hinge in for easy cleaning? You’re in luck, if so! This feature in newer windows makes quick work of cleaning so that you’re not risking your safety with tall ladders or a dangerous reach. You’ll want to try various size squeegees or you can stick with the old-fashioned rag. Just be sure to pick something that does not leave behind lint and smudges. Lastly, choose your cleaning agent wisely. There is a lot of advice online, but simpler is often better. Many swear by mixing one part distilled vinegar with 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. A little elbow grease will do the rest!
Hone in on your technique.
And speaking about elbow grease, technique is equally important as your tools and cleaning product. How you clean your windows will determine if they’re left crystal clear or with streaks and smudges. This may take some practice, and maybe even a few YouTube tutorials, but with time you will quickly get the hang of the best technique for your windows that meets your standards.
Choose your timing wisely.
Spring is a popular time to clean and organize your home, but you’ll want to consider the seasons and the dust and pollen they bring. Wait until after most of the debris from pollen and flowers has fallen before investing time and resources into cleaning your windows. It would be a shame to have your hard work only last for a few days before pollen blows through and leaves a fresh film on your windows. You’ll also want to consider whether a neighbor is taking on a construction project that could kick up dust. There may never be a perfect time, and inevitably windows will get dirty over time, but being mindful of seasons and outside elements will help you pick the right time so you can enjoy your clean windows as long as possible.
Use this as an opportunity to check on the “health” of your windows.
While you’re getting up close and personal with your windows, use this opportunity to identify any issues with your windows. Are they closing properly? Are there any gaps or cracks? Is the debris and film on the windows more than just dirt, possibly due to old age? All of these are signs that it may be time to prioritize new windows for your home. Even the best cleaning will only take an old and unfunctional window so far. You’ll still be left with a dated – and worse yet – an inefficient window. Sooner or later, you’ll want to consider how some new windows could really take the look of your home to a whole new level!
Know when to ask for help.
Do you lack the desire and interest in cleaning your own windows? Is this an unsafe project for you to be taking on? Professional window cleaning companies are common and a great solution to take this pressure off your shoulders while giving you a beautiful home that is well worth the investment. In doing so, you may prevent a much more inconvenient and costly injury.
Could it be more than dirt?
Once you’ve accomplished cleaning your windows, you should be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor for many months to come. But what if your home still doesn’t have the “shine” you had hoped for? This could mean that it’s more than the dirt on your windows that is bringing down the overall look of your home. Are they outdated? Do you desire a different format or color? Are they not functional? This is where we can help! When the solution to a better-looking home is more than just elbow grease, our project managers are ready to offer you advice and solutions.
Put this advice into practice and enjoy clean and clear windows all year long! If you find that this is a bigger job than you anticipated, be sure to reach out to a local professional who can offer advice and assistance. HomeRite is Central PA’s window and door experts and we’re always available to answer your questions related to your home’s best features. Reach out to us today!