Windows have the power to enhance a home in so many ways, but dirty windows have the power to do exactly the opposite.
While cleaning windows isn’t an easy task – especially if you have a lot of them – making the effort to rid them of stains, snudges and dust every once in a while, can bring a whole host of benefits. That said, there are some ways of cleaning windows that can make them look even worse, and below are 4 of several ways to mess up when giving your windows the once over:
- Not using the right tools and products
Glass can easily be scratched by hard tools, so it’s important that you never clean your windows with anything that has an abrasive or sharp edge; squeegees are safe and effective. And while newspaper is great for buffing up glass that you’ve sprayed with your favorite cleaning product, it can leave print behind on the surface if you’re not careful.
- Only cleaning one side of the glass
If you’re pushed for time or can’t be bothered, you might be tempted to clean only one side of the windows. However, while this will definitely save you time, you won’t be able to appreciate the efforts you’ve put in to do so, as the other side will likely be dirty. Dust and grime is just as likely to adhere itself to the inside of your windows, as it is to the outside, so if you’re going to clean your windows, put the extra effort in and get both sides gleaming.
- Wiping from the middle outwards
For the best results and to clean your windows as quickly and effectively as possible, you should clean the glass from the top and work your way down. Starting at the middle or the bottom will only increase your workload as the soapy water (or vinegar) will run down onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Cleaning windows on a hot, sunny day
You might think that the sun being out and the mercury rising, means that it’s a good time to clean your windows, but actually, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Warm weather dries the cleaning solution up too quickly, before you’ve had a chance to wipe them down, and will leave unsightly streaks and more work for you to do.
For the best results, try to clean your windows on a cloudy day with an ambient temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Of course, if cleaning your windows is a Herculean task that you simply don’t have time to do, you can always rely on a local cleaning company to get them spotlessly clean for you. If that isn’t option, follow the tips above and you won’t go far wrong.
