Windows can get super dirty, super quickly, but depending on what type of home you live in and how many windows it has, this can be a mammoth task to complete on a regular basis. That said, gleaming windows can really make a big difference to your property and cleaning them as often as you can, is worth it. Not only because of their outward appearance, but looking out of them will be made easier, too!
You could choose to hire a cleaning company or window cleaner to get this job done for you once a month – or as often as needed, and if the weather has been bad, this can be fortnightly or even weekly – but should you wish to try and tackle your windows yourself, here are some time and energy saving tips to make the task a little easier:
- Dust off your windows and sills first
If your windows are grimy, it can be tempting to get stuck in straight away and start cleaning them, but if you don’t wipe or sweep off the particles of dust, dirt and dead bugs first, you’ll simply end up smearing them all over the glass and frames and make your job twice as difficult and lengthy.
You can use a handheld dustpan and brush, and then the debris can be swept straight into the pan. Once you’ve done this, then you can begin to attack the windows with your weapons of choice!
- If your windows have screens, clean them too
It’s important to clean your window screens, particularly if you leave them in all year round, to prevent dust and dried dirt from blowing inside when you first open the windows. There may be no need to remove them to clean them, try using the dusting-brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and run it over the inward facing side.
- Get the glass clean and streak free
Depending on what type of windows you have, this task can be quick and easy, or tricky and time consuming. If your windows tilt inwards, then you should be able to clean both sides easily, but make sure that you don’t have water or cleaning solution running down the glass as this will drip all over the place and make things difficult for you. If your windows slide up and down, firstly clean whatever you can reach with the window open around 8 inches, then slide the top half down to get to it from above. If your windows open outwards, simply clean the inside first and then tackle the outside with a hose for speed.
- Pick a cloudy day
It can often seem like a sunny and warm day is the best to tackle your windows, but in fact direct sun can dry the glass too quickly and leave streaks behind.
Cleaning your windows is well worth the effort, but using an effective cleaning product is essential, as is wiping them down thoroughly to prevent streaks and smudges from being left behind.