How To Clean Your Windows So They Shine

Dirt can build up on your windows over time, and once we notice it’s there, it’s hard to ignore any longer. Yet as much as we all want our windows to be clean and free of streaks, it can be hard to do. Not to mention that specialized cleaning products can be expensive and can be made with chemicals that are very harsh and dangerous to breathe in. With all this in mind, read on to find out the best ways to clean your windows so they shine. 

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Don’t Clean Them On A Sunny Day

If you perform this task while the sun is directly overhead, the window cleaner will dry on the warm windows before you have a chance to wipe it off, leaving behind difficult-to-remove streaks. If the weather isn’t going to cooperate, you should begin on the side of the house that is shaded and work your way around as the day goes on. This will make the task more drawn out, but the end result will be better. 

Use Distilled Vinegar And Water

One of the most effective strategies for cleaning windows is to use a mixture of distilled vinegar and hot water. Vinegar’s acidic makeup makes it effective in dissolving the sticky layer of filth that forms on glass surfaces over time. Plus, vinegar is safe to swallow or inhale accidentally and poses no health hazards due to its natural composition or absence of potential allergens.

Dust First

Before you start, use a brush to sweep dirt off the window frame, or use a handheld vacuum or the dust attachment on your machine to pick it up. This will keep dirt from mixing with a cleaner and making a muddy mess. If your window screen looks especially dirty, take it out and wash it with hot, soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse and let it dry before putting it back in.

 Use a microfiber duster to quickly clean both sides of shades and blinds, or open the slats and wipe each one with a damp cloth, then a dry one.

Use A Microfiber Cloth

Glass windows can be dried with newspaper, but reusable microfiber cloths are more effective. They are machine washable, feature exceptional absorption rates, and remove fingerprints and streaks from glass surfaces.

Choose a good brand of paper towels if you’d rather use them. Weak paper towels can fall apart and leave behind lint.

Get New Windows

Of course, we’re not suggesting that you get new windows and doors just because the old ones are dirty, but it is true that these things only have a finite life, and at some point, they will need to be replaced. 

Before you go to the effort of cleaning the ones you have, see if you could do with new ones instead. If the old ones are drafty, unsafe, or the frames are not secure – or attractive – new windows could be the order of the day.