Is it that time of the year where you look around and realize you need to clean your windows?
Have they gotten stained, smudged, and look dull? Yes, we understand the dilemma you’re in, and we have just what you need. A few simple steps to get your windows clean and sparkling in no time. Window cleaning doesn’t mean you only clean the glass of your windows. It’s essential to keep in mind that the window railings and tracks need a good cleaning and brushing. After all, that grime tends to get stuck in these crevices, and they require your attention. When it comes to window cleaning, keep in mind, we need to clean the inside, outside, and in-between.
You can try a few methods at home to get your clean windows back just the way you want. But if at any point the mess and dirt look like it’s too hard to handle, then you should consider letting the professionals clean your windows. Cleaning services, after all, have the knowledge and equipment to get rid of those hard stains or even to reach those high windows and windowsills that you may not be able to clean.
The first step and some would say the most important well before considering cleaning, is to make yourself a checklist of the essentials. A list of what you need will help you gather your tools and supplies. For a basic window cleaning job, you will need the below supplies.
- Cleaning Solution
- Bucket (For your water/ cleaning solution)
- Spray Bottle (If you prefer spraying your homemade cleaning solution)
- Sponge or Squeegee
- An absorbent microfiber or lint-free cloth
- A clean cloth or rag
- Towel / Old Rags to cover and protect the indoor floors
Other essentials if you’re trying to reach windows that are in higher elevations:
- Protective gear (gloves, safety masks)
- Ladder, if necessary, but make sure to be careful.
Top-Tip
Don’t forget to choose a dry and somewhat cloudy day to clean your windows. A hot and extra sunny day might dry the cleaning solution onto your window before you have a chance to wipe it off. This may result in streaks on your windows, and we all know that’s not a good look.
Making Your Own Window Cleaning Solution
There is always the option of making your own window cleaning solution. It is as simple as combining ingredients that you find at home. It is a cost-effective solution. But here’s a tip. Make sure you use the correct ratios to get a squeaky-clean window and not stained windows instead.
If you’re using dishwashing liquid, you can mix 1 teaspoon of liquid with 7 liters of water.
Another solution can be made using a mix of equal parts white vinegar to equal parts water.
A similar but stronger homemade glass cleaner is a mixture of 2 cups water, ½ cup white vinegar, and a ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol with a 70% concentration. This solution could be put in an empty spray bottle. Don’t forget to mark the bottle, so you know what’s in it for safety purposes.
Pre- Cleaning
Before you start washing the windows, here are a few pre-cleaning practices to follow.
To start, make sure you dust off or vacuum any debris around the window, especially inside the window frames.
If you have window screens, then take them out and clean them. If that’s not possible, then vacuum them and brush off any loose dust. This is advisable as it stops you from streaking dirt all over the windows when cleaning.
If you have blinds or curtains, roll them up or take them off, and you could wash or clean them too. That way, everything is fresh and clean when you set them back up.
Before you start cleaning the windows, lay big towels on the inside. You wouldn’t want any spills on your floor, and that’s another mess you will have to clean up. Towels will soak up any spillage of water or solution.
Cleaning Of Window Tracks and Rails
Maybe you’ve cleaned the glass panes of your windows before, but did you forget the track and windowsills? Neglecting them is a common issue, but what happens is that the tracks tend to accumulate dirt and dust over time. What you will be left with are dirty, greasy, and stained windowsills.
Window tracks can be narrow and hard to reach, which makes cleaning them difficult. If the buildup and stains are too difficult to remove, your best option would be to find a good window cleaning service in Melbourne. But if it is salvageable, then here are a few tricks that you could do to spruce up those tracks and make them as good as new.
All it takes is a few minutes and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.
If you feel that your window rails have mold, then that’s the first course of action. Getting rid of mold. The temperature differences between the outside and inside can result in condensation and the growth of mold.
When handling a situation such as this, be sure to a wear safety mask and gloves. Another tool that will come in handy is a toothbrush that you can dip in your window cleaning solution and scrub away the mold. Another more natural solution is the use of vinegar. If you feel the mold seems tough to remove, then a quick and simple use of hydrogen peroxide should do the trick.
If you don’t have mold but just dirt and dust lodged in your windowsills, then there are similar solutions to cleaning that too.
Apply a thin layer of baking soda and spread it properly. Next, you can add a few drops of vinegar to the same areas. This will make the solution on the windowsill start bubbling up and working its magic. A toothbrush, as mentioned above, can be used to scrub, and bring all the dirt into one place so that it is easier to remove and not stuck in tight corners.
Once done with a solution of your choice, don’t forget to wipe the windowsill down with a wet sponge and eliminate the dirt. You can repeat the steps a few times until all the mold or debris has been removed.
Window Screens Need Cleaning Too!
Are your window screens dusty and grimy? Well, then take them out and give it a good vacuuming and rinsing. All you need is some soapy water and a soft brush. Make sure to dry the screen properly before popping them back on. Cleaning your window screens is recommended when cleaning your windows so that you don’t have to end up doing it another time. Plus, why not get it all done in one day?
Getting to the Windows
Now let’s get to the window cleaning part. The main glass of your windows should be inspected for any hard stains or even stickers. You can start by cleaning and removing the stubborn stains or other dirt and marks by simply spraying the area with vinegar, letting it rest for five minutes, and rubbing the stains off with a sponge or cloth. If your children have been busy pasting stickers or decals, you could remove them off and clean away the sticky substances first. This could be done using water and a plastic scraper.
Also, don’t forget to rinse the outside of your windows. Use a garden hose or even a lint-free cloth and a bucket of water. This will ensure that any pollutants or grease are washed off before you use the glass cleaner.
So now that we have handled all the initial areas let’s look at how we can clean the final part of your windows. Get your cleaner out and spray a generous amount onto the windows. Use either a sponge or a squeegee to wipe down the window and make sure to get the whole window. Before you move onto the next window, make sure you have finished drying the window. A sponge is ideal for small windows and a squeegee for larger windows.
You can use the rubber blade on the squeegee to wipe away water and dry the windows. When using this, ensure that it has contact with the window at all times and use a good quality one with a sharp rubber blade.
A microfiber cloth is another tool that is perfect for drying your windows. The super-absorbent quality of theirs makes them one of the best methods to dry your windows and keep them streak-free.
Final Cleaning
A final wipe-down of your cleaned windows will have it sparkling and fresh. Make sure to use a dry and clean lint-free cloth and give it a good wipe. All that excess water that has dripped or spilled should be wiped up with a dry cloth. Don’t forget to use a dry rag to wipe away any water that has fallen onto the windowsill. Voila, you have yourself those clean windows you’ve been wanting. Now sit back and enjoy the labor of a hard day’s work.