Clean windows regularly, both inside and out. The outside ones need more attention because of pollen, dust, and passing cars that kick up road salt.
Use a sponge or brush dipped in water to scrub each window, periodically rinsing. Then, wipe the glass with a squeegee, starting at one top corner. Dry the rubber blade of the squeegee between swipes to minimize drip marks. Contact Window Cleaning Sarasota now!
If you want your windows to be streak-free, dry the glass immediately. This prevents the cleaning solution from re-dripping onto the clean window, creating unattractive streaks that are so common with traditional cleaners. The best way to dry your windows is with a squeegee, but a newspaper can work just as well if you don’t have one available.
When using a squeegee, start at the top of the window and pull straight down. Make sure the squeegee is completely dry before moving on to the next pane. It’s also a good idea to use a terrycloth rag against the bottom of the squeegee to catch any excess water and protect your wood muntins from damage.
After squeegeeing:
- Wipesqueegeeing the window frame with a microfiber cloth to remove any solution residue. You can also use the cloth to wipe any dust or debris that might have settled on the window frame.
- Once you’re finished, rinse your squeegee and any rags or towels used in the process to ensure that all the soap and residue is gone.
- Hang the squeegee and any soaked rags up to dry.
A great trick for a streak-free shine is to ball up a piece of newspaper and use it as a drying cloth. This old-school technique works because newspaper is super absorbent and will soak up any remaining water, cleaner, or oils on the glass surface after you finish wiping. You can also try using a piece of old t-shirt, which won’t leave behind any lint and is eco-friendly.
Another important tip for avoiding streaks is to spray the cleaner directly onto the microfiber cloth, rather than the glass itself. This can help you avoid getting the cleaning solution on your window frames and sills, which could cause streaks or damage the surface of the glass. Finally, be sure to keep a fresh, lint-free towel nearby to wipe any cleaner that pools on the frame edges or near the corners of the glass.
Frame
While the glass is the star of the show, a window’s frame and sills can also collect dust, dirt and grime. Cleaning the frame helps keep your windows looking great and can prevent damage from grit that might rub off on other surfaces in your home. In addition, clean window frames can help improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust and other allergens that blows around the house.
Window frames come in a variety of materials and can be made of wood, vinyl or aluminum. If the frames are made of wood, be careful not to use too much water, as this can cause them to swell or warp. For frames that are made of other materials, be sure to wipe them down thoroughly and dry them with a towel or cloth.
When cleaning the frame, it is important to take your time and make sure all areas are cleaned. Be sure to pay special attention to corners and crevices, as these tend to gather more grime. Use a microfiber cloth or sponge that has been dipped in the cleaning solution, making sure it is damp but not oversaturated. Gently wipe the frames, using more pressure for stubborn stains or build-up. If there is still a residue on the frame, try wiping it with a soft-bristled toothbrush for extra scrubbing power.
It is also important to keep in mind that a clean window does not always mean the window sills and tracks are clean. If the sills and tracks are covered in gummy stains, it may be necessary to use a mineral deposit remover or oxalic acid cleaner to scrub them clean. Then, they should be rinsed and dried as needed.
Cleaning windows is a physically demanding job, especially when it comes to higher elevations. The scorching sun, precipitation, and wind can all pose challenges for workers who must access windows using scaffolding or suspended platforms. It is essential that a window cleaning team possesses the proper safety training and equipment to avoid any potential injuries.
Screens
A dirty window screen traps dust, dirt and pollen inside the house. This can be a health hazard for people with allergies, especially those who suffer from respiratory illnesses like asthma. Cleaning the screens on a regular basis also helps to keep the air in the home cleaner and fresher.
Weingard suggests starting by removing the screens and vacuuming them to remove any loose dirt or debris. Then wash them in hot, sudsy water. He prefers to use a handheld sponge or hog-bristle brush rather than a plastic or rubber scrubber, which can scratch the screen and leave streaks. After scrubbing the screens, he rinses them off with a garden hose set on a low pressure. Weingard says it’s important to use a low pressure setting to avoid damage to the screens, which can be easily bent or ripped by too much pressure.
If the screens are particularly grimy, he recommends spraying them with vinegar and water solution or a commercial glass cleaner. He then wipes them down using a clean microfiber cloth. For tall windows, he uses a mop or sponge-mop on a long handle. Weingard also applies a squirt of a natural cleaning product, WG-57, to his mop and rinses it with water. This prevents the buildup of acid rain, hard water and oxidation on his panes, which extends their life span.
When the window is clean, he applies a protective sealer to the frame and sills to guard against damaging UV light. Weingard also explains the benefits of a thorough “deep cleaning” process, which is an in-depth cleaning of the entire window, including frames, tracks, muntins and sills. Deep cleaning requires the team to take special care when protecting nearby surfaces from damage, and it may be more expensive than a standard cleaning service.
Once the windows are cleaned and dried, Weingard recommends re-installing them. The last step is to clean the window track and sill, which he explains should be done with a lint-free rag or chamois that soaks up wetness without leaving streaks. He also advises against using household cleaners on the sill, which can erode the metal and paint and cause rust.
Blinds
Many homes have window blinds or draperies between the glass and windows to provide privacy, energy-efficiency and style. However, blinds are also prone to dust accumulation and may require cleaning as often as your windows do. Luckily, you can easily clean your blinds by either dusting or vacuuming them. You can even use dryer sheets to remove dust buildup. The most important thing to remember is to do your cleaning regularly so you can cut down on the need for heavier, deeper cleanings.
Simple blinds can be cleaned with a feather duster or soft cloth, or you can use your vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. When you vacuum your blinds, make sure the slats are fully open so you can vacuum them from both sides. Be sure to work from the top down, as any dust that falls while you are working will be sucked up by the vacuum cleaner.
If you are using a duster, start with one side of the blinds and then rotate the slats to dust the other side. You can also purchase special cleaning tools that let you clean several slats at once, which can save you time.
Aside from regular dusting and vacuuming, you can also wash metal, vinyl or faux wood blinds in the bathtub with soapy water. However, before submerging your blinds in water, check their care instructions to see if this is safe. Submerging certain types of metal blinds in water for too long can cause them to rust.
Vinegar is another great way to clean your window blinds, but only if you have wooden blinds. It is best to avoid using vinegar on vinyl or aluminum blinds, since the acid can damage them.
If you are having your windows cleaned, ask the service to clean your blinds as well. This will help prevent dust from transferring back to the windows once they are clean. In addition, it will make your windows look brighter and newer. If you are going to do the cleaning yourself, be sure to remove any curtains or drapes before starting, as these can get dragged into the cleaning solution and damaged.