Tips & Techniques for Cleaning Your Home Windows

Tips & Techniques for Cleaning Your Home Windows  

Everyone enjoys having clean home windows with unobstructed views and the sun shining in. Dirty windows or streaky glass doors are easy to notice and easy to clean. Yet, cleaning them always seems like a chore and they often get put on the household to-do list for later. If your windows are covered in dust, dirt, algae, dead bugs, and hard water spots, your probably not getting the maximum amount of natural light in your home you could be enjoying if your windows were sparkling clean. Fortunately, the process of cleaning your home windows both inside and outside is easy.

There are many commercial window-cleaning products on the market that promise a streak-free shine. However, a simple DIY cleaning solution containing 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water mixed into a reusable spray bottle works perfectly. Why not save some money and keep things simple by quickly mixing up your own homemade batch of window cleaner that you can leave under your sink for the next time it’s needed?

Other items you will need to clean your home windows can easily be found at your local convenience store and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You will need to gather up the following:

• Squeegee – what the pros use to get those spotless, streak-free windows we all love so much. Squeegees have a silicone rubber blade meant to remove all water from a glass surface and are available in various sizes.
• Soft, non-scratch scrub sponge – useful for stains and marks that need a little extra scrubbing to remove. 
• Bucket –  to fill with clean, cool water and a few drops of liquid dish soap 
• Spray bottle –  for your DIY window cleaning solution if you don’t already have one.
• Microfiber cloths –  to lift and hold dirt instead of spreading it around like how a regular cloth does and can be used for longer durations of time. 
• Step ladder – helpful for those hard-to-reach high windows.  

Whether you choose a commercial window cleaning solution or a homemade vinegar and water cleaner, the following tips and techniques for cleaning your home windows inside and outside will make the job go quickly and easily:

Cleaning Your Interior Windows

• Start by filling a bucket with clean, cool water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.
• Place a large towel beneath the window to catch any spills.
• Use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to go over the surface of the window, starting at the top,  working your way down to the bottom. Wipe down the frame as well, both inside and out.
• Spray the window thoroughly with your vinegar and water solution, or if you prefer, a commercial window cleaning product.  You can also mix one capful of ammonia with two gallons of water.
• Using a clean cloth, newspaper, or paper towels, dry the window completely (using a Z-shaped motion).  If dirt or streaks remain, spray and dry again. Really dirty windows typically require two rounds of spraying and wiping.

Cleaning Your Exterior Windows 

• Since outside windows typically have more dirt and stains, start by rinsing the windows with the garden hose, then fill a bucket with clean, cool water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.
• Using a soft microfiber cloth, go over the surface of the window. For higher windows, use a sponge mop or microfiber mop on a pole.
• Rinse thoroughly with the hose.
• Spray or mop with the vinegar and water solution or a commercial cleanser.
• Wipe the window dry using a clean, rubber-bladed squeegee. Angle the squeegee towards the bottom of the window and work from top to bottom, wiping the squeegee with a dry towel at the bottom of each pass. You can also use a lint-free towel or newspaper to dry the windows.
• For stubborn dirt and stains, including bird droppings and bug guts, saturate thoroughly with vinegar and water and let stand for several minutes before drying. You can also try rubbing with a non-scratch scrub sponge. However, don’t use steel wool or harsh scrubbing cloths that can scratch the window.
• Don’t neglect the window screens. Rinse with plain water, spray with vinegar and water solution, then rinse again with plain water. Let dry thoroughly before replacing the screens on the windows.

Removing Hard Water Deposits   

Many homes are plagued with hard water which contains excessive amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and other compounds. Sprinklers are the primary culprit, but even storms can leave dirt and grime deposits on your windows. Vinegar is one of the most effective methods for cleaning hard water deposits, dirt, and grime.

• Start by soaking a towel in equal parts water and vinegar.
• Scrub the affected area and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. Vinegar’s acidic content will soften mineral deposits and make them easier to remove.
• Wipe the glass down with a solution dampen rag to remove the residual water spots. Repeat as necessary. Use a dry towel to remove the moisture from the glass.

Although cleaning your home windows may seem like a chore and one that often gets put on the back burner, having crystal clear windows that allow the sunshine in is well worth the effort.

Professional House Cleaning Services

We all know that house cleaning can be a challenge. Whether it’s dusting and scouring, mopping floors, or washing windows, it’s always on a to-do list. If you have a busy, hectic schedule with little time leftover for tasks like cleaning the house, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Clean Nation Company. 

Let our trained cleaning PROs do the cleaning for you. Our weekly, biweekly, and monthly house cleaning services will help keep your home spic and span and looking amazing!

• Woman-owned and operated full-service cleaning company
• Over 50 years (three generations) of experience in the cleaning industry
• 24/7 cleaning options & support
• Emergency one-time cleanings
• Professionally-trained cleaning specialists
• Healthy home electrostatic spray disinfection
• Commitment to the highest level of clean
• Licensed, bonded, and insured
• Customized cleaning solutions
• Quick response times
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• OSHA, HIPAA, EPA, CDC, compliant
• BBB Rating: A+

For more information about our comprehensive house cleaning services in Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Spokane, and Spokane Valley, or to schedule a cleaning, please give Clean Nation Company a call today at (509) 217-4729. Request a free online cleaning quote now!