- 10-May-2024
The summer is associated with beautiful sunny weather with lots of daylight. As the daylight lengthens, there is value in what one can see outside, or rather the realization of how grimy a window has become. Of course, we all want to wait for nature to take its course and clean it for us, but it is mandatory to clean our windows. Apart from beautifying your home, it also increases the energy efficiency of your space. In this article, we are going to explain several ways how to clean your windows to remove summer dirt.
The preparatory step that should be followed is to ensure you have all the cleaning tools, supplies and accessories ready before cleaning.
Some items you will need include:
Window cleaning solution or dish soap
Soft cloth of any type of sponge or microfiber towel
Bucket or large container
Old newspaper or paper towels
A mop, cleaning solution and a squeegee (optional but to great added benefit)
Rubber gloves (to cover your hands).
Any other necessary equipment, a ladder or step stool.
When preparing to clean, it is more important that all these items are well prepared from before so that one does not have to leave halfway through the cleaning process.
In most cases, preparation is an important facet of the process, and this is especially the case with windows before cleaning. Unlock them and pull down any nets or window covers, including curtains, blinds or shutters. Before cleaning, make sure nothing is reclining on it that may interfere with your wiping. Upon pulling out the items, wipe the area with a dry cloth or duster, and afterwards, wipe out the spider webs or dust surrounding the window frames and sills.
People usually use different techniques when preparing a solution to clean the windows. You may purchase a commercial window cleaning solution or prepare your own with warm water and dishwashing soap for window cleaning. Mix warm water and dish soap in a bucket, add 2-3 drops of dish soap, and swirl your hand to mix it. It should form some quantity of foam on the surface but not very much foam.
With your cleaning solution all prepared, it’s time to clean your windows according to the details mentioned below. If you are using a squeegee, make sure it is in a pole if necessary; start wiping every stroke with about the width of three inches to ensure cleaning of the entire surface. Make sure to clean the blade after each pass, top to bottom of the window. If you do not have a squeegee, you may use a soft cloth or sponge to wash the window and squeeze out the window.
When you are done with the cleaning exercise, ensure that you dry the windows completely. They also have droplets of water on them, and anything remaining on the glass will give a streak or become a central point of attraction for other dirt. If you want to dry the windows, you should begin by wiping them gently with an old newspaper or paper towel.
In all probability, if you have not cleaned your windows for months, it will take more than one round to properly wash the windows. Repeat it over and over again, always keeping your windows dry and clean with no spots. It may also be advisable to clean the other side of the window depending on the kind of window and the ease of access.
Cleaning in the Sunlight:This is because when you clean your windows during the day, it is easy for you to note any residue or dirt that might have been left behind. Dirty residue will be easier to see when you are cleaning in the daytime, making cleaning a more efficient process.
Lint-Free Cloths: Hence, washing the windows with materials that have no streaks left on the windows, like cloth or paper, is necessary.
Use Rubber Gloves:By so doing make sure to wear rubber gloves so as not to have any contact with the cleaning solution or soap residue on the hands.
Avoid Cleaning in Extreme Heat:Do not clean your windows on a hot sunny day because this season exposes your window to the sun, and the solution used will dry before you wipe your windows, leading to streaking.
Regular Maintenance:If there is a great accumulation on the surfaces, it is advised that the windows be cleaned on a regular basis, preferably on a once-a-month basis.