With spring finally here – and summer around the corner – there is no better time to get your windows sparkling clean. Shiny, clean windows can help brighten up your home, allowing in more light, creating a friendly and engaging environment.
The question is, how do you get those amazing windows in the first place. Thankfully, we have compiled a list of the top five DIY window cleaning tips so you can enjoy that amazing shine in your home.
Five DIY Window Cleaning Tips For Your Home
1. Get The Right Tools
Poor window cleaning stems from a poor choice of equipment and tools. Choose the right ones, and you’ll get the best results. So, what works best and what doesn’t? Here is what you need for your window cleaning:
- A high-quality squeegee blade
- Scrubber or sponge (the firmer, the better)
- Plastic bucket (aim for around 5 gallons)
- Homemade window cleaner (more on that below!)
2. Create a Healthy Window Cleaning Formula
Too often, cheap window cleaning products don’t work, or worse, leave too many streaks. Thankfully, you can create your own formula that ensures your windows are shiny and clean all the time. Here what you can mix together:
- Two cups of water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent, or 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (max of 70% concentration)
Mix these ingredients together in a bucket, slowly and surely, until they’re fully blended. Make as much as you need by doubling or tripling the amount of the ingredients. Not only is this mixture healthy for you and your family, but it’s also environmentally friendly as it’s chemical-free!
3. Window Cleaning Techniques Matter
How you clean your windows is just as important as what you clean it with. There is a specific way to clean your windows, ensuring you get the results possible. Here is an effective three-step approach that ensures your windows are cleaned and shined to perfection:
- Rub off any current dirt and dust – Make sure you give your windows a quick dust-off, so there is nothing there that can impact the cleaning process.
- Soak up the windows – Apply the homemade warm cleaning fluid to the glass window from top to bottom. Make sure you truly soak it, so that every inch is covered.
- Wipe down the windows right to the left, then up and down – Start wiping down your windows with a sponge or dry cloth, first horizontally, then vertically. A smart move would be to let each stroke overlap the previous one, so that there are no marks left behind! Ensure you dry your sponge or cloth after each wipe. You can do this step numerous times until the window is cleaned.
- Use your squeegee blade – A fantastic tool that pushes off all the soap and water off your windows. The best tip would be to work your way down with the squeegee to direct excess water down. Much like when you wipe down your windows, do the same thing here: let each stroke overlap the previous one, so that there are no marks left behind!
- Dry it and shine it! – Grab your microfibre cloth and then dry the corners of the windows, so that it’s dry. Keep going until your window has that brand-new shine to it.
4. Start from the Inside Before Moving Out
This goes without saying, but you have to start indoors before making your way to the outside of your windows. Only by cleaning both sides of the windows can you get the best results.
However, while cleaning your windows inside your home is easy; outside might be a hassle, particularly if the windows are out of reach. We do not recommend using a ladder to reach them, instead use a harness that holds you in case you fall. It’s best if you do with the help of a friend or family member. Do not do this alone.
If you cannot reach the windows and do not wish to risk your life, then we recommend hiring a professional window washing company (https://coolglasswindowcleaning.ca). They have the tools and experience to handle all outdoor window cleaning.
5. Multiple Window Washings Work Best
The worst thing you can do is wash your windows once – and then leave them dirty until the following spring. The best course of action would be to clean your windows every few weeks in the spring and summer (dust and dirt tend to pick up) and once or twice during the winter months. This ensures that your windows are always in good condition, shiny, and in good condition.
