Now that Spring is here, it’s time to get started on those cleaning projects you’ve been putting off all Winter. One of the most tedious tasks is cleaning your windows. So many nooks, crannies and crevices that get full of dirt and debris from the long winter months in Western New York.
The gloomier the day, the better.
The first step is to make sure that you are cleaning your windows on a dry, cloudy day? Luckily those come in big supply here, but you may ask why? The sun will dry the cleaner onto the hot windows leaving streaks that are hard to remove which makes matters worse. If you need to get the job done immediately, start on the shadier side of your home.
Dirt and dust be gone.
Before you begin, be sure to get rid of any dirt and debris from the window frame and sill with a brush (a small paint brush would work great here) or vacuum with the dusting attachment. By taking the extra prep step this will prohibit the dirt and grime from turning into a muddy mess when mixed with any cleaning solution. This is also a great time to wash your screens and allows you to clean the corners of the window frame. Fill a big tote with hot water a touch of dish soap, put the screens in, let them soak then when you’re done cleaning the frame and sills, the screens will be ready to get rinsed with the hose.
If you have shades and blinds a quick way to get rid of dust is to open the slats and grab a wet cloth, let dry, then go over with a microfiber duster.
While you’re at it, refresh your curtains and throw them in the dryer with a dryer sheet. They will come out fresh and clean.
Choose the right cleaner and don’t be scared to spray a lot.
If your windows look extra dirty, definitely don’t hold back on the cleaning solution. You want to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely wiped away. If you skimp on the spray you’ll see nasty streaks on your window and the frame - yuck! There are a variety of suitable cleaners on the market- choose one that works best for your household.
Break it down.
Window cleaning is a tedious task so be sure to divide it room by room so it’s not so overwhelming. When you’re cleaning, wipe down one side of the window horizontally and the other one vertically. If you still see streaks, you’ll know the grime is on the outside of the window at which point you can move onto the next window.