Get Your Windows Clean as a Whistle!

Spring has sprung and that for sure means the “Honey-Do List” is growing by the day! To keep your home shining like the best jewel on the block, don’t forget to clean off all of the dirt, dust, and grime that the Fall and Winter seasons caked upon your windows. Hopefully you remembered to do this process in the fall, as well!

Here is a refresher list of the best, most efficient way to get your windows sparking in the sun again:

• Don’t forget to PRE-CLEAN!

Pre-cleaning your windows to free them of stains and build-up is an important first step. The outside of your windows have been exposed to all sorts of nasty elements such as debris and bird droppings. And the inside of your windows are probably covered in caked-on apple sauce finger prints from your toddler, yuck!

• Stubborn Stains: You can buy cleaners that are designed for this type of job or you can use good old vinegar. Spray or rub on and let the cleaner work its magic for at least 5 minutes. Rub and wipe the stain away and proceed.

• Screen Time: Gently lift off all of the exterior screens from the frame of the window or door, lay them out, and vacuum away on the front and back sides. Then either wipe them down with a sponge and cleaning solution mixed of water with a bit of vinegar or dish soap, or pop them back into place before the next step to be rinsed.

• Exterior Rinsing: Be sure to close all of your windows and doors for this one! Then take your hose and blast away! Give all of the exterior windowed areas a good, thorough soaking to cut away the dirt and grime.

• Interior Vacuuming: Clean out the tracks of the windows and doors using a vacuum and a dampened rag. This is important to do before the actual cleaning otherwise you’ll be spreading around this dirt when the real cleaning starts.

• Gather Supplies

A few more basic supplies you’ll need for the actual cleaning are:

• Cleaning solution (bucket with 2 gallons of water and one teaspoon of dishwashing soap)
• Large towel or drop cloth to protect inside floors
• Sponge
• Rubber Squeegee for drying
• Clean cloth or rag

Cleaning:

• When inside, lie the large towel or drop cloth below the area you’re working on to catch any dirty liquid.
• Use a sponge for smaller and paned windows, and your squeegee for larger windows.
• If windows are high, use an extension pole for the squeegee.
• Wash and then dry each window before moving on to the next one to avoid streaks.
• Drying tips: for small windows use the rubber-blade on the squeegee to wipe water vertically (top to bottom). For large picture windows use the rubber-blade horizontally (side to side). Be sure to overlap each stroke to avoid streaking.
• Use your clean cloth or rag to wipe up any excess water to avoid damaging the frame.

Cleaning your windows is that simple! The time it will take varies on several factors like if you plan on doing both inside and out, and if you have more than one story in your home, and the number of windows you have. Estimate a few hours to a day. But the time you spend twice a year will be sure to keep your home looking great all year.

While cleaning your windows, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear. Windows that no longer function properly can cost you a lot of money in heating and cooling, and a lot of other problems. If you see signs that it is time to replace your windows for more efficient ones, give Rusco Windows a call for a free estimate!