Spring cleaning is upon us, and one great project to add to your Spring-cleaning routine is windows. With weather starting to clear and temperatures not too hot yet, Spring is the ideal time to get windows clean.

Time Your Cleaning Right

It may be obvious that cleaning exterior windows during rain or snow is a bad idea, but did you know that cleaning during really sunny and hot days is also not a great plan. Hot temperatures and sun beating on a window can dry the window too soon, causing streaks. An ideal temperature range for window cleaning is 64 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is best to clean on an overcast day. This will give you the best conditions for a truly clean and streak-free window.

Tools Needed

For interior windows, you’ll want the following:

  • Vacuum, duster, or cloth
  • A bucket
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Large bath towel
  • Microfiber cloth or sponge
  • Window cleaning solution (you can make your own by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts water)
  • Clean, lint-free towel or paper towels

For exterior windows, you’ll need the following:

  • Garden hose
  • A bucket
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Soft microfiber cloth and/or a mop
  • Window cleaning solution
  • Squeegee
  • Clean, dry towel

Cleaning Interior Windows

Before you begin cleaning an interior window, lay a large bath towel down below it to catch any spills and prevent water and cleaning solutions from getting on your flooring. Then use the following steps to clean:

  1. Remove dust from the window frame, tracks, sill, and blinds or shades with a vacuum, duster, or cloth. If you have curtains, remove and wash them.
  2. Fill your bucket with water and a couple of drops of liquid dish soap.
  3. Using your microfiber cloth or sponge, wipe the window down. Start at the top and work your way down. Don’t forget to wipe the frame.
  4. Spray the window thoroughly with your window cleaning solution, then use your lint-free towel or paper towels to dry the window. It is best to use a Z-shaped motion.
  5. If dirt or streaks remain, spray the window with the cleaning solution and dry again. Dirty windows typically require more than one round of spraying and drying.

Cleaning Exterior Windows

Before cleaning the windows, remove any window screens. Outside windows typically have more dirt on them than interior windows do, so you’ll want to start your cleaning by hosing them down to remove as much dirt as possible and help limit scrubbing needed. Once you have rinsed the windows with your hose, clean as follows:

  1. Fill your bucket with clean, cool water and a couple of drops of liquid dish soap.
  2. Using your microfiber cloth, wipe the window down. Again, you’ll want to start at the top and work your way down. For higher windows, use a mop on a pole.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with the hose.
  4. Spray or mop with window cleaning solution
  5. Use your squeegee to wipe the window dry. Angle the squeegee towards the bottom of the window and work from top to bottom. After each pass, wipe the squeegee with a clean, dry towel. For stubborn dirt and stains, saturate thoroughly with your window cleaning solution and let it stand for several minutes before drying.
  6. Before putting window screens back on windows, clean them by rinsing them with water, spraying with window cleaning solution, then spraying with water. Make sure screens are completely dry before reinstalling them.

Hard Water Stains

If you have hard water, you may end up with mineral stains from the water on your windows. If this is the case, you will need to use a commercial cleanser, such as CLR, to remove the mineral deposits. Carefully follow the instructions on the product for best results.

Other Repairs

While you are looking closely at your windows, this may be a good time to also do annual repairs to keep them operating efficiently and smoothly. Check caulking around the windows, both inside and out, and re-caulk any areas that need it. Inspect paint on window sills and around the window and fix any areas that may need repainting. If any windows are not opening and closing smoothly, apply oil-free lubricant.

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