Spring Cleaning for Your Windows

Published March 4, 2016
how to clean windows
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Lake Washington Windows

Are you ready for your annual spring cleaning this year? Whether allergies or relaxing in your home may require you to stay inside, the spring time brings in the sunshine from above, while the flowers are blooming below. In order to get a clear view from inside, make sure not to neglect cleaning your windows! Check out these two distinct ways to clean windows so that once you are inside your home, you can see how the grass is greener on the other side.

Shortcut Window Cleaning

Maybe you do not want to do extensive spring cleaning this season, but here is an easy shortcut to keep your window sparkling clean. Choose a clear day that is not breezy to achieve the best result.

Tools:

  • Plastic whisk broom
  • Windex (type: outdoor multi-surface concentrated cleaner that connects to a hose)
  • Hose
  • A warm water-filled bucket with added droplets of dish soap (advice: for everyone gallon of water, add just a drop of soap)
  • Cloths
  • Old sheet

Instructions:

  • First make sure the windows are all closed. Once you head outside, use the whisk broom to remove any debris from the screens. This will make the cleaning process easier as any remains will not get in your way.
  • Once cleared, connect the Windex multi-surface cleaner to a hose and discard the yellow plug. Start spraying the windows from a safe distance (at least five feet away). It is also important to remember that if you live in a two-story home, this now powered hose can reach even the second floor windows without the extra effort of using a ladder. When spraying the windows, move to a left to right and then an up and down motion to the frames.
  • Now switch the dial to “Clean” so that hose is now shooting soap. For approximately 30 seconds, let the soap sit.
  • Switch the dial to “Rinse” and clean off the soap on each window and once finished, go back and spray each window for an additional 10 seconds.
  • Now to uncover the windows, push the screens up and then repeat steps 2-4.
  • Lastly, take the bucket inside and set down the sheet to catch drips or spills. Now you can open the windows. After that, grab a cloth and put it in the cleaning solution. Once you wring it out, use the cloth to wipe the screens and then close the windows. With another cloth put into the cleaning solution and wrung out, start cleaning from the outside corners in with a circular motion.

This quick cleaning tip should take no more than 15 min for each window!

Detailed Window Cleaning

Maybe you want to go all out for spring cleaning and have the most spectacular spotless windows to enjoy that spring view. Here is the detailed version of spring cleaning to make sure your windows are cleaned to a T.

Tools:

  • Masking tape
  • Sharpie marker
  • Hose
  • Cotton cloths
  • Plastic whisk broom
  • Apron (preferably with pockets)
  • Plastic putty knife
  • Squeegee
  • Handy Ladder Pail (with droplets of dish soap/gallon of warm water)
  • Ladder (if you live in a two-story home or windows are placed high)
  • Old sheet
  • Invisible Shield Glass & Surface Protector

Instructions:

  • First, take the screens off of each window. With masking tape, label each screen and with a sharpie so that you can remember where each screen initially came from.
  • To clean the screens, set them down on the driveway and spray them with the Windex all- purpose cleaner connected to the hose.
  • With the plastic whisk broom, sweep the frames and the outside of the window.
  • Now put on the apron (this is when having an apron with pockets comes in handy!) keep a couple of cloths, the plastic putty knife and the squeegee inside of the pockets. Have the pail attached to the ladder and begin with the windows up top.
  • Use a cloth to soak in the bucket, wring it out and wash the first window in a circular motion. The best way to clean windows is from the outside corners in. Then, grab the putty knife to remove any grime or debris that is stuck.
  • Grab the squeegee and from the top, clean the window in an “S” shaped motion. With an extra dry cloth, clean any drips or left over spots.
  • Now you can detach the pail from the ladder and walk inside. Use the sheet and lay it down so that anything dripping from the pail will not spill. Use a cloth and squeegee to clean the rest of the windows (check steps 5 and 6).
  • Put the screens back on
  • Finally, implement the protector and copy the label directions from above. The reason for this is so that on the outside, rainwater will roll off and that results in less residue or debris sticking to the glass. On the other hand, the inside will now be able to make smudges come off easily with a cloth.

This extensive cleaning may be for the best, but this may possibly take all day to get these windows cleaned! Additionally, you could also have a professional window washer do the task for you and it will cost approximately $40-$60 an hour! Want to do even more spring cleaning around the house? Check out RealSimple to find out all the shortcuts to cleaning beyond your windows to make sure your home is in tip top shape!

Lake Washington Windows & Doors

Lake Washington Windows & Doors has extensive experience in new siding installation and complete dedication to customer satisfaction. We can help you choose the best new siding for your home, and get the job done right. Call or contact us online today to schedule a free in-home consultation!

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Written by Lake Washington Windows

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