How to Clean Windows: Handy Tips and Tricks for a Brighter View

How easy would it be if there was some magic trick to make your windows gleam with just the snap of your fingers? Sadly, we don’t live in an alternate universe of fairy tales. We need to do some work in order to get the shiny look back to our windows.

Perhaps you’re wondering how often to clean your windows. Or maybe you want to know what the best way to wash windows is. Either way, the professional window cleaners at Fantastic Services have the answers.

So, here you will find the best practical window cleaning tips and tricks – from eco-friendly methods to advice on how to save yourself from making mistakes.

If you:

• Are thinking of cleaning your windows;
• Want to know what common mistakes to avoid;
• Are interested in the benefits of professional window cleaning,

Then keep reading! This article is for you.

How to clean your windows

Let’s start with the tools you’ll need:

Cleaning windows doesn’t have to be a tough job. Follow these simple steps to a clearer view:

1. Choose the right time.
   Pick a time when the sun isn’t falling directly onto the windows. Otherwise, the solution will dry out quickly, leaving unpleasant streaks.
2. Remove curtains, blinds and window screens.
   You’ll clean them separately later.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution.
   Mix an eco-friendly window cleaning solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Fill up one spray bottle and a small bucket with the mixture. The only disadvantage of this homemade window cleaner is you may not like the smell of vinegar. For more eco-friendly recipes, read our post on how to make a homemade window cleaner. There you will find 5 alternative recipes.
4. Spray.
   Spray down the window from top to bottom. Make sure it’s soaking wet.
5. Wipe the frame.
   Wipe down the frame first. Don’t skip this step, otherwise, all the dust and grime from the frame will get across the spotless glass.
6. Scrub the glass.
   Scrub the window gently with a mop or a window scrubber. That’s how you agitate all dust, dirt and stubborn stains and make them easier to remove.
7. Rinse.
   Soak up the sponge in the bucket and rinse the window thoroughly.
8. Scrape.
   Use a squeegee to scrape the solution off the glass with a fluid motion. You can either squeegee the window from top to bottom or you can use the professional “S” technique.
9. Wipe.
   Grab a clean towel and wipe the edges of the window frame and sills so there’s no water dripping. Wipe the blade of the squeegee from time to time to avoid streaks on the glass.

Dry.
Dry up the window with a microfibre cloth for a gleaming appearance before moving to the next one.

There are some important steps you need to consider when cleaning your windows on the inside and on the outside. You can add the following advice to your window cleaning to-do list.

How often should you clean your windows?

Experts recommend that you clean your windows every four to eight weeks.

How to clean windows outside

Now, cleaning your windows inside your home is usually a breeze, right? Everyone has done it at some point in their life. However, we can’t say the same about washing the exterior side of the glass pane, especially if you live high up in an apartment block, for instance. So, below, we’ll look at several proven methods of how to clean outside windows you can’t reach.

Get a magnetic window cleaner

There are different manual and robotic magnetic window cleaners on the market that use a similar principle. Each type is designed to clean windows of different thicknesses.

Here, we’ll talk about a manual glider-type of a magnetic cleaning device. This gadget is so much fun to use and is perfect for washing “high-up” windows. The tool has been created to solve the conundrum of people, who wonder how to clean exterior windows from inside. After all, no one wants to climb up a precarious ladder or wobble on their window ledge.

If you’ve never heard of this gizmo, this is how it works:

The device is made of two parts, which use microfibre cloths to clean both sides of the window at the same time. How? You put one part on the outside of the glass and the other – on the inside. Magnets hold both pieces together in place. For extra security and control, the device has a string with a ring that you can put on your finger.

The cleaning process involves spraying both sides of the glass with a window cleaning solution and moving the glider at a moderate pace across the interior pane, using the S-technique. Note that pushing the tool too quickly may cause the magnets to disconnect. You can also check out how it works in this video.

Use your good old mop

The mop window cleaning method can be used for exterior windows that can be reached from the ground. With some precautions, you can also apply the technique and clean your upstairs exterior windows from the inside. However, never try to lean dangerously out of your window or climb up on its ledge when performing the task.

Here’s how to clean exterior windows with a mop:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution.
   Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bucket.
2. Wash.
   Dip the mop into the mixture, squeeze out the excess liquid and wash the glass.
3. Change the mop head.
   Once most of the grime has been removed, replace the mop head with a microfibre sponge mop head.
4. Spray.
   Spray a streak-free window cleaning product onto the microfibre sponge/cloth.
5. Wipe.
   Wipe the outside window again with your device.
6. Dry.
   Additional drying of the glass usually isn’t necessary. Still, if you like, you can attach a dry microfibre cloth to the head and wipe the glass dry as a finishing touch.

Wash the windows with a hose

The hose window cleaning technique is a quick fix for washing dirty exterior windows, both from the inside and outside. Note that the method is not suitable if you live in a flat unless it’s located on the ground floor. Attach the hose to an outside or inside tap and spray down your exterior window, be it upstairs or downstairs. This way, you can wash a window that is out of reach from the inside.

Unfortunately, a hose would most definitely leave water streaks or marks on the glass. So, apply the drying technique with a mop handle we mentioned in our previous cleaning method.

Pre-cleaning your windows

Sometimes, when your windows have been neglected for a long time, you may need to pretreat them before washing them properly. If this is the case, here are some pre-cleaning tips and tricks that can help:

Clean stubborn stains

Exterior windows tend to get covered in all sorts of marks and stains on top of dirt accumulation, caused by dust, salt and hard minerals, mixed with acidic rainwater. Not to mention the regular instances of bird droppings that can cake the glass in an unsightly pattern.

So, check out the methods below on how to remove stubborn stains from your outside windows. Note that these tips are also applicable to eliminating all those sticky stains and fingerprint marks from your interior windows, too.

Then, wash the windows by applying your favourite cleaning method.

How to remove stickers from windows

Colourful stickers or decals that your kids have stuck on your windows are not that hard to remove. The same goes for any type of glue residue on the glass, left behind from wrongly scraped-off stickers. Here are some of the solutions you can use to remove a sticker from glass:

How to clean window screens

If you have window screens installed, they should be cleaned every time you decide to wash your windows.

1. Remove.
   First, remove the screens from the window.
2. Vacuum.
   Give the screens a good vacuuming to clean off any dust, cobwebs and other hard particles.
3. Spray.
   Spray the screens with a mixture of water and vinegar, or water and a mild dishwashing liquid.
4. Wipe.
   Wipe them down with a clean cloth.
5. Rinse.
   Thoroughly rinse the screens with clean water.
6. Dry.
   Air-dry the screens before putting them back on the windows.

Vacuum or dust inside windows

Cleaning inside windows with a vacuum cleaner before washing them will make the latter task much easier. Use an appropriate attachment to remove any cobwebs from the corners and the soft brush to clean up all the dust from the glass panel. You can do the same with ground-floor or balcony exterior windows if you wish.

How to clean window frames and sills

One of the most common types of frames nowadays is uPVC. Their colour alternatives differentiate but one of the most preferred options is white uPVC. Even though this colour variation makes the spots of dirt more visible, you can get rid of them very quickly, no matter how stubborn they are.

Read our full guide on how to clean uPVC window frames and sills and find for yourself the easiest method for maintaining the look of your windows. Follow the step-by-step process for impeccable results. You’ll see that the job is not that difficult and it will even help you save some time when doing your seasonal house cleaning.

How to clean wooden window frames

Wooden window frames should be cleaned a bit differently from uPVC ones. If they are very old, they might require additional maintenance such as painting, window frame staining and oiling. Here are some tips on how to clean wooden window frames.

What you need

Best method to clean wooden window frames

1. Sweep.
   Use a soft brush or polishing pad and mix it with some washing liquid of your choice.
2. Rinse.
   Take a clean bucket and lukewarm water. Dip the scouring pad into the bucket and wash off all the grime and dirt.
3. Wipe.
   Use a soft cloth to absorb the water and dry the frames.

Wooden frame cleaning tips

How to avoid the most common window cleaning mistakes

There are several things that might go wrong while cleaning windows. To avoid the most common window cleaning mistakes, you should:

How professional window cleaning can help you live a better life

You can save time and improve your life by hiring a professional window cleaner. Here’s why a specialist will get you better results:

Expert window cleaning by Fantastic Services

With all that said, there’s nothing more convenient than entrusting your window cleaning needs to the professional technicians at Fantastic Services. They are all equipped with the latest industry-grade tools and supplies to provide you with outstanding results.

The local pros are experienced, trained and fully insured to perform our window cleaning services all week round. Just contact us through the contact form on this website or get the GoFantastic app for an even easier booking experience.

Takeaways

• You should aim to clean your windows once every four to eight weeks.
• You can make a DIY cleaning solution using equal parts warm water and white vinegar.
• Magnetic window cleaners are a fun and effective way to clean the exterior of your windows.
• If your windows are especially dirty, you may need to pre-treat them.
• When cleaning wooden window frames, make sure you don’t drench the wood and soak up any excess water.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, newspapers and hazardous equipment.
• There are many benefits to professional window cleaning, including safety, guaranteed results and the use of proper equipment.

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So there you have it, your extensive guide on how to clean windows at home. Please, do leave a comment below if you have any feedback or other clever ways to leave windows spotless!

Image source: shutterstock / Wstockstudio