Cleaning windows is like cooking broth – as many people, so many different ways. What is the best way to clean windows? Which preparation is the best? We present the most universal way to clean windows in 8 steps
Window cleaning is best done on a bright but not hot day. If you clean your windows in hot weather, you may notice unsightly streaks or dried up water droplets on the window panes – this is because they dry too fast.
When you choose the time of day to clean your windows, you must take into account their location. East facing windows should be cleaned in the afternoon and west facing windows should be cleaned by noon. When cleaning windows in winter, choose days without frost. In frosty weather, water will freeze on the windows.
To clean windows, prepare: a bucket or bowl with warm water and detergent such as dishwashing liquid, microfiber cloth, window squeegee, glass cleaner, dry cloth, tetra napkins or paper towels. Depending on your individual preferences, the equipment needed for window cleaning can be modified as desired.
Paper towels, newspaper, nylon tights and tetanus diapers are best for polishing windows.
There are at least a few preparations for cleaning windows. The simplest and most effective is warm water with a few drops of good quality washing-up liquid. Do not exaggerate with the amount of the liquid, as the water will foam too much, making it difficult to clean the windows properly. You can buy ready-made detergents or make your own.
If the windows are very dirty or dusty, it is best to use water with the addition of denatured alcohol (3 tablespoons of denatured alcohol to 1 liter of warm water) or ammonia (1 glass to 1 liter of warm water). Another homemade way is water with vinegar (mix in a ratio of 1:1), to such a solution you can pour a few drops of essential oil. A stronger ecological glass cleaner is made from 2 cups of water, ½ cup of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of salt – everything should be mixed together and poured into a bottle with a sprayer. Lemon juice mixed with water will also work well as a homemade glass cleaner.
If the windows and frames have been stained with concrete or plaster, it is best to wash them with linseed soap or liquid with linseed oil.
Before you start cleaning the windows, you need to prepare the space around them, that is, move away furniture, chairs and other furnishings that may hinder cleaning. The next step is to set up a ladder, pull down curtains and drapes, remove flowers and other things on the windowsill.
When the space around the window is cleaned, you can use a dust broom, cloth or soft brush to clean the windowsills of dust inside and out.
The effectiveness of window cleaning depends on the sequence of work and the choice of cleaning agent. Start cleaning from the window frames after you have opened the windows fully.
PVC window frames can be cleaned using both home and commercial products. If the frames have turned yellow, it is worth buying a special plastic cleaner to whiten them.
Water with a mild detergent such as wood cleaner is best for cleaning wooden window frames.
If there are tough stains on an aluminum frame, it is best to clean them with water and a mild detergent or kerosene. Do not clean such windows with preparations with an acidic pH or with ammonia – they may leave unsightly stains.
A soft cloth or a Teflon sponge is best for cleaning window frames. After washing the window frames, wipe them with a dry and clean cloth.
When the window frames have been washed, then you can proceed to the actual cleaning of the glass. If the windows are very dirty, it is advisable to wash them first with water and detergent and then with glass cleaner or water and vinegar. Windows should be cleaned from top to bottom, and then excess water should be removed with a rubber cloth.
The windows should be dried “freshly”, only then you can avoid spots or stains caused by water drops.
In order to avoid streaks on the windows after washing, you should polish them. A toweled diaper, paper towel, nylon tights or an old black and white newspaper is best for this purpose. When polishing the windows, use a figure-eight motion.
The final step is to wash the window sill inside and out. Water with a mild detergent and a soft cloth is best for cleaning PVC and aluminum window sills. Wooden window sills can be washed with water and wood preservative. To wash window sills made of clinker, brick and stone, use special detergents which can be bought in DIY stores.
