Cleaning windows can be a tedious chore many people avoid doing, notes Dawson, one of the best property management companies Charlotte, NC. Over time, windows accumulate dirt, grime, streaks, and smudges that can make them look unappealing and allow less natural light into your home. But with the right tools and techniques, you can make your windows crystal clear again! In this article, we’ll share some quick and simple cleaning hacks to help you banish grime and restore sparkle to your windows.
Vinegar and Water
Cleaning your window at home is not only straightforward but also highly efficient. All you need is a blend of white vinegar and water in equal proportions. The vinegar effortlessly tackles stubborn grease and grime while the water washes away smoothly. Mix the solution in a spray bottle, apply it directly to windows, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or scrunched-up newspaper. The vinegar smell dissipates quickly once it is dry. For those extra tough, dirt-laden windows, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping, allowing the vinegar to perform its cleaning magic.
Squeegee
A squeegee is a must-have for streak-free windows. After washing the windows with a sponge and cleaning solution, use the squeegee to wipe off any excess water and soap. Pull the squeegee down in straight, overlapping lines, and make sure to squeegee to the edges of the window to prevent drips.
Ammonia
For windows that seem to haven’t been cleaned in decades, ammonia is just what you need to remove stubborn, powerful grease and dirt. Mix 1⁄4 cup of ammonia into a bucket of warm water. Then dip a sponge mop or scrub brush into the solution and scrub the exterior of the windows. Let the ammonia solution sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with fresh water. Never mix ammonia and vinegar solutions, as this creates toxic fumes.
Sprinkle on Baking Soda
Baking soda not only deodorises, it’s also a tremendous mild abrasive for scrubbing off built-up gunk on windows. Sprinkle some baking soda directly onto a damp microfiber cloth or soft brush. Scrub the paste into the glass, then rinse. The baking soda particles will provide enough grit to remove dirt and residue without scratching the glass.
Newspaper
For streak-free drying and polishing, nothing beats scrunched-up newspaper. The smooth, absorbent paper collects moisture and buffs the glass without lint or streaks. Use a balled-up newspaper to polish your windows after cleaning with vinegar, soap, or ammonia solutions. You’ll be rewarded with gleaming, streak-free windows.
Coffee Filters
Coffee filters are the perfect disposable wipes for a quick window-cleaning session. Simply dampen some coffee filters with water or your favourite cleaning solution and wipe down window panes. The filters pick up dirt, dust, and other gunk without leaving lint or residue behind. Coffee filters are also great for reaching into the corners and crevices of window frames.
Corn Starch
For lightly dusty windows, you can skip the liquid cleaners entirely. Simply mix cornstarch with salt and use it as a dry rubbing compound. Sprinkle a small amount on a dry microfiber cloth and rub in circular motions. The corn starch will remove dust and light grime, while the salt provides just enough grit. Rinse with plain water or wipe down with a vinegar solution afterwards.
Hire a Professional Window Cleaner
Cleaning windows may seem like a simple task that anyone can do, but there are good reasons to hire professional window cleaners instead of doing it yourself. Professionals have specialised equipment and tools to reach and clean hard-to-access areas. They use ladders, hoses, squeegees, and cleaning solutions designed specifically for windows. Doing the job yourself often means working with inadequate materials like paper towels and all-purpose cleaners.
Professionals also know the proper techniques to clean windows without leaving streaks, smudges, or drips. They’re trained to clean the glass and the tracks and frames thoroughly. An inexperienced person may miss spots or even damage window components. Plus, professionals work efficiently and can finish the job much faster than a homeowner could.
Improperly using ladders or working from heights can lead to dangerous falls and injuries. And professionals have insurance that protects your home from damage. Hiring a professional window cleaning service is worth the investment for both quality results and safety. They have the tools, techniques, and experience to sparkle your windows.
Let the Sunshine in
Here’s a simple trick to skip the window cleaning chore entirely – maintain their cleanliness with the power of sunlight! During dry, sunny weather, open all your window coverings and let the sunlight shine directly onto the glass for a few hours. The UV rays in sunlight act as a natural disinfectant and help break down grime. Close the windows when the glass is warm. As it cools down, you’ll notice condensation forming on the glass, which helps wash away dust and dirt. A quick wipe-down afterwards leaves windows sparking clean!
The Verdict
Keeping your windows streak-free and crystal clear doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore. You can do the job quickly with a few basic supplies and easy DIY cleaning hacks. Though a DIY approach may seem cheaper initially, you likely need the proper tools, techniques, or cleaning solutions to clean every inch of glass thoroughly. Window cleaning companies in Gold Coast have invested in specialised equipment like ladders, hoses, and squeegees that allow them to safely and efficiently access hard-to-reach areas on tall windows to remove stubborn dirt and grime without leaving behind streaks or residue.
