Windows make our homes shine. They give us a way to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. That’s why keeping them clean is so important. If you want to avoid having to clean the glass again and again because you just can’t quite get off all the gunk, don’t despair! Here are four ways to get and keep that sparkle.
Choose Cloudy
Believe it or not, weather makes a difference. Just like how it’s advised to not wash a car in direct sunlight, you should avoid cleaning your windows in sunlight, too. This is because the heat of the sun will bake the cleaner, drying it faster than you can wipe it off, making it almost impossible to prevent streaks. If you live in a sunny area, start on the shady side of the house and clean your windows as the shadows move.
It Takes Two
Sometimes it’s going to take two passes before you’re set. Windows often attract more than just smudges. Dust and dirt also find their way to the glass, marring an otherwise beautiful view. Instead of spraying the window down with cleaner first, don’t be afraid to do a double or even a triple pass. Vacuum cleaners can pick up large particles while dust rags can remove the smaller.
Start Fresh
If the window is absolutely filthy, sometimes it’s time to look into window replacement. Cracks, scratches, and other unsightly details mean that the window probably needs to be replaced at that point. Remember, even though they are there to open your home up, they are also designed to be energy efficient and economical. A bad window means higher energy bills on top of a disrupted view.
Outside and Inside
Don’t forget to give those windows a scrub on the outside as well. Word to the wise, be sure to use only horizontal or vertical strokes for the outside and the opposite on the inside. This way, if you’re seeing streaks, you’ll know which side of the window is the offender and needs another pass or two.
Don’t let dirty windows ruin your days. Take charge and keep them sparkling rain or shine. Once you figure out the best way to achieve that streak-free shine, you’ll find window cleaning to be a lot easier and faster of a chore.
