As daylight dwindles earlier and earlier, we need to get all the light we can into our homes. Don’t let dirty windows deny you your needed Vitamin D! Instead, follow these simple tips for easily cleaning your windows and enjoy the sunlight from the warmth of your home!
Materials Needed:
- Vacuum with nozzle attachment
- Clean paintbrush
- Professional type squeegee with extra blades – forget the cheap ones you find at discount stores. They are not as effective and you have to replace the whole thing if you get even one nick.
- Cool, clear water – if the windows are very dirty you can add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar per gallon of water.
- Lint-free cleaning cloth (microfiber works well)
- Newspaper
- Rubbing alcohol
- Rubber Gloves (optional)
Instructions:
- Vacuum sills and use the paintbrush to get into the small corners — excess dust and water make mud, which is harder to clean out of the sills, so don’t skip this step!
- If there are spots on the runners in the sill, rub the surface with rubbing alcohol.
- Wet your lint-free cloth with water (or water and vinegar solution), wring out excess, and wipe the window to loosen dirt.
- Grab your squeegee. Start each squeegee in a dry spot (wipe a section with a dry cleaning cloth, if necessary to get started). Keep the squeegee blade dry by wiping it with a cleaning cloth after each stroke.
- Use newspaper to wipe down any remaining wet spots. You can wear gloves so that your hands don’t get covered in ink.
Tips:
- Wash windows on a cloudy, but not rainy day.
- Squeegee in a pattern from top to bottom or side to side. Use one pattern (horizontal or vertical) on the inside of the windows and the other on the outside of them. This way you will know which side the streaks are on!
- Replace the blade when necessary. Even the smallest nick can cause streaking.
Enjoy the view – it’s amazing how clean windows can make the world more beautiful!