Keeping windows clean is a must for homeowners, but if you are unsure of how to clean them, there are a few tips you can follow. Using the right cleaning materials can go a long way in keeping your windows looking spotless. Micro-fibre cloths, newspaper, Vinegar, and a squeegee are a few items you will want to have on hand.
Micro-fibre cloths
Micro-fibre cloths are a great alternative to paper towels for window cleaning. The micro-fibers in these cloths are so tiny, they can attach themselves to dirt particles, absorbing seven times their weight in soil! These cloths are reusable and can be washed many times. You can use them for cleaning both windows and other surfaces in your home, making them a cost-effective and safe option.
Micro-fibre cloths can be used with normal cleaning agents. The Casabella Micro-fibre Glass Cloths are perfect for cleaning glass surfaces and mirrors. They offer effective absorption and will not scratch or rub the glass. In addition to micro-fibre cloths, you can also use a hand towel to wipe excess water off the glass. These cloths can be used for other surfaces too – they are durable and easy to fold.
Micro-fibre cloths are available in various colours and designs. They are designed to be reusable and can be washed over 500 times. They can be washed in the washing machine without bleach.
Newspaper
If you want to clean your windows without having to use harsh chemicals, use a simple solution of water and vinegar. If you’re concerned about wet ink, wear rubber gloves. Although newspaper has been used for window cleaning since the 1800s, critics say it’s not as effective as it was a few decades ago. Ink on newspapers used to be petroleum-based, but in the early 2000s, most newspapers switched to soy-based ink.
Newspapers have a rough texture that can scrape away stains from windows. Soft cloths don’t have the same scraping action and require more rubbing to remove streaks. Furthermore, crumpled paper eventually gets soggy, reducing its effectiveness. Plus, it takes up a lot of time, and can leave lint behind.
If your windows are streaky or have a medium amount of dirt, you can try using newspapers to clean them. You can also use a chalkboard eraser to wipe away any streaks.
Vinegar
When cleaning your windows, use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to get the job done. You can use this solution on most windows, including the ones that are on the top of your cabinets or on the inside of your refrigerator. Larger windows may require you to use a mixture of two cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar. You can also add a dash of dish detergent to the mixture to give it more cleaning power.
You can also use the vinegar solution to clean window tracks. Fill a bucket with warm water and add one cup of white vinegar. Soak a sponge in the solution and wipe it across the window in a sweeping motion, avoiding any streaks or spots. Make sure to wipe off any excess water quickly. If needed, use q-tips to remove any loose dirt. The vinegar solution will lift any remaining dirt that may have clung to the window tracks.
Another way to use vinegar for window cleaning is to combine vinegar with baking soda. This mixture will keep the window tracks from smearing around dirt.
Squeegee
When you’re cleaning the windows in your home, you’ll want to make sure to use a squeegee. This tool works best when the blade touches the glass directly, rather than the edges. Use a damp cloth to wipe the blade, and tilt the squeegee so that the top two inches are in contact with the glass. When you’re finished, pull the squeegee downward to two to three inches below the bottom edge of the window.
A squeegee is one of the most basic window cleaning tools available. Using a squeegee is easy to do, but you’ll want to make sure you know the right technique. When cleaning large windows, divide the glass into sections. It’s important to avoid cleaning all sides at once as this can cause the solution to dry too quickly. For a window that’s a few feet long, begin by overlapping the middle of the glass. Once you’ve finished cleaning the entire window, you’ll want to use the squeegee glove to scrub the glass.
While a squeegee can be used to clean windows, it’s important to keep in mind that too much pressure can leave streaks. Often, you’ll have to repeat the cleaning process several times to remove all the cleaning solution. Squeegees with a fanning motion are more effective because they help avoid streaking. It is also essential to ensure that the squeegee blade is clean and straight. Keeping the blade straight helps to prevent the rubber from tearing the frame. In addition to window cleaning, squeegees can be used to clean doors and shower walls.
