Window cleaning is an exhausting topic. Sometimes it feels like the more you clean, the more streaks show up so it can quickly get annoying. Worry not, we have the solution to make window cleaning a breeze by avoiding these six common mistakes.
Cleaning the windows is an important task that can be the difference between a sparkling clean home and just a clean home. Guests will appreciate the effort you put into cleaning the windows when they look outside and don’t see any marks or dirt providing a clear and beautiful view. Here are some things to avoid when cleaning the windows:
1. Using the wrong amount of cleaner
If you put too little of the cleaner in the cleaning water it results in the dirt not dissolving properly. On the other hand, if you use too much detergent, it will leave lots of residue on the glass. When using special cleaning agents for windows, you should pay close attention to the dosage recommendations listed on the product to avoid the above issues.
However, if you’re not using special cleaning agents than normal detergent would suffice. You have to be more careful and only use a few drops. If the local water contains too much lime, some vinegar cleaner or ammonia in the cleaning water will later prevent limescale. Don’t mix ammonia with other cleaning agents!
2. Not cleaning insect excrement properly
Insects leave behind dirt from their excrement that tends to stick to the windows and is very hard to remove. By working carefully we can remove this dirt without any issues. First, soften the stubborn areas with a wet sponge, be careful not to use the rough side used for dirty pans, then use the soft wide to wipe away the stubborn dirt areas.
3. Not cleaning the window frame
This one sounds pretty obvious, but some people forget to clean the frame around the window. If the frame isn’t cleaned then the dirt tends to get on the window causing them to get dirty over time. For plastic frames, you can easily use a wet cloth to remove the dirt. For more stubborn areas use the soft side of the sponge to remove the dirt.
4. Using a wet squeegee
Experts recommend wiping the rubber lip on the squeegee after every wipe and ensure that the squeegee is only used on wet areas. Pay attention to the rubber lip when using a squeegee – you want to make sure that the lip is straight and stable to get the best results.
Furthermore, ensure that the squeegee is being used properly by only moving in straight lines across the surface of the window and not zigzagging. If you don’t have a squeegee you can also use a microfiber cloth to remove the excess water after cleaning. Make sure to polish the window so that no streaks are left.
5. Leaving the windows wet and letting the water dry naturally
Using sunshine to clean windows is not recommended but it can be helpful because it lets you see the areas that need to be polished more clearly. However, if the windows are left to dry naturally than the water tends to trap dirt and this process is quicker with the sun shining directly on the window leaving behind unwanted streaks. It is advisable to quickly clean the windows if the sun is shining on them and make sure to dry with a squeegee or microfiber cloth right after.
6. Using the outdated newspaper trick
You might have heard of the old trick of using newspapers to clean the windows but this trick should be avoided. Newspapers do a good job of leaving the glass streak-free but the ink can leave unwanted black marks. A soft cloth is always preferred to using a newspaper and provides better results.
We hope that these tips can help you in cleaning those pesky windows and make the job a breeze so that you can give your home the shine it deserves.