Cleaning your windows will help every room your home feel brighter this fall season!
Though spring and fall housecleaning can seem like an event from another generation, there are a few things around your home that benefit from a thorough bi-annual cleaning. And after the rainy Mid-Atlantic summer, you’ll find that clean windows will instantly make every room feel lighter and brighter! You might consider hiring someone to clean your windows, especially in older homes without the benefit and ease of a tilt-in feature, but let’s look at the best way to clean them from a DIY perspective.
Preparation
Move any furniture or decorative items out of the way to allow for easy access to your windows, and to protect your possessions. For this reason, it is also handy to lay down a protective sheet on the flooring surrounding the windows, especially if you have wood flooring.
Prepackaged or Homemade Cleaning Solutions?
It’s a common and much-debated question – some swear by the cleaning power of store-bought brands, while others find that making your own cleaning solution is effective and less expensive. Most professionals recommend a simple solution of lukewarm water and a small amount of dish soap. If you have buildup on the glass, you can add a little bit of vinegar to the solution to help cut through the dirt.
Clean on a Cloudy Day
Cleaning windows on a hot, sunny day will inevitably cause streaks to form, as your windows will dry too fast. Clean your windows on an overcast or cloudy day to avoid these unsightly marks.
Start with the Components
Remove all of your window screens and hose them off outside. Gently loosen dirt and grime from the screens’ frame with a small, soft toothbrush. Next, going room by room, vacuum the tracks and sills of each window. Again, a toothbrush can help loosen any debris in the frames’ corners and crevices.
Best Method for Cleaning Glass
Professionals recommend that you clean the outside edges of your windows first. Once you’ve rinsed this portion, you can work on the whole window from the outside in. Use a squeegee to wipe away any excess fluid. Finally, use a dry cloth to buff away any streaks, to leave your windows sparkling clean!
Design and Build Your Dream Home with Columbia Builders!
Columbia Builders is the home builder of choice in Howard County, offering homes in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Columbia, Marriottsville, Fulton, Clarksville, Dayton, and Brookeville. No matter what the size and scope of your project, we have the skills, experience, and resources needed to bring your vision to life. We offer a level of customization that is truly unmatched and are committed to using materials and craftsmen of the highest quality, so you can trust that your new home is built to last.
If you’re ready to invest in a home that is built with your needs in mind, trust in us. Give Columbia Builders a call today at 410-730-0215 or use our contact form here. You can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Houzz, and Youtube, and don’t forget to check back on our blog for more tips and information!