Regularly cleaning your home and its major appliances will extend their useful life. Removing dirt, dust and debris reduces the stress on your home’s construction materials and appliances, helping them run better and last longer. Having a spring cleaning routine is a simple and easy way of ensuring you stick to an effective cleaning routine. It should include everything from the major appliances to the deepest corners of your kitchen and bathrooms.
One area that gets most often forgotten is the windows and doors. This guide will show you how to keep your windows and doors clean.
Plan to Clean in Spring
Spring is the best time to clean your windows and doors because it’s between the coldest winter months and the hottest summer months. Choose an overcast or cloudy day to prevent the sun from heating the exterior of your home and evaporating the water too quickly. A cloudy day also makes it easier to see the dirt or gunk that needs to be cleaned off. If there are no cloudy days in your area’s forecast, another option is to wash your windows and doors early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Use the Right Cleaning Tools
You will need several tools to make the task of cleaning easier. Consider the size of your windows when determining if you need a step stool, step ladder, standard ladder, or extension ladder. It can also be useful to have a scrub brush on an extension rod to help you reach the highest corners.
- Bucket
- Two sponges
- Clean water
- Ladder
- Squeegee
- Clean towels
When washing the towels you plan to use, skip using fabric softener. You don’t need the softener because you aren’t planning on using them on yourself. The softener also reduces the towel’s ability to absorb water and leaks streaks on the glass.
Homemade Cleaning Solution
Powerful chemicals may seem tempting but can damage the landscaping around your home. Instead, use an eco-friendly formula for washing your windows, such as a vinegar solution. You can make your own by mixing one part vinegar with two parts water in a bucket.
Heavy Duty Cleaning Power
If you have never cleaned your windows, you will need more cleaning power to clear off years of built-up dirt. Try preparing a paste of 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and vinegar, and add one tablespoon of cornstarch. Use it to scrub the windows. You can then rinse clean and they’ll be streak-free.
Clean Strategically
You’ll need to clean both the inside and outside of your windows and doors. This can lead to an endless cycle of wiping streak marks. To make the process easier, use a vertical motion on the outside of the window and a horizontal motion on the inside. Then, when you see a streak, you’ll immediately know whether it’s on the inside or outside of the window.
Exterior Window and Door Cleaning
Start cleaning the exterior of your windows by rinsing them. Then use your cleaning solution and sponge to scrub the windows. Don’t forget about the corners and frame. Once you’ve removed all of the dirt, tree sap, or mildew, you can rinse the window clean. To prevent water spots, use the squeegee to remove the remaining water. Wipe down the frame and soak up any remaining water with your microfiber towel. Don’t forget to rinse and scrub the screens before putting them back on the window.
As you are washing the windows and doors, this is your opportunity to inspect them. Check the frame for gaps around the outside, loose glass panes, or signs of rotting in the wood. You can then decide whether you can make repairs or they need a full replacement.
Interior Window and Door Cleaning
Once you are done with the outside of your home, you can head inside and clean the inside of your windows and doors. To prevent making a mess, lay a large towel underneath the window to absorb excess water and spills. Use your vacuum to remove any dust or cobwebs. Then use your sponge and bucket of cleaning solution to wash the glass and frame. You want the sponge to be wet enough to effectively clean but not so wet that it drips everywhere and makes a mess.
Use either the squeegee or your microfiber cloth to dry the window and frame, removing any extra water. Don’t use paper towels or newspapers. Paper towels leave streaks, and newspaper leaves ink marks. Both also build up an electrical charge on the window’s surface, which can actually attract more dirt and dust to your windows. Perform the same inspection of the window as you did on the outside. This lets you identify any areas that need repair or entire windows that need replacement.
Benefits of Spring Cleaning Your Windows
Not only does spring cleaning your windows and doors help to extend their useful life, but there are several other benefits of this yearly cleaning task. It gives you a chance to get up and close with your windows and doors, letting you assess their condition. Now you’re alerted to repair or maintenance requirements. You can make the necessary repairs to help your windows and doors work smoothly. Eliminating leaks can also reduce your home’s energy costs. Finally, clean windows and doors help your home feel more welcoming by letting more light in. Your curb appeal will improve when your front door is clean.
Keep Your Windows and Doors Clean
When the sun starts to come out again, temperatures begin to rise, and spring is around the corner, it’s time to plan your spring cleaning routine. One of the most important tasks on this list is to wash your windows and doors. This is your chance to inspect their condition and remove any mildew or dirt buildup. If you find damage on your windows or doors, then spring is the perfect time to have them repaired. Schedule an estimate with one of our skilled team members today.