Methods for Cleaning Windows
Cleaning windows can be a long and arduous task; lucky for all of us there are several methods for cleaning windows. Taking a couple of swipes at a dirty window with an old tee shirt just does not get the results. Learn the secrets of pre-treating, newspaper, squeegees and good old-fashioned elbow grease. Get squeaky-clean, sparkling windows using these great tips and get the job done.
Pre-treat all you windows before you actually begin cleaning. Outdoor windows can gather an odd assortment of stains and indescribable spots such as tree sap or bird droppings. Clean messy bird droppings with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Use a solvent safe for glass to remove tree sap. To pre-treat common peanut butter and jelly hand prints from toddlers, use soapy water with a sponge. After spot treating, be sure and wipe the treated area with a rag, so that there is no residue left to streak or spot across the window.
Use newspaper and water. If your windows are just a little hazy and only slightly dirty try using crumpled newspaper and water. Vacuum or use a brush to remove dirt and debris from window frames before tackling the glass. This quick thinking will stop the muddy mess that travels down each side of the window frame if you do not clean them. Mist one sheet of newspaper with water and clean the window. Rub using a circular pattern until it is clean and dry. If it does not come clean, you may have to use a bit of glass cleaner on the newspaper.
Mix half water and half ammonia in a spray bottle and spray a lint-free rag to clean the window glass. Wipe the glass clean with the cloth. Avoid cleaning windows in bright sunlight. This causes windows to dry too quickly and they will streak.
- Save time washing exterior windows. If you have a lot of windows, spend a couple of dollars to get a squeegee to save time and elbow grease. Mix a couple of drops of dishwashing detergent to one gallon of water. Use a sponge and soapy water to clean windows. Apply the squeegee on the window horizontally to remove the water and clean the glass. Wipe the squeegee using a rag after every pass on the window.