Effortlessly Cleaning Exterior Windows on Your Own
In preparation for the upcoming summer heat, it's essential to ensure your windows are spotless and ready to let in the sunlight. Here's a comprehensive guide on cleaning both exterior and interior windows using homemade and store-bought solutions.
Homemade Cleaning Solutions
For a natural, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach, consider these homemade solutions:
- Vinegar and water (1:1 ratio): Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution dissolves grime and leaves glass sparkling with minimal streaks.
- Rubbing alcohol and distilled water: For a streak-free finish, combine rubbing alcohol with distilled water and use a microfiber cloth for wiping.
- Baking soda and lemon juice paste: Use this for tough spots or greasy residue by applying as a paste and scrubbing gently.
- Club soda spray: Great for routine shine and grime removal without harsh chemicals.
- Adding cornstarch to vinegar solution can help minimize streaks further. Adding essential oils, like lemon or lavender, can provide fragrance and antibacterial properties.
Store-bought Cleaning Solutions
While reputable commercial window cleaners advertised to be streak-free are convenient, many opt for homemade solutions due to concerns over chemical exposure from products like Windex.
Cleaning Tools and Techniques
- Microfiber cloths: Preferred for both interior and exterior cleaning because they trap dirt without leaving lint or streaks.
- Newspapers: Can be used with vinegar solutions for wiping windows streak-free, especially indoors.
- Squeegee: Essential for exterior windows to remove excess cleaner and water efficiently. Use smooth, overlapping strokes from top to bottom. Wipe the squeegee blade with a dry microfiber cloth after each pass to avoid streaks. Dry edges with a cloth afterward.
- Extension pole with squeegee or microfiber pad: Recommended for hard-to-reach exterior windows.
- Lint roller: Useful for cleaning window screens before washing glass to remove dust and pollen.
- Magic Eraser: For stubborn grime and build-up; wet slightly and scrub gently.
Cleaning Steps Summary
- Dust and remove loose dirt and cobwebs using a dry microfiber cloth before applying any cleaning solution.
- Spray the solution evenly (vinegar-water mix or commercial cleaner) on the glass.
- For interior windows, wipe using microfiber cloths or newspaper.
- For exterior windows, use a squeegee in sections from top to bottom, wiping the squeegee blade regularly.
- Clean the window frame and tracks with sponge brushes and possibly baking soda and vinegar mixtures for tough dirt.
- Rinse exterior windows with a hose spray first if very dirty.
By following these guidelines, you can achieve clean, streak-free windows inside and out while reducing chemical exposure and saving costs. Happy cleaning!
[1] https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Windows [2] https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/expert-advice/how-to-clean-windows-the-easy-way [3] https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-windows-2132506 [4] https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/cleaning/cleaning-tips/how-to-clean-windows/ [5] https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-windows-inside-and-out-with-vinegar
Use these homemade cleaning solutions to maintain a sparkling lifestyle, especially during the home-and-garden season, as part of your summer preparation. To ensure thorough cleaning, follow the provided cleaning steps summary for both interior and exterior windows, utilizing microfiber cloths and careful techniques.
