You may think that you already know everything there is to know about cleaning the windows of your home. After all, how difficult can it be?
If you’ve ever finished up washing your windows and stepped back to admire your hard work, you know that it’s not as easy as it sounds! You may be disappointed to discover that instead of a clear view through clean windows, what you mostly see are streaks.
One secret to washing windows is to ditch the paper towels and spray bottle. Paper towels can easily shred as you wipe the window leaving behind a trail of paper bits and fuzz. They are also more likely to cause smudges…and leave the impression that you didn’t clean the window at all.
Instead, purchase a simple 12 inch squeegee with a rubber edge. Some squeegees even have attachments so that you can reach the tops of higher windows without having to use a step stool or ladder. You can use whichever brand of commercial window cleaner you prefer or go with an non-toxic and eco-friendly recipe you make yourself with household ingredients.
Make sure to replace the rubber edge on your squeegee regularly for optimum results. After you apply the cleaner of your choice, start at the top of the window and gently yet firmly move the squeegee in a horizontal motion. Use a rag to catch drips along the edge of the window so that your flooring and window trim stay dry.
If you have double hung windows, you may be confused about how to even get started washing them. Even if the installer showed you what to do, it can be bewildering to remember everything needed to properly wash them. The good news is, once you learn how and do it a couple of times, it’s really not difficult. These windows are specifically designed for your convenience.
Here’s a quick how-to reminder for washing Andersen double hung windows:
Step 1: Raise the bottom sash and locate the plastic clips on either side of the track. Slide the clips down until they click into place and then pull the sash firmly toward you. Rest the lower window sash on a stool or chair and then raise the plastic clips back to the top of the window.
Step 2: Lower the top window sash until it’s just above the bottom sash. Locate the sliding clips in the top window sash’s frame. Slide these clips toward the center to release the window so that you can pull that window toward you and gently rest it on the bottom sash.
Step 3: You can now apply window cleaner and use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to clean the surface of the top window sash that’s facing you.
Step 4: With both window sashes open, spray silicone lubricant on the window tracks and be sure to apply the lubricant to both the top and bottom tracks.
Step 5: Lift the top window sash back into the track. It will click into place. From here, clean the surface of the top window sash which is now facing you with cleaner and squeegee or cloth. Move down to the lower window sash– still resting on a chair or stool– and wash the surface facing you.
Step 6: Lift the lower window sash back into the frame. Be sure to lower the sash to release the safety brake. After the sash is secure, clean the lower surface facing you.
Step 7: Take a step back and enjoy the beautiful, crystal clear view and a job well done!
You must be logged in to post a comment.