Crystal clear windows make us happy. This is real. Gleaming, streak-free windows are on most people’s bucket lists, and they make us happy when we know they’re clean — in fact, clean windows topped surveyed cleaning satisfaction, behind floors, toilets, Countertops and showers (mirrors fall near the bottom of the list though – we really don’t mind those dusty ones). When windows aren’t clean, they’re the last thing we want to clean when spring rolls around—at least for 72 percent of us [sources: Sansoni, Sansoni].
Provide sunshine to apartment dwellers who don’t have a window cleaning service with these window cleaning tips. First, you need a vacuum.
1. Vacuum Tube
Just as you’ll spend extra time prepping your space before starting a paint job, a little prep before you wash your windows may reduce the amount of scrubbing you’ll need to do.
Use a vacuum first before using your cleaning solution—if you have an apartment-friendly, space-saving handheld vacuum or dusting brush attachment, now is the time to put it to work. Vacuum (or sweep) the entire window, including corners, screens, and windowsills. While vacuuming won’t help remove water stains, mineral deposits, and grime from the glass, doing so will help prevent dust and debris that has built up around the window frame from scratching (or worse, scratching) when you clean it. damage) window glass. Use a cotton swab dampened with a little white vinegar to clean any dirt in the corners.
If your apartment windows have blinds or drapes, take them off before cleaning — maybe give them a good vacuum too.
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2. Don’t Wash Window On Sunny Days
While you may think you need a sunny day to see the most streaks and grime build up on your windows, when you clean your glass in the sun you actually get more streaks – which is not the same as your desired result The opposite result. Here’s what happens: If you apply cleaning fluid to glass that feels warm to the touch, those hot window panes can cause the fluid to dry too quickly, leaving streaks.
3. Squeegee
One of the best tools for cleaning windows is not — contrary to what many of us use — a roll of paper towels, but a scraper. This is used by professionals, and the correct use of a scraper to clean the inside of a window won’t cause a lot of wet stains.
First, you need to choose the right size tool for your space and the windows you are cleaning. You can use a 10- to 12-inch (25.4 to 30.5 cm) rubber squeegee to clean most windows, as well as windows with muntins (bars of wood or other materials that make up the grid that separates the windows) or narrow windows, by cutting The metal ends of the incorrectly sized scrapers were custom fitted so that there was a quarter-inch (a little over half a centimeter) gap between each end and the edge of the window pane Attach the extension rod to the squeegee so that the window is not too high to reach.
Although you may not need to wash your windows more than a few times a year (if that’s the case), you can still use a squeegee; use it as part of your bathroom cleaning tool to clean glass shower doors.
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4. Choosing the Right Window Cleaner
In bottles in the cleaning aisle, you’ll find glass cleaners that promise no streaks—but what they don’t tell you is that these results often come with one problem: lots of elbow grease.
You don’t need to buy a special glass cleaner, though the best one is a non-abrasive window cleaner — you probably already have one in your apartment that’s strong but gentle enough to do the job. Soapy window cleaners—for example, a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of warm water—remove dirt and grease, and work well with your indoor scraper technique (and it’s also safe to use on back. fire glass). When you use soap or lather, remember: the less you use, the better. Used too much, these products can cause soapy residue to build up on windows, causing streaks and dull, dirty glass.
A one-to-one ratio of vinegar to water will also make glass sparkle and can be used in place of soapy cleaners (though it may not smell as good).
5. Perfect Your Washing Technique
Using a scraper to clean the inside of a window means organizing techniques to avoid puddles and drips from accumulating on windowsills and floors while cleaning. It’s important to keep window cleaning fluid away from woodwork as it can damage the finish and it’s best to avoid wipe-and-wipe (a few strategically placed towels before you start can make a big difference in your fight). different) to prevent dripping). Use the least amount of water to do the job – and keep the blade of the scraper from getting too wet by wiping or shaking off excess from the blade and placing it on a dry surface rather than in a bucket of water
For best results, clean with a new blade; when your rubber blade edges fray, crack, or no longer seem to clean well, buy a replacement rubber blade – and wipe up any drips that may have occurred.
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6. Dry with a soft cloth
Note to renters: You can avoid moving out costs by sanding any minor scratches on the window glass yourself before the lease ends.
Chances are you already have what you need for the job: Toothpaste with baking soda or any non-gel toothpaste is your best bet for wiping out tiny scratches. And the technique is simple – you need clean windows, a tube of toothpaste, and three clean cloths. Start by applying a small amount of the paste to a soft cloth and gently rub the scratch (in a circular motion) for about 30 seconds. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and dry with a lint-free cloth
Baking soda can be used as an all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner, and because it’s a mild abrasive, it can be used in place of toothpaste—just mix a thick paste (about 3:1 small soda and water), and use as above.
Polishing is also important to remove any stubborn stains that may have built up over the years.
7. Polish With Paste
You can avoid relocation costs by sanding any minor scratches on the window glass yourself before the lease ends.
Chances are you already have what you need for the job: Toothpaste with baking soda or any non-gel toothpaste is your best bet for wiping out tiny scratches. And the technique is simple – you need clean windows, a tube of toothpaste, and three clean cloths. Start by applying a small amount of the paste to a soft cloth and gently rub the scratch (in a circular motion) for about 30 seconds. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and dry with a lint-free cloth
Baking soda can be used as an all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner, and because it’s a mild abrasive, it can be used in place of toothpaste—just mix a thick paste (about 3:1 small soda and water), and use as above.
8. Remove labels, stickers and decals from glass
Homemade glass cleaners create sparkle that rivals chemical cleaners without the worry of bringing toxic, harmful chemicals into your home. Distilled white vinegar (or lemon juice) and warm water—mix them together in equal parts—not only will keep windows streaky, but the vinegar will also break down any residue or grease on the surface of the window.
You can also make your own glass cleaning wipes, perfect for touch-ups, using a homemade glass cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol with two cups water, then pour half of it onto a roll of cut paper towels. Store in a zippered bag.
9. Use a homemade, non-toxic glass cleaner
Homemade glass cleaners produce sparkling effects comparable to chemical cleaners without the worry of bringing toxic, harmful chemicals into your home. Distilled white vinegar (or lemon juice) and warm water—mix them together in equal parts—not only will keep windows streaky, but the vinegar will also break down any residue or grease on the surface of the window.
You can also make your own glass cleaning wipes, perfect for touch-ups, using a homemade glass cleaner: Mix half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of isopropyl alcohol with two cups of water, then pour half of it onto a roll of cut paper towels. Store in a zippered bag.
