Cleaning your windows is probably one of the easiest tasks there is in spring cleaning. But, how sure are you that you’re doing it right? And the most important question of all: are you doing it safely? Believe it or not, it’s not just high windows that could hurt you.So how can you stay safe while doing your spring cleaning? Follow these ten great tips!
1. Get the right materials
First things first! Always check if you have the right materials. What are the essentials? You’ll need a squeegee, your cleaning agent, and rags for drying. If you still don’t have them, get them and do a quality check. Make sure the squeegee does not leave marks or scratches on your windows. Also, check that the rags you have are absorbent and smooth so you don’t leave streaks and marks. On an additional note, make sure you cover your floors with rags as well to catch the drips while cleaning from the inside.
2. Get all your equipment together
Before cleaning, make sure you have all your equipment together so you don’t have to rush in and out of the house trying to get them. Keep them all in one place when you’re cleaning. Make sure also that you have the right amount of cleaning agent and endless supply of water. It’s always better to have too much than to have too little.
3. Wash the insides first
This is quite logical since the outside is much dirtier than the inside part. Clear all the things decorating your window like blinds and shades. You can clean them separately. If not detachable, clean them first before cleaning the inside part of the window. Make sure that your window treatment is detachable; you don’t want to do window repair right after cleaning, do you?
4. Use the right cleaning agent
People think that any cleaning agent or detergent will do. That’s not true! Please check your cleaning detergent if they are made specifically for windows. Some detergents leave streaky residue and could make your windows blurry. If you don’t want to deal with window replacement, check the cleaning agent!
5. Make your own cleaning agent!
You can always make your own window cleanser out of materials easily found in the house. These are guaranteed safe so you don’t have toworry about window repair later. The simplest solution is one part vinegar and two parts water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and you’re ready to go! Use this agent after you’ve washed your windows with a simple solution of dish soap and water.
6. It’s in the timing
Clean your windows when the sun isn’t out, or when it isn’t too hot. The quick drying of the windows causes streaks and marks on your windows, so schedule your cleaning time. Also, if it rains, it’s okay. You can still clean the inside part of the window during a rainy day. Just remember to clean everything that’s decorating your windows too (shades, blinds, shutters, etc.).
7. For high windows, always check the ladder first
Not many people recover from falling, and I mean literally. When you’re cleaning high windows, never be too comfortable with your ladder. Check the sturdiness of your ladder, and never just step on anything, including window sills. No matter how strong your window sill is or your chair, it’s always best to grab a sturdy ladder. You don’t want to be breaking any glass or window parts for window replacement so be extra careful.
8. Grab a tool belt!
Speaking of cleaning high windows, it’s actually best to get a utility or tool belt where you can hang your equipment securely. This way, you don’t need to go up and down the ladder to get what you need. You can also do this for your regular height windows, so you can work faster and more efficiently. Just make sure you don’t bump your utility belt on your glass windows. Window repair can be expensive.
9. Dry immediately
As soon as you wash your windows and spray your vinegar solution (if you’re using it), dry your windows immediately. Use a swiping Z-motion to make it quick and efficient. You can use paper towels to dry, but it’s best to have an absorbent and smooth rag so you don’t leave marks and streaks.
10.Don’t forget the rest of the window
Yes, the glass part is the best part to clean, but don’t forget about the rest of your windows! Clean the sills by running a damp rag on them. Make sure every nook and cranny of your window is clean and free of dirt. You can still use the vinegar solution here, but be careful with the material of the window sill. Your agent might react to it so it’s best to just use plain water.
Author Bio:
Vitaliy is a home design expert, blogger and a contractor. You can find more about their services by visiting their website windowstrong.com and avail their free consultation.
