Windows are an essential and important part of your home decor and vibe. Whether tiny accent windows, or large floor-to-ceiling ones, they complement your home in the best way possible, and should be treated carefully.
Too many people don’t take dirty windows seriously enough, though. They’ll often tear off some paper towel, spritz some water, and call it a day.
Cleaning your windows on your Chicagoland home like a pro is actually easier than you might think, and we’ve got a few key tricks that might make it even better. Don’t waste your money on unnecessary equipment and follow these techniques for DIY window washing!
Put in the Leg Work Before Washing
When you’re looking for the best way to clean windows, you’re probably ready to jump at it with a cleaner.
In reality, though, you need to step back and do a little leg work before the actual washing. Namely:
- Remove dirt and debris
- Clean screen covers
- Clean blinds and/or drapes
You might think that the washing part will clean dirt and debris, but it’s only going to pool it all up and turn it into mud. This could accidentally spill or splash on your carpet.
Make sure to do some dusting or vacuum up the dirt and debris first.
You might need to clean screens on the outside, if you have them, as well as blinds and drapes. Your windows are more than just the glass themselves. Window treatments work together to create a beautiful aesthetic, and you should be sure to clean it all.
Eliminate the Streaks
One of the biggest challenges is learning how to clean windows without streaks. Crumpled up newspaper, magazines, or even paper towels aren’t going to do the trick.
Instead, be sure to use a microfiber cloth to brush over remaining sudsy water and/or use a squeegee.
Microfiber is great for reducing streaks, but squeegees can be very convenient, especially if you have taller windows with hard-to-reach areas. Extension poles added to a squeegee can make a job a lot easier, a lot quicker, and much safer for your back and posture.
If you choose to use a squeegee though, be sure to use an additional rag and wipe it off between strokes.
The Best DIY Cleaner for Dirty Windows
On top of this all, you need to be careful when choosing household cleaners. Most people just run out and get store-bought brands, but a lot of pros tend to use homemade solutions that work just as well, if not even better.
For window cleaning, a great option is to mix the following ingredients in a spray bottle:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol or dish detergent
This solution will cut through the dirtiest windows, and don’t be afraid to apply generously.
Don’t Sacrifice Clarity When Window Washing
Not everyone looks forward to spring cleaning, especially if you have large, difficult, dirty windows to work with, but a clear, streak-free window shouldn’t be underestimated.
It will help provide your inner decor with all of the proper, natural lighting it needs, and will generally make your home appear more attractive.
Some people just don’t have time to take on these kinds of jobs themselves, though. If that’s you, feel free to contact Hour Maid right away to see how we can help you keep your Chicago home windows clean!
