Guest Author - Rosemary Rugnetta

Having clean windows is one of those things I love to have but I don’t necessarily like to do. Since I have lived in different areas, I have also found that the amount of times you need to clean your windows varies. Since moving to the Southeast along the coast, I’ve notice that the windows get dirty faster. Maybe it’s the wind or maybe it’s the salt and sand in the air. Whatever it is, I find myself cleaning the windows quite a few times a year. By doing it so much, I have discovered some tips for cleaning windows that will make it easier each time you
do it.

Outside

Whether you are using a commercial window cleaner or a homemade natural cleaner, use a lint free cloth. If you don’t have any available, try using newspapers. They are lint free and actually work quite well to clean windows. You may want to wear rubber or latex gloves when using newspaper to keep your hands from turning black from the ink.

The best time to check for problems is when you are cleaning your windows. If you see that the caulking or sealant is cracking or pulling away, now is the time to repair it. Having sealed windows will help keep your fuel bill down.

Newer windows are framed with vinyl while older windows are framed with metal. Some are made of wood. I have older windows framed with black metal that tends to get worn. When I clean the windows, I keep a black paint pen with me so that I can touch up the frames as I’m going along. This keeps the windows always looking new. You can do this for any type of window.

Since you have to remove the screens when cleaning the windows, it is perfect time to wash them. Use your hose and a soft brush to remove dust and dirt buildup. If a screen is really weather beaten, replace it. You can pick these supplies up at your local home improvement store. Repair kits are also available for small tears.

Indoors

Remove any shades or blinds at least twice a year and clean them. Find a place in the yard, maybe on the fence, to hang them. I usually hose them down, scrub them with a brush and then hose them down again. Then just leave them in the sun to dry. This really gets them clean and looking new again.

If you are not changing drapes or curtains when you are washing the interior windows, then vacuum them to remove any dust. While the vacuum is handy, use it to clean the window tracks. Again, you should look for any worn caulking or sealant and repair it at this time.
Clean any window sills or ledges.

By doing a few extra things each time your clean your windows, you’ll be saving time and money in the future by keeping them in good condition. Replacing windows is not only a big job but also a big expense.