It’s that time of year again; spring window cleaning should be an annual event. Even high quality windows and doors require regular maintenance to prolong their life. Constant exposure to nature including rain, sunlight, snow, humidity, dust and dirt can take its toll on your windows. Addressing these issues with proper care can extend the life of your windows.
You could hire a professional window cleaner to take care of this for you. Better yet; you can set aside a day on the weekend to take care of this yourself and enjoy the gorgeous spring weather while you are at it.
Spring Window Cleaning Tips
Commercially available window cleaning products work great and result in spotless clear glass when used properly. But if you are not looking for perfection, and want to save a few bucks you can brew up your own cleaner by following the tips below and keep you windows looking like new.
Safety Tips
- Read and follow all instructions on the cleaning solutions
- Wear rubber gloves when mixing and applying the cleaning solution
- Set up ladders on level ground
- Angle your extension ladder at a 4 to 1 ratio; meaning the bottom of a 12-foot tall ladder should be placed 3 foot from the wall
- Use caution around open windows, in particular those on the second story of the home
- Never stand on furniture or handrails
Cleaning Steps
Step 1: Fill 2 clean buckets with a gallon of hot water in each. The water should not be scalding hot, as you should be able to put your hand in the water without discomfort.
Step 2: Add one cup of ammonia and one cup of vinegar to the first bucket.
Step 3: Add ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol to the second bucket. This helps the rinse water evaporate quickly so the windows will be sparkling clean.
Step 4: Using a synthetic scraping tool, remove any stickers, bugs, and other debris. Never use a metal scraper which could otherwise damage the glass.
Step 5: Using a clean rag, wipe the entire window with the ammonia solution. Be sure to wear your rubber gloves.
Step 6: Use the rubbing alcohol solution to carefully rinse the entire window. Use a squeegee to remove the solution in its entirety.
Step 7: Wipe up any excess water on the window sill and the corners of the window panes with a clean dry rag. If you need to touch up any small area, use a lint-free rag or coffee filter.
Tools Required
- Rubber Gloves
- 2 Clean Buckets
- White Vinegar
- Ammonia Cleaner
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Clean, Dry, Rags
- A Window Squeegee
- Coffee Filters
- Step Ladder or Extension Ladder
Contact Us:
Did you find issues with your glass during your spring window cleaning event? Contact One Source Renovation, LLC at WindowRepairGuy.com or give us a call at (815)-634-8922.