Cleaning your windows may seem mundane, but it has many benefits that make it essential for home maintenance. It helps protect your investment by catching issues before they escalate into major damage, such as wood rot or mildew.
Start by squirting soapy water onto each window pane using a sponge or hog-bristle brush. Then, pull a squeegee across the soapy glass in a stroke from left to right (for left-handers) and wipe the blade clean between strokes.
Increases Home Value
Clean windows instantly add value to your home, especially if you’re considering selling it. Adding window shutters or flower boxes also enhances the look of your exterior and boosts curb appeal.
Dirty windows reduce how much natural light enters your house, making it appear dark and dingy. Washing windows regularly will allow sunlight to enter your home, which makes it feel brighter and warmer.
Use a non-scratch sponge mop to scrub the glass with clean water and dishwashing liquid or commercial window cleaner. A squeegee can help you get a streak-free shine. Cut a rubber strip from a household squeegee to the width of each window pane, and begin cleaning by pushing the squeegee in horizontal strokes across the entire surface. Start in the upper corner and move down the window, wiping the squeegee’s edge with a dry, lint-free cloth between each stroke. This will prevent any residue from building up as you go.
Reduces Energy Bills
Dirty windows filter against sunlight, reducing the amount of natural light entering your home. This can make your home feel dreary and lead to higher energy bills because it is harder to regulate the temperature inside your house or business. Regular window washing helps reduce energy bills by allowing more natural light and helping to control the temperature inside your building.
To clean your windows:
- Spray the surface with your garden hose to loosen dirt and grime.
- Scrub the windows with a sponge or brush.
- If your windows are high, use a duster on an extension pole to reach them.
Finally, wipe away any excess cleaner with a clean rag. Avoid using paper towels, which can leave streaks. Instead, try a cloth such as a microfiber glass with a special honeycomb texture that nabs water spots and smudges without scratching. This can shorten your cleaning time and save you much time in the long run.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
When dirt accumulates on exterior windows, it can obstruct homeowners’ views and prevent them from closing their curtains or blinds. It can also obstruct airflow, sometimes leading to drafts and musty odors.
Before exterior house washing and cleaning windows, homeowners should remove window screens and wipe down the sills. A lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth is ideal for this task. If there are scuff marks or chipping paint, a razor blade can be used to loosen it and help it come off easily during cleaning.
Once the windows are clean, homeowners can spray cleaner on them using a power washer if they have one. However, it’s important not to use too much soap, as excess can leave streaks on the glass. To avoid this, experts suggest working from the top down and overlapping each stroke. Once the cleaner is rinsed off, a squeegee can dry the windows. Make sure the squeegee is kept clean and lint-free to prevent streaking.
Reduces the Risk of Damage
Whether it’s a clogged window channel, an insect infestation, or even etching in the glass caused by ice melt products, these issues can cause expensive damage if left unchecked. Professionals know how to identify and fix these problems before they become serious quickly.
It’s easy to skip this step, but cleaning the window frame before wiping down the windows is essential for a streak-free finish. If you start washing the windows without removing the dust from the shelves and sills first, you’ll be left with hard-to-remove streaks.
A squeegee is the best tool for a clean, streak-free finish. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe off the blade after each squeegee stroke. Use microfiber cloths with a special honeycomb texture that nabs water spots and smudges without scratching. Paper towels are also an option, but choose a strong brand to hold up to the wet cleaner, such as Bounty Regular.
