How to Clean Interior and Exterior Windows.

The Basics of Washing and Cleaning Windows

Washing windows may not be one of our favorite chores but it really isn’t that difficult to do. Cleaning windows is important as over time they accumulate dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander and more that will create a dirty haze over the surface.

Cleaning Interior Window Glass, Frame and Tracks

First, work on a cloudy day so sunlight and heat do not cause the window cleaning solution to dry and cause streaking.

Remove Curtains and Wash if Needed

Next, draw back the drapes and get those out of the way. As a matter of fact, if you have curtains that can be washed, now is the perfect time.

Clean the Frame and Window Track

Now it’s time to clean the frame and window tracks as these areas accumulate a lot of grime. Use an old toothbrush (but clean) dipped in water and clean around the frame then scrub the inside of the window track. Use paper towels to sop up the stuff in the track. Sometimes I will put paper towel over the brush and clean the tracks this way as well.

Wash and Clean the Window Glass

With a dry lint free cloth, wipe off the dust from the glass. Spot clean the glass where needed prior to washing. It might be a splat of dried ice cream, dead bug, etc. Use full strength white vinegar.

Wash one window at a time. When cleaning inside windows, keep a towel on the windowsill to absorb any water from the squeegee.

Use a clean microfiber cloth to work the cleaning solution around the glass surface then use a rubber bladed squeegee to wipe the solution off the glass.

Start at the top and work your way down the glass. Make sure you get right up to the frame edge; you may need to wipe the frame on the first and last stroke. Wipe the blade after each stroke to remove water. Overlap each new stroke.

Home Made Window Cleaning Recipe

As much as you might like to go out and buy a ready made window cleaner that works like magic, why not get a quality clean using warm water and white vinegar. If you’re cleaning many windows, you may want to use a bucket.

• Add 2 1/2 cups warm water to a spray bottle.
• Add 1/4 cup white vinegar.
• If windows are extraordinarily dirty, you can add 1/2 teaspoon dish washing detergent such as Dawn.
• Mix well.

Cleaning Exterior Window Glass

Use the same technique to clean exterior glass as interior glass. You may need to use a ladder outdoors to reach the upper most windows so be careful and do not lean the ladder directly on the glass.

• If you are in any way nervous about climbing a ladder, you can always call a professional window cleaner.
• There is also a spray on cleaner that can be attached to the end of the hose, these allow you to switch between cleaner and regular water. They actually work well but could leave a small amount of streaking if you let the solution sit too long on the glass before rinsing off.

Use the hose to spray off the window of any debris, use a hard stream. Instead of using a microfiber cloth to apply the cleaner around you can use a sponge mop.

Cleaning Window Screens

If you have window screens you will remove those before washing exterior glass to clean them as well.

Window Screen Cleaning Recipe

• In a bucket mix together 1/4 cup dish soap with 1/2 gallon water.

Put them on an old towel and use a wet/dry vacuum to carefully vacuum away dirt and debris. Next stand them up and dip a soft bristled brush in the bucket and gently scrub both sides of the screen. Rinse with the hose and let dry before replacing them.