Window Cleaning Tips

If your housekeeper doesn’t do windows, you’ll have to.

Window cleaning is likely the one household chore that is put off in favor of something more fun – like vacuuming, dusting or cleaning behind the stove.

Not washing the windows usually doesn’t result in a dramatic loss of your home’s value or a huge maintenance issue. But it can set the tone for a sunny day.

Here are just a few window cleaning tips so you can let the sunshine in.

Inside Windows

Cleaning cat, dog or human toddler nose prints off the inside of the windows is a daily task in some homes.

If you have pets or small children, you’ll want to make a safe, non-toxic window cleaning solution that is equal parts hot water and vinegar.

Cleaning Solution

Depending on the number of windows and sliding glass doors (veritable magnets for prints) you have in your home, fill a large plastic bucket with approximately five cups of distilled white vinegar and five cups of hot, not boiling, water. Remember, you’re going to have to put your hand in that water.

It should be hot enough to clean, but not so hot that it sends you off for emergency care.

Dip a sponge in the mixture, ring it out and start wiping the window.

Work first in a motion that moves across the window and then work up and down. Rinse the sponge several times. When you’re done, thoroughly dry the windows and doors with a lint-free cloth or chamois.

Your windows should now be clean and streak free! They’re also safe for the next round of prints.

Outside Windows

Window cleaning tips for outside windows involve a little more muscle, which comes in the form of ammonia and rubbing alcohol.

Depending on the region of the country you live in and how much grit and/or salt there is in the air, outside windows should be cleaned every six to 12 months.

Cleaning Solution

It’s best to use two plastic buckets for outside windows. One will hold the water, ammonia and alcohol mixture and one will be used for rinsing the sponge.

To every half-gallon of cold water, add 1/4 cup ammonia and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol. Mix the three ingredients well and pour into a spray bottle if you have one. If you don’t have a spray bottle, just dip the sponge in the bucket. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent chapping as ammonia can irritate skin.

Dip the sponge or a long-handled window extension tool into the water and wipe first from side to side and then from top to bottom.

If your windows are excessively dirty, you may need to wash and rinse several times. When you’re done washing, dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or chamois. If you live in a part of the country that requires you to clean your outside windows frequently, a final window cleaning tip is to hire a professional window washer to keep your windows in tip top shape.