Window Cleaning Mistakes
The bright days of summer make us eager to let the sunshine in. For many people, that means cleaning the windows to get rid of any streaks or grime, so you can have a clear view. But do you know the best way to clean windows without streaks happening?
Don’t let common window cleaning mistakes cloud your summertime views. Take a look at the following tricks and techniques you should avoid. Then learn how to clean windows the right way.
Not Practicing Safe Window Cleaning
One common misconception about housekeeping is that no harm can come from it. However, accidents can happen when cleaning windows, so you want to make sure you’re smart and take the proper precautions. Some examples include:- Working with a cleaning buddy when washing tall windows, balancing on step stools or climbing ladders.
- Running a fan and opening windows in other parts of your home to ventilate the area.
- Wearing gloves if your skin is sensitive to cleaners.
- Holding spray bottles pointed away from your face.
Cleaning Windows on a Hot or Sunny Day
While an especially sunny day might trigger your desire to wash your windows, you really should wait until there’s some cloud cover in the area. Why? Well, when the surface of your window is warm, it causes your cleaning solution to dry more quickly. As a result, you’ll be left with a streak fest.An easy way to determine if it’s a bad day to clean windows is to touch the glass. If it’s warm or hot to the touch, wait for cloudier skies and cooler temperatures.
Cleaning Windows with Newspaper
Whether this method is fact or myth is frequently debated in online cleaning forums. The truth? It really depends on the type of ink a paper uses. While cleaning windows with newspaper can be effective, some periodicals are printed with inks that can cause smearing and permanent stains. Skip the risk and opt for a microfiber clothWashing Windows with Hard Water
Does your water leave mineral deposits on your shower door? If so, it’s capable of doing the same thing when you use hard water to wash your windows. Unless you have a water softener, you might want to consider using distilled water instead. This can be purchased at almost any grocery store. (Just remember to recycle).The Best Way to Clean Windows Without Streaks
You can use a commercial cleaner to wash your windows, but many of those could actually leave residue behind. If you’re interested in green cleaningYou’ll need:
- A plastic spray bottle
- Microfiber cloths
- 2 tablespoons of ammonia and two quarts of warm water
- A plastic spray bottle
- Microfiber cloths
- A one-to-one ratio of warm water and distilled white vinegar
- Mix the ammonia and water or vinegar and water in the spray bottle.
- Mist the window with your cleaning solution and wipe it away. Make sure you work from the top to the bottom.
- Switch out your microfiber cloth if it gets too damp.
- Repeat as needed for heavily soiled windows.
- Let the window dry.
- Gently buff out any streaks with a dry microfiber cloth.
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