Window Cleaning Doesn't Break the Bank: Simple Tips
The sun is shining longer and brighter, and it must be admitted that many of us have the annual window cleaning ahead. However, this task has an undeservedly bad reputation, because window cleaning can be very pleasant if you have good tools and, of course, a good mood.
At the end of this post, we'll also talk a bit about washing or cleaning curtains, as this task should also be undertaken during spring cleaning.
So let's roll up our sleeves and get started.
Window cleaning doesn't require much preparation
First of all, let's say that you don't need to go to the store for a special window cleaning agent. However, you might want to get a two-in-one window cleaner on a pole, with which you can get the window both clean and dry. From shops selling cleaning supplies, you can of course also buy more tools: a scrubber, which is otherwise called a window mop on a pole, and a squeegee, which is a fine rubber drying tool that you may already use for drying bathroom walls. If you wish, you can use two tools, but we are quite satisfied with the two-in-one option.
In addition to the window cleaner, prepare a drying cloth or paper. Many people are used to the good old newspaper paper, but cleaning professionals say that the best way to dry water residue is with a microfiber cloth, as kitchen paper creates streaks on the window and newspaper can leave print ink behind.
You don't need a special window cleaning agent
As we mentioned above, you don't need to buy a special window cleaning agent because ordinary vinegar does this job very successfully. When spraying window cleaning agent, it doesn't all land on the window glass, but some of it flies into the air and you will certainly breathe it in as well. That's not necessary.
Some people add dish soap to the cleaning water, but the general rule with household chemicals is that the less you use it, the better. First of all, of course, because chemicals are already plentiful in our homes and the environment, and secondly, it's harder to remove traces of dishwashing liquid from the window, and if they remain there, clever sun rays can nicely highlight those streaks on the glass.
Also, cleaning agent tends to play a trick on you during window cleaning, because if the window is left with a little bit of its traces, they attract dirt and the window becomes dirty again much faster. Vinegar is able to remove even greasy dirt from the window without leaving streaks on the glass, which is why it is ideal for cleaning windows.
Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to a liter of water and put the mixture in a spray bottle. Some recommend a stronger mixture: two parts water and one part vinegar.
How does effective window cleaning work?
Over the years, we've tried all kinds of techniques and tricks, but the following method has worked best. (By the way, you can get the window very successfully clean on a sunny day, although you need to put in a bit more effort, because if you don't move quickly, the sun tends to dry the window along with the dirty water before you have a chance to do it yourself.)
- Remove the side curtains and pull up the roller blind or vertical blinds.
- Clear the window sill of potted plants and other items.
- Clean the window frames with a cloth, both inside and out.
- Clean the window glass thoroughly with the sponge side of the window cleaner using plenty of vinegar water.
- Before the next step with the window cleaner, squeeze out excess water from the cloth so it doesn't re-wet the window when drying. Some window cleaners have a removable mop part with a back attachment. If you use this variant, remove it from the window cleaner.
- Dry the glass with the rubber side of the window cleaner. Press it firmly against the window, then you'll get the glass properly dry. Dry one side of the glass by pulling horizontally and the other side vertically, so it's immediately clear which side you need to finish with a cloth or paper.
- Dry the remaining water with a microfiber cloth. Check the edges and corners of the window where a little water tends to remain.
- Clean and dry the window sill and put the potted plants and other items back.
Cleaning curtains
Well, the window is clean and shiny – now let's clean the curtains too. Uncleaned curtains are dust and dirt bombs that damage room air quality and don't look nice. A good tip is to go over curtains with a vacuum cleaner during weekly cleaning, so they stay clean longer.
Fabric curtains
Check if the curtain has a washing label. Some curtains can be washed in the washing machine and if the labels allow, do it boldly. Use a gentle wash and cooler water.
Most curtains won't be damaged if you wash them by hand.
However, some fabrics can only be cleaned at dry cleaners and if that's the case, don't try experimenting at home, otherwise you may simply lose your beautiful window coverings.
If you have a steam cleaner at home, use it for most fabric curtains. It's especially suitable for cleaning large and heavy curtains.
Roller blinds
To clean them, it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth.
Vertical blinds
Close the blind and clean the dust with a dry or damp cloth. After cleaning with a damp cloth, leave the blind open so it can dry. If it's not a wooden vertical blind, you can safely take it to the shower – this is how you'll get it the cleanest.
