Handy tips to clean your windows

Double glazing Colchester based Energy Efficient Homes are experts in knowing how to keep your windows clean. Over the winter months your windows accumulate all kinds of dirt and grime, handprints and even dog nose prints! With winter nearly over this is the perfect time of year to give your windows a good spring clean.

We have put together some super simple and extremely helpful window cleaning tips that will leave your windows gleaming!

Before we begin here are the basic tools you will need to ensure the best results.

• Water
• White Vinegar
• Spray Bottle
• Small Bucket
• Mop/Window Scrubber
• Sponge
• Squeegee
• Microfibre Cloth
• Clean Towel

Follow these simple steps to have your windows looking as clean and fresh as the day they were installed:-

Avoid sunny days

Firstly, it is worth knowing that cloudy days are much better for washing windows than sunny days. This is because the sun can dry the cleaning products too quickly, leaving stains on your windows. So when thinking of cleaning your windows make sure you pick a day that is a little bit overcast!

Clean the outside windows first

This may sound like common sense but it is important you clean the exterior windows before moving inside. This is because the outside light will show up remaining spots, making it easier to leave a perfect finish.

Prepare your windows

Remove any curtains, blinds or window screens before beginning cleaning. It is also important to get rid of all that dust and grime from around the window frames before you start cleaning the windows. If you clean them after the windows you risk spoiling your already gleaming windows with any detritus.

Prepare your solution

White vinegar is every housekeeper’s best friend and works wonders on glass. Just mix one part hot water to one part white vinegar for a solution that is super effective against stubborn dirt, removes fingerprints and marks, and also drives out flies! Now fill up your spray bottle and also a small bucket with the solution and you are ready to go.

Spray the window

Use the spray bottle to spray the window from top to bottom. It is important that the window is good and wet all over.

Scrub the window

Next gently scrub the window with a window scrubber or mop. This will agitate the grime, dirt and dust making it easier to remove later on. Pay special attention to any stubborn marks or stains.

Rinse the window

Now that you have agitated any dirt and dust it is time to rinse your window down. Soak the sponge in the bucket (which has your solution in) and rinse the window thoroughly. For best results rinse from top to bottom.

Final clean

Once you have thoroughly rinsed your window you need to immediately use your squeegee to scrape the solution off the glass before it stains. The best technique for this is to use the professional “S” technique which you can view here. Have a dry towel handy to wipe the edges of the window frame and sills to stop any excess water from dripping. Also wipe the blade of the squeegee often to avoid staining the glass with streaks.

Finishing touch

For a gleaming appearance and a window you can see your reflection in it is time to add the finishing touch. Use your microfiber cloth to gently dry the window in a polishing motion. You are now done (for this window at least!), we hope you enjoy the results!

We hope this has been helpful, if you have any questions on cleaning your windows, or anything to do with double glazing Colchester based Energy Efficient Homes are happy to help. Please contact us here!