Cleaning your home’s windows may not be at the top of your weekly chore list, but it is an essential and inevitable task. To work correctly, windows must weather the harsh elements of the environment, which can eventually wreak havoc on the glass and frames. Baked on dirt, grime, and molds can lead to deteriorated window seals, rotted frames, and windowpane discolorations that all prevent windows from performing their essential jobs for your home.
While professional window cleaning is advised to keep your windows looking and working like new, there are times when you will need to clean your windows yourself. When it’s time to clean your home’s windows, keep in mind these common window cleaning mistakes that can cause more harm than good.
Using Newspapers For Window Cleaning
Long thought of as effective tools for cleaning windows, newspapers are not suitable for this purpose. According to cleaning experts, newspapers can smudge the window frames with the chemicals found in their ink. These chemicals can break down window frames over time, so instead of using newspapers, a better choice for window cleaning is a cloth with soft fibers.
Not Using The Proper Window Cleaning Tools
Today you can find an array of tools specifically designed to help you keep your home’s windows sparkling clean. Many homeowners fail to purchase these tools, which leads them to work harder and not brighter. Squeegees, scrapers, and even special mops are some of the necessary window cleaning tools that make your job easier and more effective.
Scrappers remove paint splatters, baked-on grime, and other more difficult substances while squeegees safely wipe away water droplets that cause spots. Mops allow you to reach more difficult areas without putting you or your window in harm’s way.
Failure To Properly Prepare For Window Cleaning
Just like any home maintenance task, preparation is key to a successful window cleaning process. Preparing the proper tools and cleaning solutions can help you decrease the time you spend on your window cleaning chore. Once you have your tools at hand, following a step-by-step method keeps your task running smoothly.
Start by applying the cleaning solution to the window’s surface and gently use your cloth or mop to remove grime and dirt. You can avoid scratching the surface by using the scraper to loosen tough grime or debris. Once you have rinsed the window with water, pull the squeegee horizontally then vertically across the windowpane to remove excess water. You can finish up by drying the window with a soft, clean cloth to wipe away any residue.
Professional Window Cleaning Services
A professional window cleaning service is recommended when your home has difficulty reaching windows, dirt and grime are extensive, and yearly maintenance cleaning. Cleaning your windows properly is vital to keeping them beautiful and in good shape for years to come.