Cleaning the windows inside and outside your home may seem like a straightforward process, but there are many subtle techniques you can use to ensure a superior job. Consider the following tips:
• Before washing interior windows, put large towels along the windowsill to keep the floor or wall from getting wet.
• Lightly spray a commercial glass cleaner on a clean, lint-free rag. You can also mix your own cleaner: add 1/4 cup of vinegar to 3 cups of warm water.
• For extremely dirty windows, mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol or vinegar with 1 quart of warm water.
• Gently wipe the rag across the window, using horizontal strokes to prevent dripping.
• Wipe the window’s rubber strip with a cleaning cloth. Firmly hold a squeegee and press it downward. Start each stroke in a dry spot.
• Keep the squeegee blade dry by wiping it on the cleaning cloth after each stroke.
• Use old sheets or towels that haven’t been washed with fabric softener to dry the windows. For extra sparkle, polish the glass when it’s nearly dry with a piece of newspaper or clean blackboard eraser.
• Using a small brush attachment, vacuum the window frame and windowsill.
• Dampen a cleaning cloth with diluted rubbing alcohol. Rub along the windowsill to remove spots and smudges.
• For exterior windows, start by spraying them with a garden hose to loosen or remove grime and debris, and then follow the steps above. Second-story and higher windows are best handled by professional window cleaners.
