Windows work all the time, every hour of the day. Windows don’t get tired, but they do become less beneficial for you and your home. Grimy kitchen windows prevent light from brightening your busiest room. Dull glass in your family room windows blocks the tranquil view of your yard.
It’s not just what you see. On chilly days, dirty windows lessen the amount of heat coming in. Hinges and window tracks fill with dirt if left unchecked. Condensation begins to build between glass panes, obstructing the view. Over time, your windows won’t move as smoothly. The air between the panes insulating your home will have leaked out as more moisture seeped in. Your utility bill will begin to inch upward.
A bit of monthly care will ensure enjoyment of your windows for years to come. To get spotless windows, you don’t need complicated tools or pages of instructions. We promise.
Let’s consider the different kinds of cleaners that you can use on the glass and frames. Do not use the same cleaner on both surfaces. Why not?
♦ Frames can be made of wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum. Their physical properties can be damaged if you use an inadequate cleaning solution.
♦ Don’t assume that all window glass is the same. Glass in a double-pane air or argon gas window needs to be cleaned in a different way than the tinted glass of a low-emissivity (Low-E) glass window.
For your frame cleaning solution, mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with warm water in a clean spray bottle. You may use the same liquid on all types of frames. For glass cleaners, here are some pointers:
♦ Clean windows when they are not in direct sunlight.
♦ Do not use caustic or corrosive cleaners like sandpaper, scouring sponges, bleach, wire wool, white spirits, or cream cleansers.
♦ Refrain from power washing fiberglass windows. It can damage the window’s seals and finish.
♦ Do not use an ammonia-based product. If you’re using an ammonia mixture to clean a window in direct sunlight, the liquid will dry too quickly, leaving streaks on the glass.
♦ Do use a premixed vinegar-based cleaner or a DIY cleaner with distilled white vinegar.
Professional window cleaners use vinegar because it’s all-natural, inexpensive, non-toxic, and non-abrasive for skin and most surfaces. Vinegar also has impressive antibacterial properties. It’s completely safe in households with kids, senior citizens, individuals with compromised immune systems, and pets. Vinegar also has less of a chance of discoloring surfaces.
To make a simple, vinegar-based cleaner for streak-free windows:
If you need a stronger cleaner for grimy windows or for removing residue from previous cleanings, use this recipe:
For extremely dirty window glass, use undiluted vinegar combined with some elbow grease. Be careful not to splash pure vinegar on to the frame or sill.
If you’re cleaning Low-E glass, be aware that there is a thin coating on the interior side. It may not be tinted, but it is a reflective surface. While this feature keeps heat from coming into your home, it also makes fingerprints and streaks frustratingly visible. Do not use any ammonia or alcohol-based cleaning products. Consult the manufacturer’s cleaning guide or their website for the recommended commercial products best to use. You may use plain water or a solution with 10% to 20% vinegar and water.
For glass cleaning, you can choose a traditional material or something more modern. The first rule is to avoid lint. Choose a material that’s available to you.
♦ Newspaper/newsprint
This is the old standby window cleaning aid. It’s cheap, recyclable, and easily available. Don’t worry, modern inks don’t leave dark streaks. Newsprint absorbs water quickly. The gritty texture of the paper is gently abrasive.
♦ Paper towels
These are easy to dissolve and readily on hand, but they’re not ideal for glass cleaning. Paper towels shred easily. They also leave streaks and a trail of lint. However, you can use them in a pinch if there’s nothing else available.
♦ Lint-free cotton cleaning rags
Plain cotton cloths are durable, reusable, and good for the environment. You can safely use these for glass and frames. Use one for cleaning and another for drying or polishing.
♦ Flour Sack Towels
Falling in between kitchen towels and cheesecloth, flour sack towels are composed of fine threads of lint-free 100% cotton. They absorb liquids with ease, resist shrinking, are easy to store, and dry fast. These cloths are ideal for window cleaning and polishing. Keep a stack around the house, and you’ll soon find dozens of uses for them.
♦ Microfiber cloths
For cleaning power, efficiency, and convenience, microfiber towels are best. The little crevices on these cloths absorb a lot of water. Plus, the tiny fibers can pick up dust, hair, and dirt from the tightest corners. Some cloths are double-sided with two different patterns. Use one side for cleaning and the other for polishing or drying.
Microfiber combines the best qualities of newsprint and cotton. It is light, durable, reusable, and leaves no streaks. Microfiber also has many other advantages:
♦ One cloth has four times the surface area as a cotton cloth of equal size.
♦ It dries much faster than cotton.
♦ It can endure more washings than cotton with fraying.
♦ The positively charged surface makes the cloth attractive to grease, dirt, and dust. Particles get trapped within the fibers.
♦ It can pick up bacteria, microbes, and spores.
♦ It’s not treated with chemicals during manufacturing.
To use microfiber to clean windows, sprinkle it damp with the vinegar solution—no need to soak it. You can dampen one end of the cloth and leave the rest dry. Wipe the glass with the damp part of the cloth, and then finish up using the dry section.
Choose a cloth size that is suitable for the job. It should be comfortable for you to use. A large towel or rag can clean a broader area but may be awkward to handle. It may be harder to wring dry a larger cloth than a smaller one. Cleaning with a cloth that’s too small, on the other hand, might require more time. Use the size that works best for the job and for you.
Taking care of microfiber is easy. Machine wash it in warm or hot water with detergent, away from other fabrics that shed lint. Do not use bleach or fabric softener as this will lessen the effectiveness of the fibers. Tumble dry on the lowest setting or let it air-dry.
Professionals swear by squeegees for fast cleanups and clear windows. They’re also handy for tall windows. Unfortunately, it takes some practice to use squeegees to not end up with drips and puddles.
To maintain the windows’ optimal appearance and effectiveness, you should clean them two or more times a year. In extreme climates or ones with above-average rain, your windows might need more cleaning. With a routine cleaning schedule, you’ll be able to enjoy year-round benefits, including:
♦ Letting all the sunshine in. Bright light can improve your mood and energy levels.
♦ Reducing allergy symptoms by cleaning pollen, dust, and smoke particles from window sills and glass.
♦ Regular checking allows you to catch small issues before they become big problems. This includes water damage, fogging, and condensation.
Cleaning interior windows is not a rush job. Think about tackling one room and one floor at a time. Keep safety in mind and use stepladders with care.
Clear the area around the windows of valuable or breakable objects. Spread a tarp or some other covering to protect floors.
Before cleaning windows and frames, remove any loose debris that can scratch the glass and frames. You may use a piece of cloth or a foam brush. If you have blinds, use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dust. Run the vacuum cleaner’s brush over the tracks or use a cloth to wipe off the dirt.
1. Clean the frames first by starting at the top and working your way down. After the frame is clean, move on to the glass.
2. Spray the cleaning mixture on to the cloth until damp. Spraying the cloth instead of the glass minimizes the amount of moisture, saving you some drying time.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the glass. If the window is very dirty, repeat the application.
4. To dry, use another microfiber cloth. Follow with a flour sack cloth for some extra shine. For wood frames, be diligent about wiping off excess moisture. Too much water can weaken the wood or allow mold to set in.
For Low-E glass cleaning, spray the entire pane with water or the mixture described above. Clean with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. Use a different cloth or sponge to dry. You do not need to dry the surface thoroughly. Leave a thin film and allow the remaining moisture to evaporate. Do not use squeegees. Avoid applying tape, glue, grease, or oil on Low-E glass because they are difficult to remove completely.
Wood frames need more maintenance than vinyl or fiberglass windows. Windows with a painted finish need to be regularly cleaned and repainted. Stained or varnished windows should be re-stained every five years. Waxed and oiled windows need to have wax reapplied after each cleaning. While you’re cleaning your windows, check if the hinges and locks need lubrication.
Multiple cleanings a year may seem a lot to do but if you leave windows uncleaned for a long time, then the cleaning process will be much more time-consuming. Fortunately, this is true only for the first cleaning. Later attempts will go faster because there will be less buildup of dust, dirt, and debris. Plus, you will have perfected the right techniques, speeding up the work considerably. Take care of your windows, and they will take care of you.
As you clean, inspect for any cracking, warping, chipping, air leaks, defective parts, and obstructions on the track. For thermal-paned windows, watch out for moisture or stains between the two panes caused by a broken seal. If your window is within the warranty period, give the original contractor a call. If not, then consulting with a local contractor is the next best thing.
If you find your windows becoming harder to maintain, or you begin to notice defects, it may indicate a problem with the frame, the exterior cladding, or the window system itself. US Window & Door are expert contractors for replacement windows in Carlsbad and Southern California. Our helpful and creative staff can discuss issues and potential fixes with you. As a local company, we are well versed in the needs and climate requirements of our community. When speaking with a customer, we take climate and environment into consideration and recommend suitable products.
New windows can have an immediate effect on your utility bills. They use the latest technology to provide increased security and privacy while being durable and low maintenance. If you have an older home, a custom-fit window will preserve its style and charm while still providing you all the benefits of a modern window.
Replacement windows come in all sizes and shapes. We offer a variety of Milgard windows for residential and commercial use. Together with Milgard, we offer a lifetime replacement window warranty that’s second to none. For as long as you own your home, Milgard will cover the cost of the parts and we cover the labor for fixing the installed windows. US Window & Door will carry
out warranty service promptly. If you sell your home, we will extend coverage for up to 10 years from the date of install. We safeguard your investment with high-quality products and superb workmanship.
We’re here to help. Contact us today or arrange for an appointment and a free quote.
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