Window maintenance can extend the life of your windows. This is important because high-quality, energy-efficient windows are not exactly cheap. You need to replace your old windows once in your lifetime, but you might have to replace them again if you don’t take good care of them. 

Window Cleaning

To take better care of your windows, it’s a good idea to make good window habits a part of your New Year’s resolutions. And a huge part of window care is proper cleaning. Here’s what you need to do:

Clean and Inspect Your Windows at Least Once a Year

Cleaning and inspecting your windows will keep them looking great. It also gives you an opportunity to find any potential problem areas so you can call your window technician for immediate repairs. Ever tried inspecting dirty windows? It’s not as easy, so clean your windows at least once a year, preferably after the winter.

Have a Collection of Cleaning Tools at the Ready

You need the following:

  • Bucket
  • Sponge
  • Squeegee
  • Chamois or microfiber cloth
  • Dry, lint-free cloth or drying pads
  • Window cleaning solution

These are the bare essentials. You may need other tools, such as a broom with a long handle to remove cobwebs. Add to your tools based on what you need.

Clean the Outdoor Side 

When you clean your windows from the outside, make sure you’re not doing it under direct sunlight. This will dry the water, soap or cleaning solution too fast and leave stains or watermarks. Clean your windows during an overcast day or at least before the sun is at its hottest. It’s also a good idea to clean your windows only after your done with other exterior components.

If you have upper floor windows that tilt inward, you can clean them from indoors, which is safer than climbing a ladder.

Remove Dust

A soft broom or brush is effective in removing built-up dust from the corners and sills. You can use a toothbrush in the window sill corners and other hard-to-reach areas. Another option is to vacuum those areas. Do this before getting your windows wet. 

Use a Sponge

Warm, soapy water and a sponge should work nicely. Use a mild liquid detergent, but don’t use too much. Don’t use strong chemicals. If there are stubborn stains or oily smudges that your soapy water doesn’t remove, spray them with a cleaning solution, and wait for a few minutes. Then, hose them down, and wipe them dry. If you don’t have a cleaning solution, mix a little distilled vinegar with clean water.

Use a Squeegee

To remove excess water, use a squeegee. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after every swipe. Work your way down the glass with an S-pattern.

Wipe Them Off

To wipe your windows dry, especially within corners, use a clean piece of microfiber cloth. Microfiber works better than newspaper as it picks up contaminants and doesn’t leave streaks. Another option is a chamois, which is terrific for removing plenty of water and making the glass shine like new.

Clean Indoors

The indoor side of your windows is not likely to be as dirty as the outdoor side, so it usually only takes a good wipe-down with a clean and damp microfiber to remove dust and grime. For stubborn grime, use your vinegar and water spray. Products like Windex® are also effective. Vacuum the corners and the window sills, and then wipe your windows down with a damp cloth as well.

When your windows are clean, that’s your chance to give them a thorough inspection. If you spot any damage, such as a crack or some fogginess between the glass panes, call your window contractor.

Hershey Exteriors, Inc offers quality window replacement services. We also offer other services, including solar panel installation. Call us today at (302) 569-9039, or fill out this form to get in touch with us.