Washing windows could be a long and tedious chore. But with the right tools and the use of some tricks you’ll have your windows sparkling in no time. Here is some expert advice:
- When washing windows leave streaks on the windows: Use a window-washing squeegee with a smooth, soft rubber edge. Or use crumpled-up black-and-white newspaper avoiding the color sections. Dry a 1-inch strip at the top or side of each window and always start your squeegee there—starting on dry glass is one key to avoiding streaks.
- When dust pills up quikly on blinds: Use an antistatic spray to keep them from being dust magnets. Use products with Static Guard on the window blinds right after you clean them.Wash with a bleach-detergent solution. Black or gray mildew spots on wooden frames can be cleaned for good by mixing 2 ounces of household bleach and 1 ounce of laundry detergent in a quart of water. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, sponge the solution on the spots, let it sit for ten minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- When there’s mildew on the window frames: Wash with a bleach-detergent solution. Black or gray mildew spots on wooden frames can be cleaned for good by mixing 2 ounces of household bleach and 1 ounce of laundry detergent in a quart of water. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, sponge the solution on the spots, let it sit for ten minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- When the outside windowsills get dirty quickly: Your exterior windows are exposed to the elements; therefore they are subject to collecting a lot of dirt. The simple way to keep your sills clean is to wipe on a coat of clear floor wax to protect them.
- When the shades are filthy: Dust shades regularly with a soft cloth, a duster such as the Swiffer, or the dusting brush on your vacuum. Be sure to dust both sides of the shades. If they’re stained or spotted, it’s time for a real cleaning. Though you can wash them in place with a drop cloth over the floor and furniture, it’s best to remove the shades. Place one shade at a time across a worktable covered with a plastic sheet or shower curtain. Wash vinyl shades using a sponge and a solution of 1⁄4 cup white vinegar in 1 quart (1 liter) of warm water. Washing them in the bathtub is even easier. Run some warm water in the tub, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid, and wipe each side with a large sponge. To rise, dunk them in clean water or hold them under the shower. Then wipe with a clean, soft cloth.Many fabric shades can also be washed, but take a close look at the care constructions before washing them.
- When windows get dirty too fast: If the interior glass surface of your windows gets dirty unusually fast, you may need to change the filters on your furnace or air conditioner. Modern airtight homes trap more dust, pollen, dander, and other particles inside than ever before. Furnace and air-conditioner filters help trap that dirt and also extend the life of your appliances. Filters should be changed every month or two or anytime you can’t see light through the filter when you hold it up to a light.
- When secondhand smoke gets to the windows: To remove nicotine film or other grime from windows, you need ammonia and lemon scent. The ammonia will cut through the grime, and the lemon scent will leave your house habitable. Mix 1 cup of lemon scented ammonia in 21⁄2 gallons (9.5 liters) of water and use this solution to clean the windows.
- When the screens are filthy: The best way to clean window screens is to remove them from the window and wash them outside with a hose. Using abroad, soft-bristled brush, scrub both sides of the screens with warm to hot water and lemon-scented dishwashing detergent. Pick up the screen by its edges, hold it at an angle so most of the screen surface is facing the ground, and rap one edge lightly against a firm surface. This will shake loose any dirt. Rinse with water and air-dry thoroughly before reinstalling to avoid oxidation.
One last advise: Don’t wash windows or shades in direct sunlight, because quickly dried glass or vinyl is more susceptible to spots. Wash everything on the shade, during evenings or on cloudy days. Contact Adrian for more good advise for your Pembroke Pines home or if you want an experienced realtor to help you sell your spotless house!
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