Helpful Tips and Product Ideas for Spring Cleaning Your Windows
|
|
Time to read min
Spring seemed to arrive a little early this year, catching us off guard with a week of unseasonably warm weather in March! Like many, we got spring fever and were inspired to tackle some spring cleaning tasks, starting with decluttering our closets and putting our winter coats away. However, as April often does, it threw us a curveball with a return to cooler temperatures.So now we are awaiting the perfect moment to give our windows the attention they deserve.
Our windows are in desperate need of a good cleaning this year. A landscaping project we undertook last fall left them coated in a layer of dust, obscuring our clear view of beautiful Pigeon Lake. So, as soon as the weather cooperates and the temperatures moderate, we'll be taking to the task of making our windows clean and sparkly once again.
As homeowners, we've had our fair share of experience with spring cleaning over the years. Plus through countless conversations with customers and our own trial and error, we've picked up some invaluable tips and tricks for achieving sparkling clear windows.
And so we're excited to share some of our favorites with you in this blog all about spring cleaning your windows:
Key Tips for Window Cleaning
Before you roll up your sleeves and grab the cleaning supplies, here are some tried and true tips to help you achieve sparkling windows:
When it comes to choosing the right cleaner for your windows, there's no shortage of options out there. Ammonia and alcohol-based cleaners are popular choices, known for their effectiveness in cutting through grime and leaving windows sparkling. Conveniently available in spray bottles, these cleaners offer versatility and ease of use. Whether you prefer a scented or unscented formula, there's a variety to suit your personal taste.
If you're tackling a larger cleaning job, concentrated solutions provide extra cleaning power, making them ideal for deep cleans or particularly dirty windows.
Ammonia All Purpose Cleaner by Home
For those conscious of environmental impact, there's a growing trend towards eco-friendly options. Look for 100% biodegradable products that offer effective cleaning while minimizing harm to the environment. A great Canadian brand that we carry at our store is called "Lemon Aide"!
As for our personal favorites, we find ourselves oscillating between two standout choices. Bon Ami, foam spray, consistently delivers excellent results, cutting through tough grime with ease.
On the other hand, a simple DIY solution of vinegar and water has proven to be equally effective and environmentally friendly. Or of course there is the window cleaning product that’s been around forever, good ole Windex Original Glass Cleaner.
We carry at our store the Canadian Brand "Lemon Aide" for eco-friendly option
In fact, the last couple of years many of our customers have been singing the praises of the Windex Outdoor Concentrated Cleaner that doesn’t require wiping. Just attach the bottle to your outdoor spray hose and clean away!
DIY Window Cleaner Recipe
1. Choose the Right Cleaner
Create your own effective and eco-friendly window cleaner with just a few simple ingredients. This DIY solution is not only budget-friendly but also environmentally conscious, leaving your windows streak-free and sparkling.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 cups warm water
Optional: dash of rubbing alcohol for extra cleaning power
For dish soap alternative: 1 tablespoon dish soap mixed with one gallon of water
Instructions:
In an empty spray bottle combine the white cleaning vinegar and warm water.
Add a dash of rubbing alcohol if desired for enhanced cleaning.
Shake the bottle gently to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Ensure to use distilled water for mixing to avoid streaks caused by mineral deposits in tap water.
Spray the solution onto your windows, covering the surface evenly.
Wipe the windows clean with a microfiber cloth or squeegee for streak-free results.
Enjoy the clear and sparkling view!
DIY Tip:
To maximize the effectiveness of your homemade cleaner, use distilled water for mixing. This helps prevent streaks caused by minerals present in tap water, ensuring a flawless finish every time.
2. Invest in Quality Tools
From microfiber cloths to squeegees and utility pails, having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to achieving streak-free windows. Personally we prefer microfibre cloths and have found some great ones at Home Hardware that leave our windows clear with no streaks.
And you can also find squeegees specifically made for cleaning windows that leave a streak-free clean. Some even have a removable, machine washable and reusable cover and/or a 5’ extendable handle to clean tough-to–reach spots!
The Great Debate: Paper Towels vs. Alternatives for Window Cleaning
This is a controversial subject and it depends on who you ask. We’ve had customers say they love using paper towels to clean their windows and other ones swear by microfibre. We’ve even had customers say they’ve used newspaper as a great streak-free alternative.
Choosing the Right Paper Towel:
If opting for paper towels, it's essential to choose untreated varieties to avoid leaving behind any residues or films on your glass surfaces. Extra-absorbent towels may seem like a good choice, but they can sometimes leave behind streaks or smudges.
Alternatives to Paper Towels:
For those looking for alternative options, microfiber or other lint-free towels are excellent choices. These materials won't leave behind small specks on glass surfaces, ensuring a cleaner finish. Additionally, newspaper or old, clean cotton diapers can also be effective for achieving streak-free windows.
Eco-Friendly Considerations:
When selecting cleaning materials, it's important to consider their environmental impact. Opting for reusable and eco-friendly options, such as microfiber towels or cotton cloths, can help reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint. Additionally, choosing products made from sustainable materials or those that are biodegradable can further contribute to environmentally friendly window cleaning practices.
Tips for Washing Microfiber Towels:
When it comes time to wash your microfiber towels, it's important to take special care to maintain their effectiveness. Avoid adding fabric softener to your load of towels, as it can leave a film on glass surfaces and interfere with achieving that sparkling finish.
3. Take Advantage of Cloudy Days
Timing is everything when it comes to window cleaning. Choosing a cloudy day prevents the cleaner from drying too quickly, giving you more time to achieve that perfect shine.
TIP: Beware of Hot Surfaces
Another important factor to consider when cleaning windows is the temperature of the surface. Hot surfaces can cause cleaning products to evaporate quickly before you have a chance to wipe them away, potentially leaving streaks behind. To avoid this issue, it's best to refrain from cleaning windows on hot, sunny days when surfaces are more likely to be heated.
4. Don't Forget the Window Screens
Remember to remove and clean your window screens annually to keep them looking their best and ensure proper airflow into your home. Spring is the perfect season to do this chore.
And speaking of screens, did you know that among our excellent services, Bobcaygeon Home Hardware offers window screen repair (aluminum-frame)?
We hope you find these tips and product ideas helpful as you gear up for your Spring window cleaning project! May the weather become more Spring-like, and may you appreciate a fresh new perspective from your clean, sparkly windows!
And don't forget, if you ever need a helping hand with screen repairs or any other home maintenance questions, the friendly staff at Bobcaygeon Home Hardware are always there to lend a hand. Here's to a sparkling home and sunny days ahead!
