The dry and dusty days of summer are over, and your home’s windows could use some sprucing up, inside and out. Do not let window-washing intimidate you--it is a time-consuming task, but one that goes quickly once you are in the zone! Here are a few tips to encourage you to get those windows sparkling clean: 

 

Before you Begin: 

  • - Mix up a cleaning solution in a large bucket: 1 gallon of water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and a squirt of liquid dish detergent--it is best to use too little detergent than too much, as too many suds can lead to streaking and extra rinsing time. 

  • - Use a soft-bristled brush with a long handle (a car-washing brush would be perfect) or a flat microfiber mop, water hose, a step ladder or stepping stool, and a squeegee is the best tool, but a microfiber cloth will do. 

 

Wash the dirt away: 

  • - Begin by removing the screen panels, laying them on a hard surface, and giving them a good shower with the hose, then gently scrubbing with the cleaning solution. After rinsing, prop them up to dry while you tackle the windows. 

  • - Much like washing a car, rinse off as much dirt as you can, starting at the top of the window. Use the brush to give the glass a gentle scrubbing, paying extra attention to anything that is stuck to the window. 

  • - Rinse with the hose, and use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe off excess water. If you use a squeegee, work from top to bottom, and wipe the blade dry between swipes. 

 

No Ladder Necessary 

A ladder is not needed to get a clean finish on windows that are too high to reach using a hose and a hose-end window sprayer: 

  • - Use the same recipe for the cleaning solution, but stir in 1-2 tablespoons of dishwasher rinsing aid to the mix. 

  • - Give the entire window--screen and all--a thorough spray of plain water to remove and loosen dirt. 

  • - Fill the sprayer with the cleaner, attach it to the hose, and, out of direct sunlight, spray from top to bottom. 

  • - Immediately rinse with plain water, and the rinsing aid should allow your window to dry without streaks, no wiping or squeegee required! 

 

The Family Handyman has a great tutorial, which includes a how-to for the sticky stuff, as well as getting the best results from a squeegee. Go ahead and get started on this much-dreaded chore. Once it is complete, everyone will see you have the most sparkling windows in the neighborhood! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: Bob Vila