Some home cleaning tasks are straightforward, while others, like figuring out how to clean your windows, might have you scratching your head. Washing your windows, from the ones in your bedroom to more towering ones in common areas, can be a frustrating chore, but it’s one that pays off since clean windows will greatly improve the appearance of your home.
Drew Pavlacky, a technical leader at Andersen Windows & Doors, says, “While window cleaning can be intimidating, with a few tips and the right tools, the process is straightforward.” We asked Pavlacky and other experts to share their best tips for keeping glass windows and doors sparkling clean.
What shouldn’t you do when cleaning your windows?
Before cleaning the glass, Pavlacky says that it’s important to identify if your glass windows or doors have special glass coatings. “While the interior and exterior energy-efficient coatings are highly durable,” he explains, “coatings may be damaged if abrasive cleaners or hard objects are used for cleaning.”
Pavlacky recommends that you avoid using the following cleaners and cleaning tools as part of your window cleaning process:
- Do not use metal razor blades to clean glass or remove paint or stains from glass surfaces. Scratching of the exterior glass surface could damage the special coatings.
- Do not use metal razor blades to remove the protective film; instead, peel back protective film at a corner using a fingernail or clean plastic scraper.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or cleaning tools like scrub sponges on any glass surface.
- Do not use newspaper to dry the glass surface, as the ink may discolor the surrounding materials.
How do you clean a window without streaking?
Getting the most aesthetic and streak-free looking windows requires more than just spraying and wiping. For the best looking windows, you’ll need to do a little bit of prep work and arm yourself with the proper techniques to effectively clean without leaving excess build-up behind.
How often should you clean your windows?
“Clean the exterior once a year in the spring,” Jennings says; interior windows should be cleaned more often — she suggests regular weekly or monthly cleaning, or when windows are visibility dirty from dust, fingerprints and what she calls pet “nose art” buildup.
How to clean window screens
Jennings recommends including window screens in your annual spring window cleaning efforts. “For good measure,” she says, when you’re cleaning exterior windows, “take the screens off and spray with a hose to remove dust and pollen.”
How to clean window blinds
Perhaps more frustrating than wiping your actual window panes is figuring out how to properly clean dust and grime off of your window blinds. Luckily, there are some handy tools that can help prevent you from tackling every single blind one by one. From standard blinds to window slats, grates and more, here are some tips for tackling dust wherever it pops up.
For a simple tool that will save you tons of time without breaking the bank, grab this blinds dusting tool which has three microfiber “fingers” to pick up dirt, dust and hair. The microfiber dusting head is removable and machine-washable for easy cleanup.
Aleta Chase, a senior director at Bissell, says of cleaning blinds and other slatted window treatments, “You see them every day, and when that sunlight hits them just right, you’re easily reminded of the amount of dirt built up on your home’s blinds. Even though you look at them all the time, if you’re being honest, how often do you think about cleaning them?”
Chase recommends using a cordless stick vacuum that doubles as a handheld tool for cleaning blinds, including those in high-reach areas.
