Complete Guide to Cleaning Windows

No matter how much of a neat freak you are, windows accumulate dust and grime on the inside and outside. You can clean them, but the only thing worse than dirty windows is windows with thick swipes and streaks from improper cleaning.

Want to bring that shine back to your windows? Here’s a guide on the right way to clean your windows, both inside and outside. No matter the type of shape, these tips will get your windows looking brand new.

Cleaning Indoor Windows

Indoor windows usually have a lot less dirt and dust on them than outdoor windows. Other than household dirt and grime, the interior of your windows isn’t hard to clean at all. With just a few simple tools and our easy to follow guide, you’ll be on your way to cleaning that indoor window right the first time.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to get started on cleaning your windows indoors. One piece of advice, though? Skip the squeegee for indoor window cleaning. It might make you feel like a real professional, but it’s not necessary and can turn into a huge mess when all the water runs down across your floor.

• Window-cleaning solution: Don’t have this on hand? Don’t worry. Dish detergent or a simple 1-to-2 mix of distilled vinegar and water will do the trick just as well.
• Microfiber cloth: Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning windows since they don’t leave behind pesky bits of cloth and won’t scratch your windows. However, if you don’t have one of these handy all-purpose cleaning tools, a sponge will work in a pinch. Don’t use paper towels, because they can damage windows and cause micro-scratches that will capture dirt and dust over time.

Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Windows

1. Choose a cold, cloudy day to clean your windows. This might blow your mind, but the weather can have a big impact on how effectively you clean your windows. Choose a cool, cloudy day.  If the sun is out and beating on your window, it will cause your windows to dry too quickly to wipe them down properly.
2. Clean off dust and other solid matter with your dry microfiber cloth. The last thing you want to do is smear dust into your window as you clean. To avoid this, start by cleaning off any visible dust with a dry microfiber cloth. You don’t have to be too diligent about it, though. Most dust will come up in subsequent steps.
3. Spray liberally with a window-cleaning solution. Don’t hold back with how much you use. There’s really no such thing as too much.
4. Wipe down with your microfiber cloth. Wipe the window in an up-down motion until all the cleaning solution is rubbed off.
5. Let it dry. That’s it! Let the window dry and take in the streak-free view.

Cleaning Outdoor Windows

Cleaning the exterior of windows can be a bit more complicated than the interior. Unlike indoor windows, outdoor windows take all the brunt of the weather in your area. Rain, smoke, dust, wind — whatever the elements, they end up on your window. This is the time to bust our more heavy-duty solutions. Yes, this means your squeegee.

Tools You’ll Need

• Window-cleaning solution. The same solution you use indoors will also work here, as will the same substitutions.
• Microfiber cloth: A microfiber cloth is helpful for cleaning calcified smears and heavy residue without leaving streaks.
• Squeegee: The squeegee is the tool of choice for all your outdoor window cleaning woes. This will allow you to get those hard-to-reach places and ensure you are leaving a streak-free finish.

Step by Step Guide

1. Choose a cold, cloudy day. Like your indoor windows, hot, sunny days can make your windows dry before you can wipe them down properly. Clean on cool, cloudy days.
2. Wipe dust and dirt off the window with a dry microfiber cloth. This way, you can make sure to save the window cleaning solution for only the toughest stains and streaks.
3. Spray window with cleaning solution. Just like your water, you can’t use too much here. Go crazy.
4. Squeegee away. Using up-down motions, wipe the water and the grime away with your squeegee. If you don’t have a squeegee, you can use a microfiber cloth at this step.
5. For hard-to-remove stains, soak the area with window-cleaning solution. Your outdoor windows will have tougher stains than your indoor windows. To remove them, spray liberally with more window-cleaning solution and let them soak for a few minutes, then go over them with your microfiber cloth. Rub the windows until the solution dries and you’re left with a streak-free shine.

That’s all that you need to clean your windows at home, indoors and outdoors. If you’re looking for a big change, call Bell Brothers for all your window needs. Our experts can replace, and even install brand new windows for your home.