Windows are often described as the eyes of a building, offering a glimpse into its soul. They not only allow natural light to flood indoor spaces but also provide a connection to the outside world. However, their potential to brighten and beautify a space diminishes when left neglected and grimy. Regular window cleaning might seem mundane, but its significance goes far beyond aesthetics. This blog will explore why maintaining clean windows is crucial for residential and commercial properties.
Preserving Property Value
Clean windows enhance your house and curb appeal, making a favourable impression on visitors and potential buyers. The house and external appearance is pivotal in determining property value, whether it’s a home or a storefront. Regular window cleaning ensures your property maintains its allure, safeguarding its worth in the real estate market.
Maximizing Natural Light
Natural light is essential for our well-being, influencing mood, productivity, and sleep quality. Dirty windows obstruct sunlight, reducing its penetration into indoor spaces. Keeping windows clean allows ample natural light to flood your home or workplace, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere.
Extending Window Lifespan
Dust, dirt, and grime accumulate on windows, leading to corrosion and deterioration, especially for window frames, and seals. Regular cleaning removes these contaminants, preventing damage and extending the lifespan of your windows. This proactive approach saves you from costly repairs or premature replacements.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Pollutants cling to windows, affecting indoor air quality when they’re circulated into the building. Regular cleaning removes these pollutants, promoting better air circulation and reducing the risk of respiratory issues. Cleaner windows also mean fewer allergens and pollutants lingering in indoor spaces, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or asthma.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency
Clean windows allow more sunlight to enter your space, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Additionally, unobstructed windows enable passive solar heating, especially in colder months, which can contribute to energy savings. Regular window cleaning supports energy-efficient practices by optimizing natural light and heat gain from exterior windows, ultimately lowering utility costs.
Maintaining Professional Image
For businesses, maintaining a clean and professional image is paramount. Dirty windows convey a sense of neglect and can deter potential customers or clients. Regular window cleaning demonstrates a commitment to cleanliness and attention to detail, enhancing your business’s reputation and fostering a positive stakeholder perception.
Preventing Damage to Surrounding Surfaces
When windows accumulate dirt and grime, they can transfer these contaminants onto surrounding surfaces, such as walls and sills. Over time, this buildup can stain or corrode these surfaces, necessitating additional maintenance and repairs. Regular window cleaning helps prevent such damage, preserving the integrity of your window cleaner and property’s exterior elements.
Tips on Cleaning Windows at Home
Cleaning windows at home can be a straightforward task with the right approach and tools. Here are some tips to help you with window cleaning how to achieve sparkling clean windows:
Choose the Right Day
Pick a cloudy day to clean your windows. Cleaning clear windows on a sunny day can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks on the glass.
Gather Your Supplies
Gather and store all the necessary and cleaner supplies before you start cleaning. You’ll need a bucket, window cleaner or a homemade solution (such as a mixture of water and vinegar or water and dish soap), a squeegee, a microfiber cloth or newspaper, and a ladder if you have tall windows.
Remove Dust and Debris
Before applying any cleaning solution, use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove dust, cobwebs, and any other debris from the surface of the window frames and sills.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Mix your chosen cleaning solution in the bucket according to the formula in the instructions. Alternatively, if you’re using a homemade solution white vinegar, mix water and vinegar or water and dish soap in the appropriate ratio.
Apply the Solution
Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution and apply rub it to the window in a circular rubbing motion, starting from the top and working your way down.
Use the Squeegee
After applying the cleaning solution, use a squeegee to remove the solution from the surface of the glass. Start at the top of the window and pull the squeegee blade down in a straight, overlapping motion. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after each pass to prevent streaks.
Wipe Away Excess Water
Use a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper to wipe away any excess water or streaks from the edges and corners of the window.
Clean Window Screens and Tracks
Don’t forget to clean the window screens and tracks. Remove the screens and gently wash them with soap and water. Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove dirt and debris from the glass and window tracks.
Dry and Polish
Once you’ve cleaned the windows, use a dry microfiber cloth to polish the glass and remove any remaining wet streaks or water spots.
Repeat as Necessary
For particularly dirty or streaky windows, you may need to repeat the cleaning process a few times to achieve the desired results.
By following these tips and techniques correctly, you can keep your windows clean and clear, letting in more natural light and improving the overall appearance of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my windows?
It depends on your location and personal preference. Generally, cleaning windows twice a year is recommended, ideally in spring and autumn. However, if you live in a dusty area with high pollution levels, you should clean them more frequently.
What’s the best time of day to clean windows?
Early morning or late afternoon is best when the sun is not directly shining on the windows. Cleaning windows in direct sunlight can cause streaks because the cleaning solution dries too quickly.
What tools do I need for window cleaning?
Essential tools include a squeegee, microfiber cloths or newspaper, a bucket, a scrubber or sponge, a mild detergent spray or window cleaning solution, and a ladder if you have high windows.
How do I make my window cleaning solution?
You can mix equal parts of water and vinegar or water and liquid dish soap. Alternatively, you can use a commercial window cleaning solution diluted according to the instructions on the bottle.
How do I prevent streaks on my windows?
Ensure you spray, use a clean, wet squeegee or cloth and wipe in a single direction, either horizontally or vertically, not in a circular motion. Also, avoid cleaning windows on a hot, sunny day.
How do I clean window screens?
Remove the screens and gently scrub them with a soft brush or sponge using mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow them to air dry before wiping and reinstalling.
Can I use newspaper to clean windows?
Yes, newspapers can be effective for cleaning windows. Using black and white newspapers is best, as coloured ink may leave streaks.
How do I clean hard-to-reach windows?
Use an extension pole with a squeegee or a window cleaning tool with a long handle. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional window cleaner for difficult-to-reach areas.
Should I clean windows on a cloudy day?
Yes, cleaning windows on a cloudy day or when the weather is cool can help prevent streaks because the cleaning solution won’t dry as quickly.
How can I maintain clean windows between cleanings?
Regularly dust window sills and frames with a soft brush or cloth. Wipe down any spots or smudges with a damp cloth as soon as you notice them.
Conclusion
Regular window cleaning isn’t just about maintaining a polished appearance; it’s about preserving property value, maximizing natural light, extending window lifespan, improving indoor air quality, enhancing energy efficiency, maintaining a professional image, and preventing damage to surrounding surfaces. Regular window cleaning yields numerous benefits for residential or commercial properties that contribute to a healthier, more attractive, and more sustainable living or working environment. So, the next time you gaze out of your windows, remember the importance of keeping them clean and clear.
