The Clear Approach to Cleaning your Glass Home Windows
by Jessica Groach
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
If you have a glass home window that stays streaky no matter what, you know where the expression "I don't do windows" came from.
Window cleaning can be maddening. You spray and wipe, spray and wipe, and still - streaks! Try these tricks for getting windows squeaky clean.
Equipment
Have you ever seen a professional window cleaner with a roll of paper towels? Of course not! Window cleaners use water and a professional squeegee, which has replaceable rubber blades that you can change every month or so. You should also invest in a porcupine scrubber if sap or tar is an issue for the glass on your home or car windows. These have small, course barbs that scrape off that sticky stuff. Or try a tile grout sponge or a natural sponge. You should also invest in lint free, absorbent window-cleaning cloths.
Tricks
Cleaning glass home windows in sunlight is always a bad idea. This is because the liquid absorbs too fast for you to wipe it, and this leaves streaks. Adding a tablespoon or two of vinegar or 4 tablespoons of household ammonia to water is great for streak-free window cleaning. Pure rubbing alcohol is also a great window cleaner.
Wash the insides of windows from left to right, but outside, wash from top to bottom. This way, if a streak appears, you instantly know which side it's on. Then, once you're finished with the major cleaning, go over corners and edges with a cotton ball, swab, or toothbrush. A clean, dry chalkboard eraser gives a final shine to glass on all your home or car windows.
For windows too high to reach, or if you just can't find time, hiring a professional window cleaner is a relatively inexpensive investment.
Sources
About the Author
Jessica Groach, a new homeowner herself, is a freelance writer and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her work has appeared in various lifestyle and business publications, including a Warner Business Book, and she has seven years’ experience in advertising and television production.
|
