If you have a lot of windows at home, cleaning them can be a real chore. It's exhausting in many cases, especially with large windows or the big panes of a terrace. And if, after scrubbing for ages, you're still left with streaks or areas that weren't properly cleaned, it's even worse. Not to mention that it might rain that same day or the next, which only makes an already tiring task worse.
The most important thing before we share our tips is to buy effective, residue-free glass cleaners. There are many well-known brands on the market with products that deliver excellent results.
Scratch-free glass
The first thing you need to do is remove any dirt with a dry, lint-free cloth or a duster. This will remove dust and allow you to clean the windows easily without leaving streaks. Next, spray them with a glass cleaner, either a spray or a cream. In either case, apply the product directly to the cloth or rag you'll be using to clean; avoid applying it directly to the glass. Finally, remove the product. If you used a spray, do it quickly and before it dries. This makes it much easier to avoid those dreaded streaks. If you opted for a cream glass cleaner, do the opposite: wait for it to dry before removing it.
Tricks for perfect crystals
- Use the right cloth. This is one of the best tips for cleaning windows and getting them sparkling clean. Depending on the cloth you choose, the task will be easier or harder, and you may or may not leave streaks. Microfiber cloths are available on the market and are ideal for cleaning windows, as they leave no residue and keep them gleaming. If you don't want to spend money, you can use old rags you have at home or cotton t-shirts you no longer wear.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Don't clean windows in direct sunlight or wind. This is because the window cleaner dries very quickly, and you won't have time to remove all traces of spray or cream. Also, it creates those typical glares that you don't see until the sun goes down.
- Use a telescopic window cleaning pole. This trick is highly recommended if you have to clean windows that are very high up or difficult to reach. The combination of the extendable pole and the cleaning squeegee allows you to use it at heights of up to almost 4 meters. The head also includes a scraper and a rubber squeegee for removing stubborn dirt.
- Change the direction of your cleaning. Another important trick when cleaning windows is to change the direction of your cleaning. Wipe horizontally and vertically, dragging along all the dirt in your path. This method will also help prevent streaks.
- Clean from top to bottom. Always clean from top to bottom. This will prevent water from running and leaving drops where you've already cleaned.
Homemade cleaners
If you're someone who likes to use everything as natural as possible and wants to avoid artificial products at all costs (respecting the environment and your lungs), you can make your own window cleaner at home. You can choose from:
- Ammonia and water in equal parts
- Water with a little dish soap and a little ammonia
- White vinegar
- Water and alcohol
- One part white vinegar to four parts water and baking soda optionally.
Source: Amazing Houses
