Are You Cleaning Your Windows the Right Way?
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then a home’s windows are its eyes! And just like eyes, windows can become cloudy and difficult to see through. That’s why it’s crucial to keep them clean.
However, spraying cleaning fluid onto your window panes and giving them a quick wipe might not be enough to keep them clear. As such, cleaning your windows properly is a time-consuming process. But it doesn’t have to be.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about keeping your windows (and your home) looking great.
What Causes Windows to Get Dirty?
The first aspect of cleaning a window is understanding what makes them dirty in the first place. After all, preventing dirt from settling onto your windows can significantly reduce your cleaning time and frequency.
But, of course, some causes are challenging or impossible to avoid. For example, some of the most common things that make windows dirty are:
- Airborne Pollutants
- Interior Dirt and Dust
- Outdoor Plants
Of these dirt-carrying culprits, the only one that homeowners can potentially manage is interior dirt and dust. That said, it’s still essential to consider these causes and ways to avoid or prevent them.
Airborne Pollutants
If you live in an urban or suburban area, there’s likely a moderate-to-high amount of outdoor airborne pollutants flowing through the air.
These can range from car exhaust fumes, carbon monoxide fumes from factories and heaters, and ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. Some of these elements can settle onto your window, causing them to be cloudy.
Interior Dirt and Dust
A home’s interior air quality significantly impacts household health and cleanliness. However, many homes have poor indoor air quality thanks to pollutants like:
- Asbestos
- Tobacco smoke
- Carbon monoxide
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Formaldehyde
- Airborne bacteria and mold
Installing an air purifier can significantly reduce these interior airborne pollutants. It can also keep them off your windows, helping them remain clean for longer periods.
Outdoor Plants
While many indoor plants can improve air quality, several common outdoor plants can worsen it. For example, trees that release sap or pollen can quickly coat your windows in thick layers of grime.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Windows
Windows, like walls and doors, help keep outdoor airborne pollutants at bay. As such, you may wonder why it’s necessary to keep them clean. After all, these pollutants can begin to build up immediately after a cleaning session.
Still, ensuring that your windows are cleaned regularly has several notable benefits, including:
- Improved home appearance
- Boosted home value
- Cleaner interior air
- More natural light
- Reduced repair and maintenance
Improved Home Appearance
A beautiful home is often a happy and inviting home. But dirty, streak-covered windows can give your home a derelict look.
By keeping your windows clean, you can significantly improve your home’s overall appearance. And a better-looking home may mean a higher property value.
Boosted Home Value
The adage “never judge a book by its cover” doesn’t apply to homes. Many homebuyers judge a prospective house by its curb appeal, making appearances incredibly important to those looking to sell a property.
Ensuring that your home’s windows are spotless is an excellent way to entice homebuyers. It can also help you boost your home’s value, helping you walk away with more money in your wallet.
Cleaner Interior Air
Though the exterior of a window often gets dirtier than its interior side, both are prone to collecting grime. Keeping both sides dirt-free is an excellent way to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
More Natural Light
A dirty window won’t allow much sunlight into your home. This can leave your home feeling dark and unwelcoming. But sparkling windows allow sunlight to stream in, brightening your home without consuming electricity.
Reduced Repair and Maintenance
Keeping your windows clean can also significantly reduce window repair and maintenance costs. After all, a clean window and windowsill are far less likely to experience mold damage, cracked panes, and other issues.
How to Clean Your Windows
If you struggle to keep your windows clean, you might not be cleaning them properly. Remember, store-bought window cleaner liquids and paper towels can leave windows with streaks or sticky residues.
Consequently, it’s an excellent idea to:
- Make your own window cleaner fluid
- Hire a professional cleaning company
Both of these options could be a great way to enjoy all the benefits of having clean windows. It can also increase the time between cleanings, resulting in more free time for you to spend doing the things you love.
Make Your Own Window Cleaner Fluid
Did you know that you can make your own window cleaning fluid? Even better, you may already have the necessary ingredients available in your pantry or medicine cabinet!
To make your own window cleaning solution, you’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Warm water
For every cup of water you use, you’ll want to use 2tbsp of vinegar and 4tbsp of rubbing alcohol. Combine these fluids in a plastic container, then apply them to your windows using cotton or microfibre cloth.
While the window is still damp, use your handheld squeegee to remove excess fluid.
Some homemade window cleaning fluids call for dishwashing liquid. However, this substance can leave soapy streaks and residues. Therefore, it’s often far better to use alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol is powerful enough to strip away oils and dirt, but it also evaporates quickly. This quality makes it an excellent ingredient for DIY window cleaning liquids.
Hire a Professional Window Cleaning Company
Many of us live hectic lives filled with work, errands, and household cleaning tasks. Finding the time to sit back and relax can feel impossible.
But you can increase your available free time by investing in professional cleaning services.
Hiring a professional window cleaning service is a worthwhile investment, as professional cleaners typically have access to powerful tools and cleaning chemicals.
They also have years of experience. This expertise makes for shorter cleaning times and more a more thorough deep clean.
So, if you’ve been struggling to keep your windows sparkling and clear, consider a maid service. Your local window cleaner is waiting to help you enjoy a cleaner home!
Call Us for Your Spring Window Cleaning
Cleaning your windows is an excellent way to improve the health and condition of your home. However, the process of making your own cleaning fluid and washing your windows can be time-consuming.
That’s why we recommend investing in professional window cleaning services. Not only will these services save you time, but they’ll also ensure that your windows are sparkling and clear.
You don’t need to wait to get a window cleaning estimate. Get a free quote now and start enjoying the benefits of professionally cleaned windows!
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