Jun
12
2016
How to get the shine back in your windows
Having windows in our homes are a great source of natural sunlight and refreshing greenery. That said, windows have to be clean to function properly and leave you better able to appreciate that lovely view. Cleaning your windows should not be a chore, and doesn’t take a whole day. Read on to find out the simple steps to brighten your home.
The right tools.
Before you start cleaning proper, preparation is essential. Having the right arsenal of tools at your disposal will help you get your job done painlessly and seamlessly.
For starters, you’ll need a glass cleaner to get the shine and sparkle back. While vinegar and dishwashing liquid does work, a glass cleaning solution will be more effective. Other equipment will include a bucket, soft scrub brush and water hose.
A spray bottle is an excellent alternative to the bucket, and save you the trouble of filling it with water. A squeegee – a rubber-edged blade with a handle is also essential for scrubbing, as well as newspapers to buff up your windows to get that desired shine.
Readying the windows.
Making a beeline straight to your window without preparing your workspace isn’t going to help you save time. If you have curtains, make sure they are out of the way. Inspect around your windows for any dust or cobwebs and get rid of those first. Remove any other loose debris such as dried leaves to ease your cleaning process.
Cleaning solution.
If you don’t want to purchase a glass cleaner specially, you can create your own using ingredients found at home. Mix 3 cups of water, half a cup of white vinegar and a spoon of dish detergent.
Actual cleaning.
Follow the instructions behind your glass cleaning product. Alternatively, use a soft brush or mop to dip into a bucket of your homemade solution. Dab the windows until all dirt is removed. Take caution not to scrub too hard or you’ll risk scratching the glass. Try soaking the stains instead of hard scrubbing them off.
After removing all the dirt, use the squeegee to get rid of excess water. Start from a corner and work your way down, taking care of the edge. Corners will probably still have to be wiped with a soft microfiber cloth
Take an old newspaper and crush it into a loose ball. Rub the windows gently in a circular motion to buff it.
If there are any spilt water after you are done, use a towel to clean up any water on the floor or windowsill. This applies more when cleaning the insides of your windows so water doesn’t leave a mark on your floor.
With these easy methods, you’ll have your windows clean and shiny in no time!
