Oh the great window-cleaning debate. Some people say an old-fashioned mix of two to three tablespoons of white vinegar or ammonia with a quart of warm water is the way to go. Others swear by commercial glass spray or even disposable window wipes (pick the nontoxic, biodegradable ones, please!). Other environmentally friendly options include purchased products—try Seventh Generation, Method, or Mrs. Meyer’s—or DIY green recipes.
Regardless of which method you choose, the basics of window cleaning are relatively similar.
Many cleaning guides recommend washing windows monthly to keep them in tip-top shape. But let’s be realistic. How many of us actually have the time or the motivation to get out all the cleaning supplies required of traditional window washing once a month? I won’t tell anyone that you don’t clean your windows that often if you don’t tell on me!
If your time is limited, I’d say a quick spritz with window cleaner followed by a wipe-down with a rag should do the trick. Do the inside of your windows when you clean the rest of your house; save the outside until after storms or sprinklers have created a spotted, dirty mess you can’t stand anymore.
Want to do a more thorough job? Try these pointers:
• Wash your windows on an overcast day (if the sun is shining directly on the glass it may cause streaks).
• Before you begin cleaning windows, remove or pull back your window treatments and remove any items on the windowsill.
• Dust the window frames and sills before you tackle the windows.
• Some experts recommend using chamois cloth to clean windows, others say all you need are strong paper towels. My vote: lint-free linen dishcloths or even cut-up t-shirts that you can reuse for all sorts of cleaning. Depending on the cleaning technique you use, you may want a dry cloth or crumbled newspapers on hand for drying the windows too.
• For larger windows, a squeegee with an extended handle works wonders.
• After you spray cleaner on the glass, start at the top of the window and work across it horizontally in small sections. If you’re cleaning the outside of the windows as well, wipe one side horizontally and the other vertically so it’s easy to spot and take care of streaks afterward.
• Once you’ve sprayed and wiped away commercial glass cleaner you’re done. But if you’re using a mixture of household ammonia or white vinegar with warm water, have a bucket of water on hand to rinse away residue on the glass.
• If your window screens require cleaning, remove and brush them with a stiff-bristle brush (such as a vacuum-cleaner brush). For a heavy-duty cleaning, remove the screens and place them on a flat-, cloth-covered surface outside. Gently scrub the screens with sudsy water and a soft brush, rinse with a garden hose, and allow them to dry.
Disclaimer: The previous tips are simply suggestions from The Home Know-It-All. If you want more heavy-duty options, I suggest you consult with The Queen of Clean or Martha.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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