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It’s time, spring has finally arrived! That means it’s time for a thorough clean, especially with the temperature rising and the sun literally shining a light on any dirt or grime on windows.
Many people head online for tips and tricks ahead of their deep clean, and along with the help of some industry experts, we have compiled a list of window cleaning tips for your next spring clean – because nobody wants streaky, dusty and dirty windows!
What do you need to clean windows?
It doesn’t take a lot of products for gleaming windows. The following items are all you need to restore your windows back to their shiniest best:
- Warm, soapy water
- Towel
- Rubber-bladed squeegee
- Soft, clean cloth
- Clean, dry brush
- Glass cleaning product
- Light machine oil
Vinegar can also be used in place of a spray window cleaner to clean glass. Conservatory Blind 4 Less experts advise that “you can mix one part of distilled vinegar with 10 parts of warm water in a spray bottle to create your window cleaning solution”.
How often do you clean windows, and what time of year do you clean them?
Before summer sets in, spring is an excellent time to clean your windows. The heat and
direct sunlight of summer can prematurely dry windows and lead to streaking, but spring has milder weather and less sunlight that helps avoid this problem. Plus, clean your windows now, and they’ll be clean and sparkling ready for the summer sunshine.
You should try to clean your windows at least once or twice a year, depending on where you live. If you live near the sea, where salt exposure is high, or if you live in a city close to busy roads and traffic, you might need to clean them more frequently.
Products to avoid
There are a few products that contain dangerous chemicals and microorganisms that can irritate the skin when cleaning your windows. It’s advisable to avoid products such as:
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Toxic, chemical heavy products
- Abrasive sponges
- Newspaper (an old trick – but ink can smear glass)
Products to avoid
Before you begin, lay down a towel before beginning any cleaning to mop up any spills and protect your flooring. Here are a few tips for cleaning the various parts of your windows:
- Cills/sashes
- Use a dry, clean cloth to sweep any debris or dust off the window frame, as spraying a product directly onto dust and dirt causes it to be spread about, making a bigger mess
- We recommend cleaning with warm soapy water (your usual soap detergent should do) with a soft, clean cloth that isn’t harsh or abrasive
- Dry with a clean, dry, soft cloth
- If you do have traditional wooden windows, avoid using excessive water to prevent damage to the wood. Don’t forget to dry the frame with a fresh, dry cloth.
- Glass
- Glass cleaning can be difficult, but with the appropriate tools and methods, your windows will be spotless in no time
- To prevent leaving scratches on the glass, make sure to remove jewellery and clean away any dust and grime before cleaning
- Apply glass cleaner or vinegar solution to the windows and with a squeegee or clean cloth, use steady strokes, top to bottom, to clean.
- Rebates and Hardware
- Rebates are the inner cut out ‘lip’ of a frame in which the window sash sits.
- Our windows are intelligently designed with an ‘Easy-Clean’ frame rebate. This means they can be easily wiped clean so that you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing the things you love.
- For the hardware, we’d suggest lubricating hinges, locking mechanisms, and handles about once a year to ensure optimal operation.
- One drop of light machine oil is sufficient (for e.g. WD40/3-in-1 oil), and make sure to remove any extra product with a clean towel after application.
- Take caution not to get any excess on the main profile!
Getting rid of mould and damp
Mould and damp happens, but the good news is that it can be dealt with effectively.
Whilst cleaning, open the windows and doors to allow more air to circulate. Make sure to carefully remove visible mould from the window frame and glass surface with a soft brush or cloth, and check for any cracks or leaks that may be producing dampness.
Then, use hot, soapy water and wipe away any mould using a clean cloth. Repeat until the mould has disappeared and use a second dry cloth to wipe clean the area. Dispose of any cloths you use and do not re-use them or you can be at risk of introducing mould into other areas in your home.
If soapy water doesn’t work, then try a mould cleaning product or household bleach to remove the mould spores. After cleaning make sure your windows are properly sealed and aired to prevent mould and mildew from returning. Install a dehumidifier in the room to help keep humidity levels low, or use trickle vents on your windows to increase ventilation.
And as Richard Rowney director at Bacteria Busters confirms, it’s important to take safety precautions as well. “To avoid coming into contact with mould spores and to protect your eyes and lungs, wear protective gear such as rubber gloves, a mask, and goggles.”
Our Windows from The Residence Collection
The Residence Collection are window experts, but we also believe that window cleaning may be time-consuming, therefore we designed windows with a maintenance-free finish. If you have The Residence Collection windows, they are uniquely designed to authentically replicate traditional timber windows but are made with modern PVC materials, keeping them up to date with modern life. Our windows are also smartly constructed with an ‘easy-clean’ frame rebate and are essentially maintenance-free – all they need is a wipe down and they’re ready to go!
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The Residence Collection’s windows replicate 19th-century timber window designs with modern features and benefits that are perfect for whatever interior style makes your home perfect for you. Download a Residence Collection brochure today to start your Residence journey.
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