Don’t Toss a Glass Just Yet. Small Chips can be Fixed.

Repairing Chipped Glass

How many times have you thrown out a glass that has a chip along the rim of the glass? I’ve tossed a few but I have some stemware I want to keep and have a complete set for use on special occasions and holidays. Granted, these are not expensive but I like them and they’re perfect for us.

Typically the chip is on the rim of the glass; if it’s stemware, you may find it at the base of the glass.

If the chipped glass is small, instead of tossing it or keeping it buried in the back of a cupboard, why not take a chance and try to fix it yourself? If you’re careful, you’ve got yourself a full set of glasses again.

I will say if the chip is large and it happened to an heirloom piece or a special piece of crystal stemware, you may want to see if there is a restoration company in your area.

Small Chips in Glassware can be Fixed

Great, you’ve opted to give this a go and fix the chip. Below are a few simple steps for you to follow. Work in the area of the chip as best as you can.

Supplies:

• 1 piece of coarse grit sandpaper.
• 1 piece of super fine sandpaper.

I happen to have fun refinishing furniture so I had sandpaper on hand. If you don’t have the sandpaper, and you do your own nails, you may have a coarse emery board and super fine nail block on hand that may work just as well.

Be sure as you go along you are sanding the area of the chipped glass under running water and don’t rub too hard or you run the risk of breaking the glass.

Step 1 – Coarse Grit Sandpaper

Start sanding with the coarse grit piece of sandpaper and gently rub the area of the glass where the chip is. Periodically stop and rub your finger over the area. It shouldn’t be long before you feel the chip has been sanded out.

Step 2 – Wash the Glass and Check the Chipped Area

Wash the glass and let it dry. I do this because I can clearly see the dull surface area where I was sanding the chip.

Step 3 – Super Fine Sandpaper

Now take the super fine piece of sandpaper and again, under running water, gently rub where the chip was, where the dull surface area is from using the coarse grit sandpaper. Again, this shouldn’t take long.

Step 4 – Wash the Glass and Check for Remaining Dullness

Wash the glass again and when it’s dry, check to see if any area needs to be sanded again with the fine grit sandpaper to remove any remaining dullness.

Step 5 – Jewelry Polishing Cream

Now at this point, my glass looked really good. There were no signs of where I had sanded but it did feel just a little less smooth. So I rubbed some of my jewelry polishing cream gently over the surface and it did seem to help.

When you’ve finished wash the glass by hand and let it dry to see your handy work.

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How to Clean Windows with White Vinegar.

How to Clean Windows with Plain White Vinegar

I absolutely love those window cleaning commercials that show people walking into glass doors because the cleaner that was used on them was so thorough they couldn’t even tell that the door was closed.

If you’ve spent a small fortune trying every commercial window cleaner on the market and you’re still not satisfied, don’t give up. Try using a toxic chemical free way to clean windows using a natural cleaner that works just as well (if not better) than other harsh and more expensive window cleaners do.

Vinegar is an excellent cleaner. It is economical. It contains no toxic chemicals or preservatives and it’s not harmful to you or the environment. It leaves no residue, so it dries “cleanly.” This means you do not have the rinse the window with water after washing.

After reading this you’ll want to get busy cleaning your windows right away. Say goodbye to those dirty, streaky windows forever, and let’s get busy cleaning them!

Heavy Duty Window Cleaning

If your windows have heavy duty grime and build-up, try this cleaning solution to tackle it. The detergent gets rid of greasy, waxy build-up and the vinegar helps to dissolve mineral deposits.

In a spray bottle mix the following ingredients:

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 tsp. dish detergent

Stir gently to mix together, don’t shake.

The dish detergent will help wash away the waxy build-up, leaving a streak-free shine. It may take a few washings, but eventually, just vinegar and water will be all you need to get those windows crystal clear – and streak free!

Dishwashing detergent leaves a residue, so don’t go overboard and add too much to your cleaning solution. If you see any streaking due to excess detergent you can rinse with clean water to finish and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.

Regular Window Cleaning

After you’ve removed any heavy duty build-up from the windows, all you need now is a little white vinegar mixed with water.

• Use a 2:1 ratio of water to vinegar.
• Pour in a spray bottle and you’re on your way to streak free windows.

Try to keep the window cleaner on the glass. Over time if the rubber or silicon sealant gets too much vinegar on them that has not dried off, it can dry them out possibly causing them to crack.

Cleaning the Oven Window with Vinegar

If you have grease splattered on the oven door window, use white vinegar full strength to clean it away.

Wait until the oven has cooled. With the door open spray the window with vinegar. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes (leave the door open), then wipe off.

If necessary, use a plastic scrubby to remove hard stuck on foods.

Expert Window Cleaning Tips

Follow these expert tips to make sure all of your glass surfaces are easily cleaned and streak free:

If it’s a sunny day, don’t wash the windows in full sun because they will dry faster than you can dry them yourself and cause streaking. No point in washing the windows twice; wait until it cools down and the sun isn’t beating down on them.

• Always work from the top down to cut down on streaking.
• A squeegee is preferable, but you can use newspaper, brown packing paper, or towels if needed to remove the cleaning solution.
• Do not use sharp or abrasive Brillo pad or abrasive cleaners on your windows.

Cleaning your windows with vinegar is a safe and inexpensive way to give all of your glass surfaces the clear shine you are after. Forget spending $5 or $6 for a bottle of glass cleaner. There’s no need. A $1 bottle of vinegar will last several months – plus it works great.

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How to Clean Windows with Vinegar

Green cleaning is big news these days, and for good reasons.

As more people learn about the dangers of using chemicals in their homes, they are turning to natural methods of cleaning and to their exposure to the harmful chemicals present in most commercial cleaners.

Add to that DIY cleaners are often less expensive than the ones you purchase in the store; especially products labeled organic or natural.

The green cleaner I’m talking about is vinegar. Vinegar is very inexpensive and about as natural as you can get.

If you want clean, clear windows vinegar is a great choice. You’re not sacrificing its performance as a great window cleaner in favor of its price.

House cleaning professionals know the power of vinegar when it comes to getting a crystal clear shine on your windows and glass doors.

Still not sure that vinegar and water is strong enough to clean your windows? Try these window cleaning tips to get started.

Making a Homemade Window Cleaner with Vinegar

Tools

• Bucket
• Squeegee
• Rags
• Towels

Supplies

• Vinegar
• Water

Get your bucket for the cleaning solution, a squeegee, 1 washrag to wash and clean and towels to dry the windows.

Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water in the bucket. For instance, 1 gallon of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.

First Time Cleaning

Mixing a little vinegar and water doesn’t always leave a streak free shine – the first time anyway.

The very first time I tried it I was left with a streaky mess. Frustrated I tried to find out what I had done wrong. That’s when I learned that the previous cleaners I had been using on my windows and glass had left a very thin waxy residue on the surface, making the vinegar streak. I needed to clean the residue from the windows first to remove the waxy build up.

I added 1 teaspoon of regular dishwashing soap (I like dawn dishwashing liquid) to the water and vinegar solution.

Tip: Adding the dishwashing soap will help remove the previous window cleaner residue. The soap will cut grease and get rid of the waxy coating, allowing the vinegar to do its magic.

Shower doors may take a few cleanings if there is heavy buildup of scum or residue from the bathroom cleaners.

Ongoing Window Cleaning

For best results, clean windows on a cool day when the sun is not shining directly on them. Heat from the sun will dry the cleaning solution before you have a chance to finish drying them.

1. Wet the washrag with the cleaning solution and wash around the window pane you’re working on.
2. Using your squeegee or dry towels and start at the top of the window and work your way down.
3. A squeegee will clean and dry as you go and you can clean a larger area at a time. It may be necessary to wipe the squeegee blade after each stroke.
4. If you are using a washrag you need to clean the window in sections and make sure you dry the window when it is still wet. If it is allowed to dry on its own it will look streaky (this is true of any window cleaner).

Cleaning windows with vinegar not only is fast and easy, but one of the cheapest methods of getting the job done. Use the tips above to get started and be amazed at the results you can experience.

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How to Wash Picture Windows

I don’t blame you if you don’t like cleaning your windows, but window washing really should be done at least twice during the year.

Having clean windows will transform your living space; you’ll be amazed at how much bigger a room can look with fresh light coming through the glass.

When is the Best Time to Wash Your Windows

The best time to wash windows is on a cloudy or overcast day. Although you might be thinking you can work on your tan, cleaning windows on a sunny day will only dry the cleaning solution quicker and cause streaking.

Window Cleaning Solution

Fill a gallon bucket with warm water and add 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.

If you feel the amount of dishwashing liquid is not enough, don’t use more than 2 teaspoons as anymore then that will create too many suds which can leave you with streaky windows.

The additional soap will also leave a soapy residue on the glass, so believe me, use just as little as possible.

Tools to Help you Wash Your Windows

At a bare minimum, you’ll need:

• a bucket or something to mix the cleaning solution in
• two cloths for washing and wiping the squeegee blade
• a dry cloth: chamois, microfiber, etc.
• a green scrubby to remove debris
• a window washer with a microfiber or sponge “like” pad, some people call it a scrubber
• extension or telescoping pole
• a step ladder
• a squeegee 

If you have high windows, extension poles work great. With average windows, a regular squeegee will work fine. If you use a step stool or ladder, be careful.

A microfiber cleaning cloth is helpful, (but not absolutely required). Microfiber is made from a synthetic blend that does not shed. Professionals use chamois and microfiber, but if you don’t have one available, don’t worry about it.

Cotton towels are soft and absorbent, but they shed lint fibers, which can end up on newly washed windows. If this is all you have to work with, it will work just fine.

What Bucket to Use?

When you need to use the window washer, the head is longer than a regular sized bucket. If you wash your windows quite often, you might want to invest in a rectangular bucket, they fit the window washer nicely and they aren’t that expensive.

A regular bucket will work fine though, just dip in one side then the other side. When you’re done dipping the washer or scrubber in the water – use your hand to rub off some of the excess water.

Cleaning the Glass in Picture Windows

Because picture windows a typically large windows, these may require the use of the extension pole.

It’s up to you if you want to use the window washer inside as well as outside. Even though you remove excess water from the washer; there can still be quite a bit of drips.

If you use it inside, place a large towel down to catch drips and spills.

1. Wash the window pane with the cleaning solution. If necessary, use the green scrubby to remove any debris that doesn’t come off easily.
2. Now use the squeegee to remove the cleaning solution. Starting at the top corner of the window, use a reverse “S” motion going from one side to the other down the window.
3. Wipe the squeegee blade and repeat.
4. Remove any remaining water around the edges, window glass, and the windowsill.

If using the reverse “S” motion doesn’t work for you, start at the top of the window and pull the squeegee straight down the window in one continuous motion. Wipe the squeegee and slightly overlap the last stroke.

Using a Pressure Washer

Cleaning windows with a pressure washer, while very fast, doesn’t do quite the job as cleaning windows yourself.

This method might be okay for someone who just wants to rinse the dirt off the window and who is not very critical of the results. Me, I’ll do it myself.

If you’re going to try this method for a quick clean, be careful not to spray to close to the window. Using a pressure washer to clean the windows could possibly cause cracks under the water pressure (especially in colder weather), you could loosen seals and it just doesn’t do a good job – be careful.

Window Washing Tips

• Work the washer at angles across the glass. This usually cleans the windows better than just going in one direction as you overlap strokes more.
• When using the squeegee, squeegee at angles (left to right) on the outside of windows and up and down on the inside windows. This will help you tell where any streaking is occurring, especially if you’re cleaning by yourself.
• If you are window washing in pairs. One person can clean the inside of the windows while another works on the exterior glass. This works nice when areas are missed, just tell the person who’s inside or outside where to rewash.
• The squeegee should to be wiped off after each stroke to prevent streaking. Cloth diapers work great for this.
• Even using a squeegee to clean the residue off the glass may not get everything. Always carry a clean cloth to clean the small spots that have to be touched up.

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Cleaning Interior and Exterior Windows.

How to Clean Window Glass (Exterior and Interior)

Unlike many other items or areas you clean in your home, you can’t miss the windows. They stay in your peripheral vision, you can’t ignore them, they’re all around the house.

Windows wash your inside space with natural lighting that helps make living spaces more inviting. Now, let’s get to cleaning.

Window Cleaning Tips

Don’t clean windows in direct sunlight- wait for a cloudy day or wash them before the sun hits the glass. If you clean them when the sun is shining, the cleaning solution will dry on the glass before you have a chance to rinse and will leave streaking behind.

When cleaning exterior windows, start with top level windows and work your way down. Be safe and use proper equipment. I like the squeegee that has the scrubber and the squeegee combination. You can use the scrubbing bar to spread the cleaning solution around the surface of the window the flip it and squeegee the liquid off the glass.

Cleaning Exterior Windows

Tools Needed:

• Bucket large enough for a squeegee to fit
• Microfiber or lint free cloth
• Squeegee or soft bristled brush
• Extension pole if necessary
• Hose with a spray nozzle
• Sponge
• Rubber gloves

The Cleaning Process

• Hose down one window at a time.
• Wash it with hot soapy water using your squeegee or soft bristled brush. If you are using a squeegee, be sure to wipe the blade off of excess water.
• Hose it again to rinse the soap off the window. (Be quick, don’t let it dry).
• Clean the rest of the window glass the same way.

Cleaning Interior Windows

Tools Needed:

• Spray bottle with cleaner
• Towels
• Microfiber or lint free cloth
• Squeegee
• Rubber gloves

Indoor window frames don’t have to be cleaned every time, because they don’t get half as dirty as your exterior windows.

The Cleaning Process

First either remove or pull back window coverings then use a microfiber or lint free cloth and run this over the surface of the window, frame and window sills to remove dust, dirt, cobwebs, etc.

With a damp cloth, go over the window frame and sills. Before washing the windows, lay a towel on the window sill to keep water from dripping on the painted surface. Spray the window cleaner on the glass and using an S shape motion clean the glass. Start at the top and work your way down.

If you are using a squeegee, start at a top corner and pull down, overlap each stroke. Clean the blade after each pull.

Window Cleaner Recipes

Making your own glass cleaner is easy and only takes a few ingredients.

Glass Cleaner Recipe #1

• 8 cups hot water
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 – 3 tablespoons dish soap

This is a good recipe to put in a bucket for cleaning outdoor windows.

Glass Cleaner Recipe #2

• 2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (at least 70% alcohol)

This is a good recipe to put in a spray bottle for cleaning interior windows.

If you don’t have the time, don’t feel the rush to get all windows clean in one day. Do as many as you can then more the next day.

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Best Way to Clean Windows.

Cleaning Windows

When I was looking for a new home, I had quite an extensive list of “must haves” – at the top of my list was an open floor plan, ample closet space and lots of natural light.

You see, I live in the Northwest, which averages 226 cloudy days per year, so I need all the sunshine I can get.

What I didn’t quite realize when I was house hunting is that natural light equals windows – which requires a lot of upkeep.

After about six months of living in my spacious new abode, I became so frustrated by how quickly my windows got dirty, so I made it my goal to learn how to clean my windows like a pro.

I wanted to see clean glass in the window panes of our home, so now I do a thorough cleaning inside and out at least twice a year.

My advice to you? Pick a day, grab your husband or significant other, break out the squeegees and get ready to start cleaning.

I have many secrets and time-saving tips that I’d like to share with you about cleaning your windows.

Before You Start

Tip: Washing windows is best done on a cloudy day. If you wash windows on a warm, sunny day, the heat will dry the cleaning solution too quickly and will cause streaking as you’re cleaning.

Interior Windows

• Vacuum the window tracks and windowsills to remove dirt and debris.
• If there is a build-up of gunk in the corners, use a Q-tip or something similar to clean.

Exterior Windows

• Remove any window screens from windows. Mark them if necessary so you know what windows they go on when you’re finished washing.
• Brush off exterior windows frames with a soft scrub brush to remove dirt and debris.
• If your windows have weep holes, make sure they are clean and free of build-up so they can continue to function as they were designed to do.
• Pre-rinse before washing to help avoid scratches while cleaning.

Assemble Your Cleaning Tools

The best tool for cleaning windows is a squeegee. A squeegee is a t-shaped cleaning tool with a flat rubber blade that quickly and evenly removes water from windows and glass.

Yes, if you don’t have a squeegee, you can use a clean sponge and towel to wash and dry the windows, but a squeegee cleans and dries in one fell swoop eliminating towel drying, streaks and drips. It reduces the cleaning time to 1/4 of what it would take to clean windows and dry with a lint-free towel.

Another tip I have for you if using a towel, cloth diaper, chamois, etc. for drying is don’t use one that has gone through a wash or dry cycle with a fabric softener as it could leave enough of a residue behind on the towel to leave streaks.

• Natural sponge
• Sponge mop
• Medium weight bristled brush (something like a paintbrush)
• Soft scrub brush (for cleaning screens)
• Squeegee (small and large)
• Clean lint-free cloths
• Damp chamois cloth
• Paper towels

DIY Window Washing Solution

Select your preferred window cleaning solution. Mix and put into a spray bottle or apply to the window with a sponge.

Soap and Water Cleaning Solution

This is a good window cleaning recipe for interior windows that are not heavily soiled when you haven’t any white vinegar in the house.

In a bucket mix together the following ingredients:

• 1 gallon warm water
• 1 teaspoon liquid Dawn dish soap

Use very little detergent, don’t go overboard, too much soap in the water causes streaks – and nobody wants streaky windows!

Ammonia and White Vinegar Cleaning Solutions

Ammonia is great for breaking apart grime on dirty windows and vinegar eliminates streaks and is the perfect way to finish.

In a bucket mix together:

• 8 cups warm water
• 2 cups rubbing alcohol
• 1/2 cup ammonia
• 1 tablespoon dishwashing detergent

Lemon Essential Oil Cleaning Solution

This is my go-to window cleaning solution.

In a spray bottle combine:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Give the solution a good shake and spray liberally on window. Wipe dry with a chamois, cloth diaper, squeegee, etc.

Let’s Clean Your Windows

It doesn’t really matter whether you clean all of your inside or outside window glass first, or if one person is on the inside and one on the outside, or if you have a specific window-by-window approach, whatever your preference is, do what will work best for you.

If the glass is particularly dirty and grimy, you may not get it right the first time and may have to go over the glass again.

Tip: For interior windows it can’t hurt to lay a towel on the window sill to keep it from getting too wet while cleaning.

Picture Windows

• For large picture windows, use a sponge mop with a long handle and wipe the cleaning solution over the glass of the window. For exterior windows you can apply a heavier amount of cleaning solution.
• For smaller picture windows a sponge may be easier to apply the cleaning solution and less mess, especially for interior windows.
• Place the squeegee at the top of the window and pull it straight down in one complete motion.
• Wipe off the squeegee blade with the damp cloth to remove soap suds.
• Place the squeegee back at the top of the window, overlapping the just cleaned section slightly.
• Repeat the process and pull the squeegee straight down, remembering to wipe the squeegee after each swipe across the window.

When all sections of the window have been cleaned, wipe around the edges of the window with a clean lint-free cloth and wipe down and dry off the window sill.

Double-Paned Windows

Double-paned windows can be cleaned very much like a big picture window but you may need to use a hand-held sponge (I like the natural sponges, they are more absorbent than a synthetic sponge) to apply and clean the panes and use a smaller squeegee.

Clean each window pane from top to bottom and left to right to get all the dirt from the panes. Again, dry around the edges of the window with a clean, lint-free cloth.

If the window panes are very dirty, you may need to use a bristle brush to clean around the edges and corners of the individual panes. Don’t use a bristle brush that could scratch the glass.

Window Screens

Most of the time, screens can come clean if you just squirt them well with a stream of water from the hose. If they’re full of cobwebs or bugs you can clean them with a whisk broom.

Be careful not to break the screens with either too strong a stream of water or rough cleaning with the broom.

If a window screen needs more than just a basic rinsing, use a cleaning solution of 1 gallon warm water with a squirt of dishwashing liquid. Scrub lightly with a scrub brush and rinse until all soapy residue is washed away.

Let the Light Shine In

Remember to do a thorough cleaning twice a year if you want your windows to look their best. Keeping them clean will ensure you are letting in all that wonderful, natural light!

I hope these window washing tips will arm you with the tools and techniques to help you wash your windows faster and better so you can enjoy the sunny days ahead.

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Homemade Window Washing Cleaner Recipes

If the thought of paying for expensive window washing solution pains you as much as the thought of actually cleaning the windows, you’ll be happy to know that there are alternatives.

Before there were countless window washing solution products available, our grandmothers were making their own. Often, these were just as effective, if not more effective, than window washing products you can buy in stores.

Cleaning Tools

Don’t forget about your tools! Plastic squirt bottles are great for holding window washing solution, however, always make sure you label them (or any other bottles with homemade cleansers) to avoid any risks of using them on the wrong surface and so the kids are aware of what is in the bottle.

Cleaning gloves can be worn to keep your hands dry, this is totally up to you.

Homemade Recipes

Below are three very easy homemade window cleaning recipes.

Heavy Duty Window Cleaning Recipe

• 8 cups water
• 1/8 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dish detergent

Fight the Grim on Your Windows Using Ammonia

• 1 cup 70 percent isopropyl (rubbing alcohol)
• 1/4 cup ammonia
• 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent
• 7 cups water

Regular Window Cleaner Using Vinegar

• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid dish detergent

Always use warm water when making your homemade window washing solution, especially if using a solution, which has liquid dish soap. This will help get off those stubborn bits of debris on the windows.

Avoid washing windows when the glass is hot or the sun is directly shinning on the glass. The heat and sunlight will make the window washing solution dry faster and you will be left with streaks.

Before you start cleaning windows, make sure that you are also cleaning the windowsills and frames too. The windows will not stay clean for long if the dust and debris from around them are dirty!

Tips for Cleaning Windows

Even though vinegar and ammonia make for great homemade window washing solutions, they can dry out window seals, especially the rubber or silicon sealants found on most home windows. That means your window seals might start to crack eventually and you’ll need to replace them sooner.

Instead of cleaning right away with vinegar and/or ammonia-based solutions, first clean the windows with a soap and water solution. Once you have removed the majority of the debris, and then use the homemade window washing solution for the final step.

In addition to a homemade window washing solution, you can use crumpled up newspapers to clean your windows. Don’t be stingy with them though!

You will want to make sure that you are using a dry newspaper page for each wipe. Otherwise, you might end up with ink on your newly cleaned windows! You can also use cut-up old clothes for the final wipes to get any streaks off the windows.

In addition, if you are doing a lot of cleaning, you will want to save washing the windows for last. That way no dust will be lifted up onto your newly cleaned windows.

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How to Wipe and Clean Windows

Keeping the windows clean is such an unpopular task that even those who make their living by cleaning often say “I don’t do windows.” But this chore doesn’t have to be unpleasant or difficult.

Cleaning Frequency:

Happily, when it comes cleaning windows, two times a year is sufficient. That being said, you will need to set aside a chunk of time in order to properly clean the windows. Below are some tips for getting the job done right.

Removing Excess Dust and Dirt:

Use a clean dry cloth to wipe away any excess dust and dirt from the frames and the glass. This will make the rest of the cleaning process easier, and will also help to avoid scratching the glass.

Window Cleaning Tools:

Some clean their windows using old balled up newspaper. While this method of cleaning can provide a streak-free shine, and some people swear by it, it is not the best idea.

There’s a couple reasons why I like to avoid it: Some paper has minerals such as silica and calcium carbonate in it. Now I admit, that it’s usually higher quality paper and not newsprint, but if you start cleaning your windows with paper that has minerals in it, you’re going to scratch it.

Reason number 2 is the ink on the newspaper. The ink can be water based or it can be oil based with mineral oil. Either way you are adding a chemical to the cleaning solution that just doesn’t need to be there.

Be good to the environment and recycle your newspaper. I recommend that you wipe and clean the windows just with the squeegee and a lint free microfiber cloth if you have them handy.

Another reason that using newspaper is not the most effective cleaning method is that you will be, essentially, pushing the dirt around on the glass rather than removing (absorbing) the dirt and grime.

The best way to effectively remove dirt from the windows is by using a squeegee to wipe the glass clean. Squeegees are available in many sizes. Find one that best fits your windows and that will allow you to wipe and clean in as few strokes as possible.

Cleaning Solution:

Now that you are armed with a properly sized squeegee, you will need to select a cleaner. Many turn to glass cleaner, and while that makes sense for light cleaning, many glass cleaners are not strong enough to remove the dirt that has accumulated over several months.

Keep in mind that using glass cleaner once a week will make your semi-annual window cleanings much easier.

For tougher dirt, use a bit of dish detergent mixed with warm water. You should also have a bucket of clean warm water to wipe the windows a second time to remove any soapy residue and guarantee a streak free shine.

Window Cleaning Process:

• First, dip the squeegee into the soapy water and make a pass across the window.
• Follow it with a squeegee that has been dipped into the plain water.
• The amount of pressure that you will need to apply depends on the amount of dirt on the windows.
• After wiping the windows with the squeegees, wipe with a dry, lint free cloth to remove excess moisture.

With the right tools, the time to wipe and clean your windows will not bring on that feeling of dread and your whole house will look a bit brighter through your perfectly cleaned windows.

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Window Cleaning Tips

If your housekeeper doesn’t do windows, you’ll have to.

Window cleaning is likely the one household chore that is put off in favor of something more fun – like vacuuming, dusting or cleaning behind the stove.

Not washing the windows usually doesn’t result in a dramatic loss of your home’s value or a huge maintenance issue. But it can set the tone for a sunny day.

Here are just a few window cleaning tips so you can let the sunshine in.

Inside Windows

Cleaning cat, dog or human toddler nose prints off the inside of the windows is a daily task in some homes.

If you have pets or small children, you’ll want to make a safe, non-toxic window cleaning solution that is equal parts hot water and vinegar.

Cleaning Solution

Depending on the number of windows and sliding glass doors (veritable magnets for prints) you have in your home, fill a large plastic bucket with approximately five cups of distilled white vinegar and five cups of hot, not boiling, water. Remember, you’re going to have to put your hand in that water.

It should be hot enough to clean, but not so hot that it sends you off for emergency care.

Dip a sponge in the mixture, ring it out and start wiping the window.

Work first in a motion that moves across the window and then work up and down. Rinse the sponge several times. When you’re done, thoroughly dry the windows and doors with a lint-free cloth or chamois.

Your windows should now be clean and streak free! They’re also safe for the next round of prints.

Outside Windows

Window cleaning tips for outside windows involve a little more muscle, which comes in the form of ammonia and rubbing alcohol.

Depending on the region of the country you live in and how much grit and/or salt there is in the air, outside windows should be cleaned every six to 12 months.

Cleaning Solution

It’s best to use two plastic buckets for outside windows. One will hold the water, ammonia and alcohol mixture and one will be used for rinsing the sponge.

To every half-gallon of cold water, add 1/4 cup ammonia and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol. Mix the three ingredients well and pour into a spray bottle if you have one. If you don’t have a spray bottle, just dip the sponge in the bucket. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent chapping as ammonia can irritate skin.

Dip the sponge or a long-handled window extension tool into the water and wipe first from side to side and then from top to bottom.

If your windows are excessively dirty, you may need to wash and rinse several times. When you’re done washing, dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or chamois. If you live in a part of the country that requires you to clean your outside windows frequently, a final window cleaning tip is to hire a professional window washer to keep your windows in tip top shape.

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Cleaning your Windows, Sills and Window Blinds

Keeping your windows clean and sparkling is difficult. With fingerprints, dirt, and weather, sometimes it may seem like a losing battle.

If you throw in those window blinds, you may feel very overwhelmed. You need some fast window cleaning tips to keep your windows, window blinds, and mirrors clean and shiny.

There are many different methods that will help keep your windows clean, sparkling and streak free.

Well, I’ve cleaned many a window and removed many a streak, smudge and grimy fingerprint. Use my tips and you’ll have clean and sparkling windows in no time too.

Let’s get busy cleaning!

Cleaning the Windowsill and Frames

First, you will need to clean the windowsill and the window frame so as not to get that dirt on your windowpanes.

If your windowsill and frame are mildew spotted or stained, clean them with a mixture of bleach, laundry detergent, and water. Do not mix the bleach with any kind of ammonia product, as this will make a toxic gas that is harmful to your health. Rinse the windowsill and frame with water. Now it is time to start on the windowpanes.

Window Panes Don’t Have to be a Pain to Clean

Clear, clean and sparkling windowpanes are not only great to look through, but they can also save you money on your electrical bill.

Clean glass allows more sunlight through, which translates to extra heat in the wintertime.

Don’t Clean Glass in Direct Sunlight

One thing to remember is to never clean your windows in direct sunlight. The heat from the sun will dry the windows too quickly for you to be able to clean them thoroughly and will waste your time and energy.

There are many different methods to clean the windows. The first thing that you need to do no matter what method that you use to get the windows clean is to wipe them down first with a towel and water. This helps to get rid of the excess dirt and grime and makes it easier to get them completely clean.

Paper Towels

The easiest and quickest way that most people use when they clean their windows is to spray the windowpane with glass cleaner and then take paper towels to clean the windows, changing out the towels as they get wet or dirty.

Newspaper

Other people swear by using black and white recycled newspaper instead of towels. Still others (including some professional window cleaners) swear by using a squeegee to get sparkling clean windows. Try out different methods and see what works best for you to make your windows clean. If you already have a squeegee in your home, I’d just use this.

Making a Homemade Cleaning Solution

You can use many different cleaning solutions for your windows if you do not have glass cleaner in your cleaning arsenal. Here is a cleaning solution that you can make from items in your pantry that can be used on your windows to keep them clean and sparkling.

1. Mix a quarter cup of vinegar to a quart of water and put in a spray bottle.
2. Make a mixture of 2 cups of warm water and 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
3. Apply to the windowpanes with a sponge.
4. Buff dry with lint-free towels or paper towels.

Cleaning your Window Blinds

We can’t clean the windowpanes and forget the blinds, now can we? Window blinds sometimes seem like they are so difficult to clean, but there are some easy ways to make cleaning them easy as pie!

1. Use the vacuum cleaner on them. Use your vacuum cleaner attachment to dust them regularly to keep the dirt and grime from building up.
2. For non-wood blinds, take them down and put them in the bathtub or a tub of warm water and detergent. Rinse with clean water and let them dry.
3. For fabric blinds or shades, use the drapery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to get the dust off them. If you have a smudge or dirt spot, use a damp cloth to remove it.
4. If you do not have attachments on your vacuum cleaner, put a pair of cotton gloves or a pair of old socks on your hands and dust the blinds with your hands.
5. Once your blinds are clean, a neat trick to help prevent dust from gravitating to them again is to lightly rub them with a dryer sheet. This will help to keep the dust away.

Finishing Up

The key to keeping your windows, clean and beautiful is prevention.

Dust and grime can build up which can cause a problem when it is left for a long time. If you dust regularly, you will make your cleaning easier and quicker. Cleaning your windows, blinds, and mirrors does not have to take all day.

Use these tips to cut your cleaning time in half to leave you time for more important things like admiring yourself in your nice, shiny mirror.

The post Cleaning your Windows, Sills and Window Blinds appeared first on House Cleaning Central.