Window cleaning professionals suggest avoiding window washing on very sunny days or at a time when a window is in direct sunlight, as the heat may cause the glass to dry too quickly and cause smears.
If the weather dips below freezing, consider rescheduling your window cleaning to avoid the hassle of frozen cleaning chemicals. Otherwise, cooler temps have little impact on cleaning windows. The main thing to remember is to use cold water in cold weather and avoid washing in freezing temperatures.
One of the best times for window cleaning and when window cleaners are the busiest is during the spring This is even more important if you have neglected the windows over the winter period. Over time, the windows build up layers of grime, dust, dirt, and pollution caused by weather changes and rainfall.
The best way to clean windows begins with the right weather. Since bright sun will dry your cleaning solution before you can properly clean the windows and leave them streaky, it's best to wash windows on a cloudy day.
With temperatures just above freezing (0 to 5 degrees Celsius) windows with thin glass should be cleaned with cold water. Modern windows with thicker glass can be cleaned using warm water. It will be effective as long as you squeegee the water off the glass quickly and as the water cools it is replaced.
It may be tempting to spritz the glass cleaners all over the place, but you don't want to apply too much. Start at the top of the dirty window, spray once or twice to start, then take the microfiber cleaning cloth and wipe in Z-shaped motions to dry. Work your way down to the windowsill.
Seasons with mild weather, such as spring or autumn, are better than window cleaning in the heat and direct sunlight of summer or the cold in winter, which could be hard on hands and icy windows.
Use a cleaning solution: Like Glass-Rite cleaner! Or we also recommend a simple solution of equal parts vinegar and water, a Windex solution in water is good also. Do not use glass cleaners that are ammonia or alcohol based. They may leave streaks or make a film that attracts moisture or dust.
Perhaps your windows haven't even had the dirt removed properly. This can happen if you keep reusing a sponge that isn't being washed frequently. Or if the technique used is sloppy and not thorough. And some squeegees give a really patchy finish, especially poorer quality models not designed for professional use.
Schmitz says that cleaning your baseboards once every two to three months should be sufficient, though that will depend on the room of your home and how much traffic it gets. If your baseboards have collected a layer of dirt, dust, and pet hair, they're due for a cleaning, regardless of when you last wiped them down.
Dirt particles will enter the glass' pores, contaminating and corroding the windows. The first things you may notice will be some light scratches or cracks. Eventually, an unmaintained window can be altered on a structural level and will need a full replacement.
According to their report, windows should be washed twice a year, while screens need only to be cleaned annually. For many home owners and even renters, window cleaning usually is a once-a-year chore.
On a sunny day, the lather will dry quickly, leaving persistent streaks and marks even after you've scrubbed and dried your windows. Window cleaning professionals recommend cleaning on a cloudy day. This weather gives you a little more time before the lather starts to dry.
For best results, it is recommended that homeowners give their exterior windows a thorough washing twice per year—possibly just once if your windows have screens. Interior windows should be wiped down every three to four months.
Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.
A mixture of vinegar and water can provide an effective and non-toxic cleaning solution for windows and mirrors. To clean your windows with vinegar, combine equal parts vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle.
It's often recommended to spray the window cleaner directly on your microfiber cloth, newspaper, or t-shirt instead of the glass. The reason is that this will help you avoid drips that can leave streaks if you don't wipe them up quickly.
Mix one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Wipe down the window with a a soft, clean, lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove dust before you spray your solution, then spray the entire surface.
Once all the dirt is off the windows, it's time to dry them. Working from the top down to prevent drips, dry the glass with a squeegee or clean, dry, lint-free towel. Use a dry part of the same cloth to wipe away cleaner that's pooled around the edges where the glass meets the frame.
Clean your bathroom once a week as a good rule of thumb.
And with winter's low light, it's always a good idea to make sure as much light can come through the window as possible. (Your house plants will thank you, too.) The simplest answer is you should have your windows cleaned once or twice a year in spring and fall.