Clean windows let in more natural light, which makes rooms feel brighter and more inviting. They also help to prevent dust and dirt from getting stuck in sliding tracks and hinges.
When washing your windows, use a clean, lint-free towel, preferably a microfiber cloth to spread cleaner evenly. Be sure to dry your window thoroughly after cleaning to avoid water spots and streaks.
Dirty Seals
The seals around windows and doors protect against air and moisture infiltration. Unfortunately, they can also collect dirt and debris. Over time, these deposits can deteriorate the material and lead to leaks. In turn, this can cause mold and mildew growth and other damage to the window frame, sills, and tracks. Fortunately, this damage can be easily prevented with regular cleanings and the use of cleaners designed to protect glass and window seals.
How often you need to clean your windows depends on several factors, including climate and weather conditions, type of glass, and surrounding areas. For example, residents living near the ocean typically need to have their windows cleaned more frequently than those in rural areas. The salt in sea air has a corrosive effect on glass that can lead to premature wear and tear. And, if your home or business is located near an industrial area with heavy traffic, your windows can get dirtier more quickly because of pollutants in the air from cars, trucks, and factories.
Another factor that affects how often you need to have your windows cleaned is whether they are inside-outside or outside-inside. Many homeowners assume that the outside of a window gets dirty faster than the inside, and so they only clean the outside. But, this is a mistake. Leaving dust, pollen, and other contaminants on your windows can lead to water spots, streaks, and stains that make the glass look dirty even after it is washed.
It is important to clean your windows from top to bottom, focusing on any difficult-to-reach areas that might be missed when washing the glass. It is also important to use a squeegee and to dry the glass thoroughly after washing. A squeegee is ideal because it will remove excess water quickly and efficiently, leaving behind a clear finish. Finally, when drying your windows, it is best to use a lint-free towel or microfiber cloth instead of paper towels that can leave behind lint.
Dirty Glass
Cleaning windows requires more than just spraying a cleaner and wiping. It’s a process that takes time, patience and the right tools to ensure sparkling results.
The first step is to pre-wash the window, especially if it’s multipaned. Weingard recommends using a handheld sponge or hog-bristle brush to rub each pane from left to right, top to bottom, rubbing the edges of the sponge or bristles into the corners to loosen dirt that may be difficult to reach. He also advises rinsing the soap off with a garden hose to rinse away any remaining dirt and sludge.
When you’re ready to wipe, be sure to use a non-abrasive cloth or squeegee. Razor blades or other abrasive scrubbers can scratch the glass, causing permanent damage. Using the correct cleaner is also essential. Avoid ammonia-based solutions, which can cause streaking. Instead, try a solution that contains vinegar or is made of distilled water.
If you’re working with multipanes, be sure to clean the frames and muntins as well. This can be a messy job, but it’s important to keep the frame and sill clean as well as the glass. If you’re struggling with stubborn stains or hard water spots, hiring a professional window cleaning atlanta service can ensure your windows stay crystal clear and well-maintained.
Once the windows are dry, a final look at them from various angles will reveal any pesky smudges or streaks that you missed. If you see any, use a damp, lint-free cloth to wipe them down and then buff the windows dry with a chamois or old linen napkin.
It’s best to perform this task on an overcast day rather than in full sun. The heat can cause the cleaner to dry onto the glass before you can wipe it off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks.
Finally, be sure to organize all your cleaning supplies before you begin. This helps prevent losing a tool halfway through the job or having to pause to look for it. You’ll also have everything within reach when you’re completing the task, so you can stay on track and get the job done more quickly.
Water Spots
When water spots are allowed to dry on painted surfaces, they can permanently discolor the finish. This process is called etching and it can be very difficult to remove, often requiring wet sanding. This is most commonly seen on older vehicles that have been exposed to ground water with high concentrations of minerals or acid.
Keeping windows clean helps to prevent the build-up of minerals and contaminants, as well as protecting paint and sensitive plastics. Regular cleaning is especially important for vehicles that are driven in cities or near factories where air pollutants can build up and deposit contaminants on glass, sensitive plastics, and paint.
In addition to a duller view, dirty windows can also give off the wrong impression to potential customers or visitors. When windows are not cleaned regularly, they may look dingy or cloudy, which can send the message that your business is disorganized and unprofessional.
To make sure your windows are really clean, start by examining the surface from several angles to see if you can spot any areas that need further cleaning. Then, run your hand over the surface to feel if it’s smooth. If you can still feel grit or streaks, then you haven’t cleaned your windows well enough.
Once you’ve finished scrubbing your windows, rinse the surfaces with clean water and dry them with a lint-free cloth. Don’t forget to clean the window screens – they can be just as dirty as the windows themselves. If they’re removable, simply wash them with hot water and mild dish soap (or vinegar) and let them dry completely before reinstalling.
When washing your car’s windows, use plenty of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt so that it can be wiped away without leaving behind any streaks. Then, wipe down the rubber blade of your squeegee between swipes and swap out your cleaning towels regularly to avoid re-smearing the dirt back onto the window.
Be careful not to over-spray your windows with cleaner, as too much can leave water spots or etching. If you have hard water stains, try using a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to clean the area. This can help to remove most of the stain, but you may need to repeat the process a few times to get rid of the stains completely.
Broken Seals
When window seals break, water seeps into the gap and causes condensation, rust or mold. This not only damages the windows but can lead to moisture infiltration throughout your home or business, causing costly problems with wood, paint and other surfaces. The best way to avoid a broken window seal is with proper maintenance, including regular cleaning. Here are a few signs you should keep an eye out for to determine when it’s time to schedule a cleaning appointment:
Foggy Windows
When your windows become fogged, this is the most obvious sign that your window seal isn’t doing its job. Moisture trapped between the panes of glass usually shows up as fog or droplets, especially during temperature changes. If you try to wipe away the fog and nothing happens, then this means the window seal has busted and needs replacement.
Water Spots
When you see water spots forming on your windows, it’s important to act fast. Over time, the minerals in the water can etch into your glass, leading to permanent damage and reducing your window’s lifespan. If left untreated, mineral deposits can also corrode the sash and frame, creating cracks that allow moisture into your home or business. The best way to avoid this is by using a professional window cleaner who offers window washing services, like Window Genie.
Stained Windows
A neglected window sill and frame can develop stubborn stains, dirt streaks and hard water marks that standard household cleaning products are unable to remove. This can cause the windows to look dull and reduce natural light. It’s also a great invitation for pests, such as ants and spiders, who love to build their nests in corners of dirty, dusty frames and sills.
If your window frames and sills haven’t been painted or stained in a long while, it’s important to give them a fresh coat of paint. However, be careful when choosing the right tool for the job. Using a heat gun to remove old paint from a wooden frame can damage the sash and underlying wood, potentially breaking the window seal.
