The warming days of spring are the perfect time to bring some light and air into your home. Whether you are planning to sell your home now or sometime in the future, having clean bright windows gives a home a whole new look and transform a dull interior into a bright living space. Take the time to get yourself a few good tools and you can make window washing a breeze. Clean your windows when the sun is not shining directly on them since the sun will heat the glass causing your soap's suds to dry too quickly and streak. So if you have a lot of windows that might take you most of the day, start on the South and West sides and move to the North and East as the day progresses, or choose an overcast day.
Find a Soft-Bristled Brush
Throughout the winter, windows collect grime and stains from the weather, masonry run-off, fingerprints and even the dog's inquisitive nose. Instead of wearing yourself out rubbing those stubborn spots with a sponge or rag, get a brush on a telescoping pole so that the tops of the windows are within easy reach.
A Bucket of Soapy Water
For the first step, you'll want to use warm, soapy water with a detergent that dissolves grease and stains. A good dishwashing liquid will work, but choose one with fewer suds. Remove your window screens to protect them and give you access to your windows. Fill your soft-bristled brush with soapy water and gently rub the glass and frame to loosen debris, grime and stains. For hard-to-remove stains, use a stainless steel scrubbing pad to rub the stain without scratching the glass.
Hose with Sprayer Nozzle to Rinse
You can use a garden hose with a good spray nozzle on the end to rinse the loosened grime and soapy water from your windows. Be careful not to set the spray jet too strong since you might loosen the seals around your window.
Get a Good Squeegee
There's a reason professional window cleaners use squeegees. If you have picture windows or large single-pane windows, you'll want a larger squeegee. If your windows have multiple panes, you'll need a squeegee the size of the smallest pane. Clear water and remaining soap from large windows by dragging your squeegee from the top left or right of your windowpane in an "S" or reverse "S" from top to bottom of your window. After every sweep of the squeegee, wipe the rubber blade with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Natural Chamois or Synthetic?
Professionals use a chamois to wipe off that last bit of water and polish out any remaining streaks. A natural chamois is made of soft sheep leather and has both drying and polishing properties. If a natural chamois is out of your price range, many synthetic chamois or drying clothes will work just fine. Use the chamois on the glass, but dry the sill with a soft cloth.
Clean Your Window Screens Too
While your screens are off the windows, they are easy to clean. Using your warm soapy water and your bristle brush (remove the pole), gently brush screens from both sides. To rinse, spray with water using a medium-strength nozzle and allow to air dry before putting them back up.
Now that your windows are shiny and bright, give us a call and we'll help you determine your home's fair market value and get you on the road to a sale.
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