5 Things to Avoid When Cleaning your Windows

At its core, cleaning windows seems like a very simple task. Just wet and wipe, right? Surprisingly, window cleaning is actually more complex than it looks. A number of factors can potentially make or break the quality of your end results. To save yourself a lot of wasted time, energy and frustration, avoid these five things when cleaning your windows.

Choosing the Wrong Tools

When cleaning windows, choosing the proper tools is essential. Using the wrong ones can make your windows look worse or even damage them. One tool to avoid is cloth. Towels and rags leave behind significant amounts of lint, which can ruin your windows’ appearance. Ideally, you should use a squeegee, but a paper towel will also suffice. For mineral deposits or stuck-on grime, it might be tempting to use an abrasive material to remove them. However, it could scratch your windows beyond repair. Only a window scraper should be used for this, but it requires caution. Failing to use a steady angle and pressure could also scratch your windows.

Not Accounting for Weather

Try to restrict window cleaning to the mornings or evenings when the sun isn’t beating down on them. When it’s sunny and your windows are warm, whatever liquid you use to clean them will evaporate too quickly, resulting in streaking. You should also avoid cleaning windows when temperatures outside are freezing, as cleaners may frost up on the glass. If you’re planning to clean the exterior portion of your windows, make sure it’s not windy. Besides drying the cleaner too fast, the wind will also blow debris back onto your windows.

Certain Cleaners

Many substances can be used to clean windows, but there are some cleaners that you should absolutely avoid. Oil-based cleaners, like those made for wood, should never be used on windows. The oil will smear on the glass and is very difficult to clean off. Steer clear of abrasive cleaners, too. Those made for scouring can etch window glass, leaving behind ugly and permanent marks.

Make Sure to Remove the Blinds, Curtains, and Shutters

When cleaning windows, be sure to remove the blinds, curtains, and shutters. According to companies like Sunburst and other window businesses, not removing blinds, curtains, and shutters can make cleaning your windows less effective. They can also be a nuisance and a safety hazard if you have to be high up on a latter to clean a particular window. Also some cleaners can ruin blinds and curtains. So it is just safer for your and for the décor of your home to remove them while cleaning your windows.

Excess Pressure

Don’t get too caught up in the heat of the moment. When you’re in a cleaning frenzy, it’s easy to forget that glass is highly pressure-sensitive. Be careful not to use too much force when cleaning your windows, especially large ones, lest the glass crack or break. Damaged windows aren’t just a safety hazard. They’re also expensive to replace.

Getting sparkling clean windows doesn’t have to be a mystery. With a bit of care, forethought and the correct tools, you can have spotlessly clean windows every time.

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie found the information for this article from Sunburst.