Cleaning the exterior windows of your home not only enhances its curb appeal but also plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and longevity of your windows. Regular window cleaning goes beyond just improving the view.
It prevents dirt and debris from building up, which can cause scratches and damage to the glass over time. Moreover, clear windows allow more natural light to enter your home, creating a brighter, more welcoming interior environment.
By keeping your windows clean, you also improve energy efficiency, as cleaner windows enhance the sun’s warming effect during cooler months. In essence, regular window cleaning not only keeps your home looking its best but also contributes to a healthier, more energy-efficient living space.
Preparing to Clean Your Exterior Windows
Before you start the process of how to clean exterior windows, it’s important to properly prepare by gathering all the necessary tools and supplies. This preparation ensures that the cleaning session is efficient, effective, and safe. Here’s what you’ll need:
Gather the Necessary Tools and Supplies
- Squeegee: Essential for streak-free results.
- Bucket: For mixing cleaning solutions.
- Soft-bristled brush or sponge: Perfect for gentle scrubbing.
- Microfiber cloths or lint-free towels: For drying and polishing the glass.
- Rubber gloves: To protect your hands from cleaners.
- Window cleaning solution or a diluted dishwashing liquid.
Eco-Friendly and Homemade Cleaners:
- Vinegar and water mixture: A natural cleaner that breaks down grime without leaving streaks.
- Rubbing alcohol solution: For a quick-dry cleaning method that reduces streaking.
- Lemon juice addition: Adds a fresh scent and boosts grease-cutting power.
- Cornstarch and water: Great for removing tougher stains.
Safety First: Preparing for the Task
When preparing to clean your exterior windows, prioritizing safety is crucial to ensure the task proceeds without accidents. Here are essential safety tips to follow:
- Using Ladders Safely: Ensure the ladder is sturdy and appropriate for your weight and the job’s height requirements.
- Place the ladder on stable, level ground, and ensure it is securely positioned before climbing.
- Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when ascending or descending.
- Wearing Protective Gear: Wear non-slip shoes to prevent slips and falls, especially when working on wet surfaces.
- Use gloves to protect your hands from harsh cleaning chemicals and cold or hot surfaces.
- Consider safety goggles to shield your eyes from splashing solutions.
- Securing the Area: Cordon off the area where you are using the ladder to prevent others from accidentally moving it.
- Remove any obstacles from the area to ensure smooth movement and to prevent tripping hazards.
- Inform family members or co-workers about your cleaning plans to avoid unexpected disturbances.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Exterior Windows
Initial Cleaning
When beginning the task of cleaning your exterior windows, it’s important to start with a thorough initial cleaning to remove surface dirt and debris. This step is crucial to prevent scratches and ensure the effectiveness of your cleaning solutions:
- Use a Soft Brush or Dry Cloth: Gently sweep away loose surface dirt, dust, and cobwebs from the window frame, sill, and glass.
- Check for Stubborn Grime: Identify areas with more adherent dirt, such as dried leaves or bird droppings.
- Employ a Plastic Scraper: Carefully use a plastic scraper to remove stuck-on debris without scratching the glass.
- Dust Off Screens: If your windows have screens, remove and gently brush them to eliminate any trapped dirt before rinsing.
- Clear Window Tracks: Use a small brush or a vacuum with a crevice tool to clean out the tracks of sliding windows, which can accumulate significant grime over time.
Washing the Windows
When washing your exterior windows, it’s important to handle both standard and high window cleaning with appropriate techniques and tools for safety and effectiveness:
Standard Window Cleaning Process
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a water solution and a window-cleaning detergent in a bucket. Use water with a small amount of dish soap or vinegar for a homemade alternative.
- Wet the Window: Dip a sponge or soft brush in the solution and thoroughly wet the window surface without oversaturating it.
- Scrub Gently: Scrub the window gently to loosen any grime or buildup. Pay extra attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
- Use a Squeegee: Start at the top of the window and pull a squeegee down in a straight stroke. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean towel after each pass to avoid transferring dirt.
- Dry the Edges: Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or chamois to wipe any remaining drips around the edges of the window.
Cleaning High Exterior Windows
- Select the Right Equipment: Use an extendable squeegee or a water-fed pole system designed for high windows, ensuring you can remain safely on the ground, or use a securely positioned ladder.
- Secure Your Position: If a ladder is necessary, ensure it is stable and securely placed against the building. Always have someone spot you from below.
- Apply Non-Drip Solutions: Consider using gels or solutions that minimize dripping when dealing with high windows, as these can be more controlled from a distance.
- Use a Harness (if applicable): For extremely high windows, where ladder use is impractical, harness systems may be employed following proper safety protocols.
- Clean in Sections: Tackle one manageable area at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly cleaned before moving on to the next to prevent streaking from drying soap.
Addressing Common Issues
Addressing common issues such as cloudy windows and stubborn stains is key to achieving pristine exterior windows. Here are the methods and solutions to tackle these problems effectively:
How to Clean Cloudy Exterior Windows
- Identify the Cause: Determine if the cloudiness is due to external dirt or internal moisture between double window panes.
- Use a Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. The acidity in vinegar helps break down the mineral deposits causing cloudiness.
- Apply with a Sponge: Soak a sponge in the vinegar solution and apply it to the cloudy areas. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the buildup.
- Scrub Gently: Use a non-abrasive scrubber to gently remove the cloudiness without scratching the glass.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the dirty windows with clean water to remove any vinegar residue and wipe dry with a squeegee or microfiber cloth.
Removing Stubborn Stains and Buildup
- Pre-Treat with Soaking: For tough stains like bird droppings and water spots, pre-treat the area by applying a soaked cloth of soapy water or vinegar solution to soften the buildup.
- Use a Specialized Cleaner: Apply a cleaner designed for hard water stains or calcium, lime, and rust removal, especially effective for mineral deposits.
- Scrub with a Soft Brush: Gently scrub the affected area with a soft brush or plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the glass.
- Rinse and Repeat if Necessary: Rinse the window with clean water. If stains persist, repeat the treatment or consider a stronger cleaning agent recommended for glass.
- Dry and Polish: Finally, dry the area with a clean cloth and polish it with commercial window cleaning solutions to restore shine.
Cost Considerations
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning Costs
When evaluating the costs of cleaning windows, homeowners often weigh DIY against hiring a professional. Doing it yourself can save money if you have the right supplies, such as using a commercial window cleaning solution
However, for hard-to-reach windows or when time is limited, hiring professionals like us at Evergreen Cleans is advantageous. Here, we provide the expertise and equipment necessary for safe and efficient clean windows, particularly useful for complex projects.
Although our services may initially cost more, they save significant time and deliver exceptional results, potentially minimizing future repair or replacement costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining clean exterior windows not only enhances your home’s appearance but also contributes to its upkeep.
We’ve outlined essential steps for preparing, cleaning, and addressing common issues with washing windows, whether you choose a DIY approach or opt for professional help from teams like ours at Evergreen Cleans.
By implementing these methods, you can achieve sparkling windows that boost both the beauty and value of your home. We encourage you to try these techniques to maintain clear and pristine windows effortlessly.
