Streaks on windows often form during the drying process. To avoid them, wipe the edges of the window with a clean, dry cloth after squeegeing.
If a window is stained with mineral deposits, try using a commercial cleaner like CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover. Dampen a sponge with the product and rub at the stains, avoiding the frame. Contact Window Cleaning Austin now!
The frames and sills of windows collect dirt, dust, and grime over time. If left unattended, these deposits can cause the frame to lose its luster or even start to corrode. Keeping the frames clean helps them maintain their beauty and protects against costly damage and premature replacement. A regular cleaning routine also contributes to better indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust and allergens that settles on the surfaces.
Before diving into the cleaning process, make sure you have all of the necessary tools at your disposal. This includes a soft-bristled brush, microfiber cloths, a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment, and a cleaning solution. For the cleaning solution, a simple blend of dishwashing detergent and water works well. A more specialized cleaner may be needed for stubborn spots, such as mildew or mold.
When cleaning aluminum window frames, it’s important to use a special cleaner that is safe for the material. Follow the instructions on the package closely to avoid damaging the frames. Many of these cleaners need to sit on the surface for a certain period of time before being wiped off. You may also need to use gloves or goggles depending on the product you choose.
A light dusting of the window frames and sills is often sufficient to remove loose buildup, but a deeper clean is often required. Using an eco-friendly cleaner such as white vinegar is ideal for wooden frames, but a commercial wood cleaner may be needed for metal frames or those with a painted finish.
For a more specialized cleaner, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently. Once the residue has been removed, wipe down the entire frame. If you have a lot of stains, a scouring pad is recommended for more stubborn areas.
Once the frame is clean, it’s a good idea to re-lubricate the window tracks. This will minimize friction and make it easier to open and close the windows.
Clean the Glass
Cleaning windows and other glass surfaces can be a frustrating endeavor. For all the careful spraying and wiping, sometimes a stubborn streak or smudge remains on the surface that seems to reveal itself only when the sun hits it just right. Thankfully, most of these issues are more a matter of technique than laziness on the part of the cleaner, and can be corrected with a few simple steps.
First, make sure you have the right materials. While it might be tempting to save a little time and use a soiled paper towel or rag, you’ll get much better results with something that won’t leave lint behind. Microfiber cloths are a good choice, as are chamois or a clean, old t-shirt. Avoid using cotton towels, which will only leave behind a film of lint on the surface.
When you’re ready to begin cleaning the actual glass surface, start at one corner of the window or door and move your way across. This will prevent drips from forming on areas you’ve already cleaned and help ensure that you’re evenly covering the entire surface.
If you’re using a commercial or homemade cleaner, spray the solution onto a small section of the glass before wiping it down with your cloth. This will allow you to see how the surface is responding to the cleaner and give you a chance to fix any areas that are particularly dirty or streaky.
Be gentle on tempered glass surfaces, which can be scratched easily if you’re not careful. Tempered glass is five times stronger than annealed glass, but it can still be damaged if you rub too vigorously or apply too much pressure.
If your house has tinted or low-E windows, it’s important to be especially gentle when you’re cleaning the glass. These coatings are designed to reflect heat and light, and they can be permanently scratched if you clean them too roughly or with an abrasive material like steel wool.
Finally, don’t forget to clean the edges of the glass and the surrounding wood frame. This will keep moisture from damaging the frame and help keep your glass cleaner longer. Once you’re done, double-check for any lingering streaks or smudges. Then, buff them out with a dry coffee filter or microfiber cloth for sparkling results that’ll impress your guests when they visit over the holidays.
Clean the Screens
You’ll find that window sills tend to collect cobwebs, as well as a variety of other dirt and grime. To get them clean, use a soft, dry cloth to remove any build up. Then, if there are mineral deposit stains on the window sill, try using a cleaner with oxalic acid (like Zud or Bar Keepers’ Friend). Make a paste by combining the cleaning product with water. Apply the paste to the affected area, then rub it in with a sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and proceed with regular cleaning.
If there’s a lot of mineral build up on the frame, you may need to use a scraper to remove it. If there are stubborn, stuck-on stains, you can usually remove them by using a scratch-free scrubby pad or 0000 steel wool. Then, you can rinse the surface and wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth or sponge.
When it comes to the glass itself, you can use a vinegar solution or commercial window-cleaning products (our testers have tested many of them and recommend several that don’t leave streaks). If you’re using a solution, make sure the windows are overcast, says Forte. Otherwise, the cleaner will dry on the glass before you have a chance to wipe it off, and streaks will result.
A great way to avoid streaks is to spray the windows incrementally, he suggests. Instead of wetting the entire window all at once, spray each pane individually. “This ensures that the water always has a fresh surface with which to wipe, rather than a dirty one,” she adds.
After the last pane, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe down the frame and sill. Then, if you notice any streaks on the glass, use the dry part of your cloth or a chamois leather to buff them away. This will guarantee that your window glass and frames have a streak-free shine. And you’ll have gorgeous windows to show for it! Just don’t forget to open your windows to let them air out, once you’re finished. That way, you can enjoy the view, without sneezing or wheezing!
Dry the Glass
Whether they’re on your home or business, windows are an important part of your property. They let in sunlight and fresh air, but they can also allow moisture and dirt to build up. That’s why keeping up with cleaning is so important. When you’re done with your cleaning job, make sure to take the time to properly dry your windows. This will help to keep moisture from building up and causing stains, as well as prevent streaks.
The first step in the window drying process is to make sure that all of your equipment and rags are clean. This is especially important if you’ve used a cleaning solution that contains ammonia, as ammonia can damage some glass surfaces. Next, wipe down your squeegee and wipe down the perimeter of the window with a lint-free cloth. A chamois is best, but a microfiber towel or paper towels can work in a pinch. Be careful not to use cotton towels, as lint can leave behind unsightly streaks.
Once your squeegee and rags are cleaned, you can start to dry the window. Be careful not to let any excess water build up in the corners or between the panes of glass, as this can lead to rust and mold. A lint-free cloth or chamois will be best, but you can also use wadded up newspapers (be sure to remove any soiled parts of the newspaper before using it on your windows). This method is especially useful for troublesome areas that won’t seem to dry no matter how much you try.
For exterior windows, you can use a hose or a water-vinegar solution to rinse the glass. If your windows are made of heat-strengthened glass, be sure to use special care when cleaning them. Heat-strengthened glass is harder than annealed glass and can withstand sudden temperature changes. When it breaks, it shatters into smaller pieces than annealed glass. To clean heat-strengthened glass, a damp microfiber cloth can be used to loosen any stuck-on debris.
When you’re finished, it’s important to dry the edges of the glass as well as the frames and trim. This helps to prevent water spots and rust, as well as prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the wood or metal supports that hold your glass in place. If your windows are particularly dirty or stained, consider calling a professional. Professional cleaners can use specialized cleaning solutions and tools to ensure that your windows are cleaned thoroughly and are left with a streak-free shine.
