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While I enjoy having bright, fresh and clear windows, I definitely dread cleaning them each spring. Removing the fall and winter crud that has accumulated is a frustrating task.
This year, try this pro method to make cleaning less work and help your windows stay cleaner, longer.
Supplies Needed
- Two buckets
- A sponge
- Rubber squeegee & strip applicator
- Soft bristled brush
- Paper towels
- Lint-free or microfiber cloth
- Q-Tips
- A toothbrush
- A squirt of dishwashing liquid
Cleaning the Windows
- Start by vacuuming the window. Do both the the interior & exterior (when possible) of the frame and inside the tracks.
- Fill both buckets with warm water. Add a little squirt of dishwashing liquid (the less suds, the better).
- For multi-pane windows, clean the glass with a sponge and wipe dry with a cloth. For picture windows, use a strip applicator and a squeegee.
- Wipe away excess drips and water to avoid streaks.
- Wash the frames with your cleaning solution and a sponge.
- Get into the tracks and tight spaces with a toothbrush and q-tips. For my garage windows that get pretty dirty, I’ll gently scrub the casing around the glass too.
- Wipe big dirt pieces away with a cloth.
- Lightly cleanse the frame and tracks with clean water and dry with another cloth.
- Lightly oil your tracks, casements or the gears of the cranks if the windows don’t slide or open easily.
Cleaning the Screens
- Line the screens up outside, propped against outdoor furniture or a wall.
- Gently spray with water from the hose.
- Gently scrub with cleaning mixture and a soft bristled brush.
- Rinse away dirt & grime.
- Let dry.
Pro tip from Consumer reports: Clean on a cloudy day. Sunlight can make the cleaning solution dry before you have a chance to wipe off.