5 Window Cleaning Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

Cleaning a house full of windows is never fun, but it can be a lot easier if you follow some simple rules and avoid making some common mistakes. Technique is everything when you’re cleaning glass. Next time you’re cleaning your windows, avoid the five common mistakes outlined in this article.

#1. Don’t Clean Windows In the Sun & Heat

Cleaning windows in direct sunlight or in extreme heat can cause the window washing fluid to evaporate before it’s had a chance to get the dirt off and fully clean the window glass. This can lead to streaks, which you may have to go back and clean multiple times to get eliminate.

For best results, clean your windows on a cloudy day. If you must clean your windows on a sunny day, do it throughout the day while the sun moves. Clean each window as it is shaded from the sun.

#2. Avoid Cleaning a Big Area of Window Glass at Once

Cleaning a big area at once spreads more dirt around and requires more washing fluid. Clean small areas (no more than one or two square feet at a time) and change cloths often to get the dirt off and avoid smearing the dirt around.

#3. Don’t Use Hard Water to Clean Your Windows

Hard water looks like normal water, but over time, it will leave deposits of minerals on your windows. These minerals will cause your windows to appear “foggy” and difficult to see clearly through, Getting rid of that layer of minerals can be difficult.

You can avoid this problem by never using hard water on your windows. If you have hard water at home, installing a water softener should fix this. If you don’t have a water softener, use a commercial window cleaner or distilled water in your window cleaning solution.

#4. Use the Right Window Cleaning Solution

Use glass cleaner to clean windows! Multi-purpose cleaner and other cleaning products can cause streaks. You can either make your own glass cleaner by combining 1/4 cup of white vinegar, two cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. There are also many other recipes online – find one that works for you!

If you don’t want to make your own window cleaner, buy some commercially available glass cleaner from a home improvement store or grocery store. Just be sure that the cleaning product you buy says “glass cleaner” on it.

#5. Don’t Put Yourself in Danger Just for Clean Windows

One more mistake that homeowners sometimes make while cleaning their windows – they put themselves in danger by trying to clean windows on the second story of their house either with long unstable ladders or by leaning out the window. Both of these can be dangerous and lead to injury.

If your windows are in a difficult-to-reach part of the house, hire professionals. You can also solve this problem by installing double-hung windows from Renewal by Andersen. These windows tilt inward and can be cleaned from inside the house.

Need New Windows Installed? Call Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro

For more information about how you can install easy-to-clean double-hung windows, contact Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro. Call the toll-free number (866) 609-5033 or fill out the short form on this page to schedule your appointment for an initial consultation.

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