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How to Keep Your Windows Looking New
Clean windows regularly to prevent spiders from forming webs that block your view and pose a biting hazard. Mix a solution of vinegar and water or use a commercial cleanser. Start washing your windows at the top and work downward. Always wipe your squeegee clean after each stroke to avoid dripping on freshly-cleaned areas. For professional help, contact Window Cleaning Ladera Ranch.
Window screens help prevent dust, insects and pollen from coming into the house through open windows. But just like window glass, window screens can become dirty and cloudy over time. Regular cleaning of your window screens can keep them looking new and improve your home’s air quality.
The first step of washing window screens is to dust them. This helps remove loose dirt and debris that will make it easier to wash off the screens. You will also want to choose a gentle cleaning solution that is safe for your windows screens and any nearby plants and vegetation. Often, a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar will work well.
Next, hose down the windows screens with a nozzle set to low pressure. Be careful not to use forceful jet sprays that could damage the screens. Then, gently scrub the screen with a sponge, soft brush or microfiber cloth dipped in your chosen cleaning solution. Be sure to scrub both sides of the screen so that any dirt and grime is completely removed from the surface. Rinse the screens thoroughly with clean water to remove any soapy residue and allow them to dry completely before reinstalling them in their corresponding windows.
For more thorough cleaning, you may wish to take the screens out of the window frames and lay them flat on a tarp or plastic drop cloth. If you do decide to remove the window screens, label each metal frame with marker on a piece of tape for ease of reinstallation. For a more hands-off approach, you can simply spray down the window screens with your garden hose.
Keeping your window screens clean is easy with regular maintenance and some simple DIY cleaning solutions. By following these tips, you can enjoy clearer views and improved air quality when you open your windows to let in the summer breeze. And, with Phifer’s BetterVue and UltraVue2 window screens that feature built-in Water Shed technology, you can reduce the amount of cleaning and drying required even more! So, start cleaning those windows and screens today.
Window Frames
Despite being hardy and resistant, even the most durable window frames will eventually succumb to dirt and grime. If you don’t give your window frames the attention they deserve, they can quickly take away from the beauty of your windows and doors, making your home appear unkempt. But cleaning window frames is easy enough with the right tools and a little preparation.
Whether you have aluminum or wooden frames, there are many methods that can help you keep them looking new. For example, if washing up liquid alone isn’t shifting stubborn marks and stains, try adding bicarbonate of soda or biological wash powder to your solution; these can be particularly effective for organic matter such as bird droppings, plant sap, or mould patches.
If you’re using a solvent-based cleaner, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all instructions carefully. For best results, apply the cleaner first, targeting obvious stains and giving it as long as the product suggests to let it sit before wiping it off with your rag. If you’re worried about the fumes, try a water-based cleaner with an added odor neutralizer, which will be gentler on your frames than traditional solvents.
Once the cleaning is done, it’s important to ensure that your window frames are properly dried. This prevents the growth of mold and mildew and stops unsightly water stains or streaks from forming. If you can, use a small brush or cotton swab to get into all the tight corners and crevices of your window tracks. A thorough cleaning of your window tracks can also help to minimize friction, allowing them to slide open and shut smoothly.
Window Sills
Window sills are a prime spot for dirt and grime, especially when they’re frequently touched by people and pets. In addition, they tend to gather dust and dead insects. If left unattended, these accumulations can detract from the overall appearance of a home and potentially cause respiratory problems for individuals with allergies or asthma. Window sills should be cleaned regularly to prevent dust, dirt, and debris buildup.
Cleaning your window sills is a relatively simple task that requires little more than basic household cleaning products. To get started, begin by dusting or sweeping away any loose debris from the surface of your window sills. Then, mix a solution of warm water and either dishwashing liquid or baking soda in a spray bottle. Once your mixture is ready, apply the solution to your window sills and scrub them gently with a brush or sponge. Pay special attention to any nooks and crannies on your window sill where stubborn stains may have accumulated. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the soapy residue and dry your window sills completely.
The frequency with which you clean your window sills will depend on several factors, including the level of air pollution in your area, the number of pets and/or children in your home, and how much foot traffic passes near your windows. Generally, it’s best to clean your sills every 1-2 weeks to keep them looking their best.
Wooden window sills are a common choice for homeowners who want their home to have a traditional look and feel. These sills can be stained, painted, or varnished to protect them from moisture and other environmental elements. To maintain the beauty of wooden window sills, it’s important to clean them regularly. This will help to reduce the amount of dirt that accumulates and make it easier to remove any stains or marks that occur.
Unlike wooden window sills, aluminum sills require little maintenance to preserve their appearance. However, if you don’t properly care for your aluminum sills, they can become discolored and start to deteriorate. To protect your aluminum sills, it’s a good idea to clean them regularly using the same methods you would for your wooden window sills.
Window Glass
Window glass can be a beautiful feature in your home. However, if it isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become cloudy or even foggy. When this happens, it’s difficult to see out of the windows and can reduce your home’s energy efficiency. There are several steps you can take to restore the clarity of your window glass.
Start by prepping the surface to be cleaned. This includes cleaning out window tracks, dusting the frames and wiping down ledges. This prevents the cleaner from getting on areas that you don’t want it to. Next, sanitize your glass using a nonabrasive cleaner and a microfiber cloth or sponge. The sanitizer should be a mild cleaner like vinegar or lemon juice and will help remove any mineral deposits that are causing the cloudiness. Be sure to wipe the solution off quickly afterward to avoid stains on your window sills and ledges.
Use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to finish the job and wipe down each window pane in a zigzag pattern. The lint-free cloth helps to prevent streaks on the window and removes any residue from the cleaning solution. It’s important to use a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels or rags, which can leave lint on the glass. Be sure to wear rubber gloves if you’re using a cleaning solution with vinegar or other strong ingredients that may irritate your skin and eyes.
For a natural cleaner that’s safe for your hands and lungs, make your own homemade glass cleaner with equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution is effective at dissolving mineral deposits and breaking down grime on glass surfaces and leaves fewer streaks than some commercial cleaners. This recipe also contains baking soda, which acts as a mild abrasive to scrub away stubborn stains and hard water deposits without damaging the glass surface. It’s best to store this solution in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. A final note: be sure to address any deteriorating seals and caulking around your window. Regular maintenance of these areas prevents moisture from penetrating into double-pane windows and creating a fog-like condition between the window panes.