How Often Should You Clean Windows?
Most people value the importance of regular house cleaning.
You want to live (and perhaps work) in a clean environment that’s free of dust and germs. So, benches are regularly wiped, bathrooms are cleaned, floors are vacuumed, etc.
But answer this question – when was the last time you cleaned your windows?
Most of us look at our windows and think, ‘Yeah, I should probably clean them’, but then shy away from it as we know it’s a chore and they’ll just get dirty again!
But the great news is, you only really need to clean your windows at least twice a year. However, if you live in an area with lots of trees and pollens or close to a construction site, you should consider cleaning your windows more often.
And of course, if you’re trying to sell your home or just love a clear view of the outside world, you can clean your windows as often as you like.
Let’s explore why window cleaning is so vital for your home.
The top 3 reasons why you should clean the windows of your home
1. Extend the life of your window glass
Over time, your windows can become weaker as dirt particles slowly erode the glass. If you look closely at your windows, you may be able to see some scratches or cracks in the glass – a sure sign that the glass is getting weaker and in need of a clean.
Externally, pollen, dirt and bird droppings that remain on your windows will be eroding the glass. And if you’ve got a building site nearby, you’ll no doubt have extra dirt flying your way from time to time.
Internally, you may have sticky kid fingers or animal noses and scratches that add extra dirt and grime to your windows.
Cleaning your windows inside and out will help you preserve the glass and make your windows last a bit longer. The last thing you want is brittle glass that breaks easily.
2. Give yourself a better view and keep your street appeal
Have you ever walked past a house with boarded-up windows or windows so dirty you think, ‘Ewww, that place looks scary’? To keep up your home’s street appeal, having streak-free shiny windows is a must.
The same goes if you’re trying to sell your home. A buyer who turns up and sees dirty windows may be turned off buying your home, thinking it hasn’t been maintained. Whereas if they show up and see sparkling windows adding to the well-presented home, they will know your home has been cared for.
And clean windows are a bonus for you too! Dirty windows block natural light, which can dampen moods. If you’ve got clean windows to gaze out of, looking at the kids playing, the dogs running around your garden and so on, you will feel happier than having a hindered view due to dirty glass.
3. Improve your energy bills and air quality
If you’re looking at ways to save money on your energy bills, clean windows can help! It’s not something many people have thought about, but if your winter heating bill is astronomical every year, you should consider cleaning your windows.
A build-up of dirt and dust on your windows blocks the natural light from being able to filter in. As a result, you’re missing out on the free energy source of the sun. You’ll be turning up your heater to keep warm rather than having rooms naturally heating up before the heating kicks in.
When sunlight is blocked, or dirt builds up on your windows or windowsills, harmful mould can grow. Over time, you and your family will unintentionally breathe in mould particles, and you may become very sick.
Top 5 tips for cleaning the windows in your home
1. Avoid direct, hot sunny days as the cleaning product will dry too quickly, and you’ll be left with streaks.
2. Before you start, brush the dirt off your windows to avoid ending up with a muddy mess when you spray the cleaner on.
3. Spray on heaps of window cleaning products so you can dissolve the dirt and avoid a streaky finish.
4. Use a microfibre cloth to dry your windows as they are super absorbent and will leave your windows streak-free.
5. You don’t have to tackle all your windows at once (you do have half a year!), so clean them room by room when you have time.
How to clean the outside of your windows
First things first – safety! If you have tall windows and need to climb a ladder, make sure it’s on stable ground, or you have someone to hold the ladder for you. There are also some window cleaners that you can attach to a hose to reach high windows.
You’ll need a bucket with your window cleaning solution (follow the instructions on the bottle on how to dilute in water), or you can use a spray-on window cleaner. You can use a sponge to wipe over the windows and finish with a microfibre cloth to give a streak-free clean.
Alternatively, you can use a window cleaning tool with a sponge on one side and a squeegee on the other. Either spray the window or dip the tool in the cleaning solution, wipe it over the window and then finish by pulling the squeegee down the glass.
BONUS TIP: When cleaning the inside and outside of your windows, finish drying one side horizontally and the other side vertically. That way, if you see any streaks, you’ll know if it’s on the inside or outside of the glass to reclean.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING COMPANIES CAN HELP YOU CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS
If you don’t find the idea of cleaning your windows a fun way to spend your weekend or day off, then you can always hire a professional window cleaning services to help you. Our team have all the equipment and use environmentally friendly cleaning products to keep your windows clean while protecting your family and the environment.
Our products are also safe to use on windows over garden beds as the chemicals won’t affect your plants.
To enquire about our cleaning services or book a window clean, please get in touch.
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