Time for window spring cleaning?

With spring cleaning in full swing, you’re probably champing at the bit to clear away a winter’s worth of snow, rain, dust, grime, pollen and other pollution that have made your windows less than pleasant to look through.

So, here’s our number one secret to cleaning your windows – do not use paper towel or newspaper. While a lot of people swear by these, they can both leave a lot of unsightly fibers all over your windows and they’re often unnecessarily abrasive. The best way to clean your windows is:

1.     Mix two cups of water, half a cup of vinegar, a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol (70%) and a drop or two of orange essential oil (or a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice). Alternatively, you can mix one cup of water to every half cup of vinegar and tablespoon of cornstarch.

2.     Apply the mixture onto each window with a soft cloth then squeegee right away.

That’s all you need!

While there’s not much you can do to avoid your windows from getting dirty on the outside, there are a few tips and tricks to keeping them cleaner longer on the inside:

·       Always run your stove hood fan when cooking and make sure to keep the fan filters clear of grease and grime.

·       Make sure to replace your furnace or heat pump filter regularly – once every two months is ideal. This will ensure excess dust and dirt around your home is trapped on the filter rather than on your windows.

·       If you burn candles regularly, keep them away from the windows – smoke and wax can build up a film on your windows.

·       If you smoke, one more reason to quit is the film cigarettes, cigars and pipes can leave on your windows.

·       If you have blinds, dust them regularly.

·       If you notice mold growing around your windowsills, it could be a sign of excess moisture. To remove the mold, make a mixture of water, bleach and laundry detergent and spray it where you see mold growing, wait about 15 minutes then wipe it away.

What are your favorite ways to keep your windows clean? Have your say in the Shop Talk blog community forum now!

Did you know? Hot water and cold windows

Avoid washing your windows with hot water when your windows are cold – if they’re too cold, the extreme temperature change could crack or shatter them.  (Source)