How to Wash Your Windows

By Susan M. Keenan

It may not be fun to wash the windows, but it is nice to look through a sparkling clean windowpane. Ideally, the windows in your home are thoroughly cleaned at least once a year, if not twice a year. Windows give us a taste of the outdoors, but only if we can see it.

It's an excellent idea to clean the windows at the end of the fall season so that you can enjoy the winter sights from the warmth of your home - freshly fallen snow, red cheeked carolers, and neighborhood pets and wildlife. The end of the spring season is also a good idea, since the weather is turning to the kind that draws us to outdoor activities.

Cleaning the windows does not have to be the dreaded task of the decade. Simply break it down into manageable chunks that are productive, but not overwhelming. Divide the home into sections, such as first and second floor windows, bedroom and bathroom windows, all other living area windows, or the four sides of the home windows. Better yet, have a window washing party for your family and provide music, snacks, and lunch.

In addition to scheduling the window cleaning during the end of the fall or during the end of the spring, schedule it for a day without much sun. Too much sun tends to dry the windows too quickly, leading to unsightly streaks.

To clean your windows properly, you will need to gather a few essential supplies. At the very least, you should have the following: bucket, cleaning solution, cleaning sponges or cleaning cloths, lint free cloths for drying, and a cloth rag. Additionally, you will need a vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan and brush, and trash receptacle or bag. Cloths made from microfibers are typically lint free. Cloth diapers, paper towels, newspapers, and squeegees can be substituted for the drying cloth.

Cleaning Steps

Using a dusting brush attachment, vacuum the interior side of the windowsills and frames.
Wet the cleaning sponge or cloth in the cleaning solution, carefully squeezing any excess from the sponge or cloth.
Wash the window with circular movements. Wash from the corners and outer perimeter of the window towards the interior or center of the window.
Dry the window using the squeegee, paper towels, lint free cloth, or newspapers. Start in one of the upper corners of the window. All of the strokes that you make should go in the same directions. If you apply vertical strokes on one side of the window, and horizontal strokes on the other side of the window, you will be able to tell which side has the streaks if any appear. If you are using crumpled newspaper to dry, you should consider wearing a pair of cleaning gloves to avoid getting any ink on your hands. The ink will not transfer to the windows.
Once you have given the window a once over drying treatment, wipe any drips that remain with a clean, dry cloth, preferably a chamois cloth. Otherwise, allow them to air dry to avoid creating any smears.
Wipe any drips from the windowsill with the cloth rag.
Put away the vacuum cleaner once you are finished with the interior windows.
Carefully sweep the exterior of the windows including sills and tracks. Dispose of any debris in the trash.
Wash the exterior of the windows following the above steps, with the exception of the vacuuming.
Rinse the sponges, bucket, and cleaning cloths. Replace items to their proper locations. Discard any used newspapers properly.