For your windows to achieve that sparkly, squeaky-clean look, they really need some quality attention and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.
While you may think you need to outsource to a professional when your windows are looking a little worse for wear, it actually is quite simple to do yourself. We’ll show you how to thoroughly clean your windows (both inside and out), sills and blind so they look immaculate.
And don’t worry – when equipped with the right tools and know-how, it’s not nearly as strenuous as you may think.
CLEANING YOUR BLINDS
The blinds are easily forgotten in the process of window cleaning. It also doesn’t help that they aren’t the easiest shape to work around. This is a bit unfortunate, considering how quickly dust builds on them week by week. Dust-caked blinds are not a great look – and your allergies won’t thank you for it either.
The simplest way to clean wooden blinds is to use a handheld vacuum or a crevice tool attachment on your vacuum. This will be able to work quickly and efficiently to clean those hard-to-reach nooks and/or spaces up high. If you have fabric blinds or shades, stick to using a dusting brush attachment to rid them of dust.
CLEANING YOUR WINDOW SILLS
You can get the window sill spotless using the dusting brush attachment again to lift up dust and grime that has settled. Don’t forget to cover your sills and window tracks with newspaper so they don’t get soiled during the cleaning process.
Please note: If you haven’t cleaned your window tracks in a while, you’ll be in for a bit of a shock! The grime that’s built up won’t be a pretty sight. Loosen up as much of the grime with the brush attachment. Then sprinkle a bit of baking soda over it and leave for 5-10 minutes. Use a toothbrush and paper towel to wipe away the grime until clean.
STEPS TO CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS
RID THE GLASS OF ANY LOOSE DIRT
Use a microfibre cloth to wipe the glass frame down and remove the loose dirt so it doesn’t stick to the glass when applying the solution.
SPRAY YOUR CLEANING SOLUTION
You can either use a trusted commercial glass cleaner, or mix your own solution using white vinegar and distilled water in equal parts. Spray your windows, both inside and out, or apply with the sponge side of the squeegee.
WIPE YOUR WINDOWS DOWN
This step is really dependent on your personal preference and what works best for your particular windows. You can use either a squeegee or paper towels to wipe your glass spotless. Try to do this as quickly as possible after applying to avoid streaks on the surface.
DRY AND BUFF
Make sure your windows have completely dried using a soft cloth (remember to reach up into all the crevices), then gently buff the glass with either a microfibre cloth or scrunched up piece of newspaper.
VOILA!
To keep your windows looking pristine, try to do a thorough clean every few weeks or at least once a month. To keep the dust at bay, dust the sills and blinds using the correct vacuum attachments every week.
Top tip: To make your window cleaning even easier and more efficient, a handheld steam cleaner is a saviour. Using pressurised steam, they work to loosen grime that can then be easily wiped away with a cloth. Use the squeegee attachment on the steam cleaner for an effortless, deep clean.
