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The windows of a home or building play a big role in establishing a first impression. If they’re dirty and dull, they can make the interior of your home appear dark. Cleaning your windows regularly can make a big difference. When your windows are clean, they allow much-needed natural sunlight to flow freely within the space. As more light shines in, it reflects around the room and makes your home appear larger, and the colors come alive.

Fortunately, cleaning your windows is a relatively easy task that you can do on your own. Here are a few tips to make your windows really sparkle:

Have Plenty Of Supplies On Hand

Since you’ll be cleaning the inside and the outside of your windows, it’s a good idea to have separate cleaning supplies. Although both sides of the window will be dirty, the outside of the window will have bird droppings and pollen on it. You wouldn’t want to inadvertently bring in dirt from the outside on a cloth you’re now using to clean the inside of the windows. A reputable site like Clean Home Guide can be the perfect place to shop for home cleaning supplies.

Choose A Cloudy Day

Logically, you don’t want it to be raining. But, when you’re ready to clean your windows, choose a cloudy day. This is because when direct sunlight is streaming through your windows, it can cause your cleanser to dry too quickly. This will only lead to that dreaded streaking that will be tough to remove. When the skies are overcast, there’s less glare on the glass and, therefore, any streaks you have will be easier to locate.

Begin By Cleaning The Frame

Window tracks can get greasy and grimy. To clean the frame and tracks, mix together a bit of vinegar and baking soda. Use a toothbrush to scrub this solution into the tracks, and, then, use a wet rag to clean off any remaining residue. Another product you might try using on the frames is a whitening toothpaste. Just leave it to do its work for a little while, then wipe it off with a wet sponge.

Are your window frames afflicted by heavy rust or mold? If so, you may need something stronger than this. You can purchase a specially-formulated house cleaner to remove those tough stains. However, if your window frames still appear oxidized, you may want to consider repainting them to keep them looking their best.

Clean Your Window Screens

If your screens are just a little bit dusty, all you need to do is take a lint roller to them. However, if they require a deeper cleaning, you’ll need to pop them off from the frame and do the following:

Mix together a bit of dish soap and water in a bucket. Take a scrub brush and dip it in the soapy water. Use it to scrub the dirt off of the screen. Rinse the screens with warm water and put them back in their place after they’ve dried.

Use The Right Wipe

Everyone agrees that using paper towels to dry off your windows is not a good idea as it leaves traces of lint behind. However, not everyone is in agreement as to what’s the best option to use. Many cleaning gurus prefer using newspaper to wipe their windows dry. Many others prefer using a microfiber cloth because it’s reusable, ultra-absorbent, and leaves the glass free of streaks.

Make And Use Your Own Glass Cleaner

To make a solution for cleaning the inside of your windows, Good Housekeeping recommends combining two cups of water, ½ cup white or cider vinegar, and ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol with a 70% concentration. Generously spray this formula on your windows and use a squeegee to clean off the excess. Next, wipe the glass dry and shine with a microfiber cloth.

Because the outside of your windows may be much dirtier than the inside, you may want to use soap and water to wash them, as opposed to the above vinegar solution. Simply mix dish soap and water together in a bucket, and use it to soap up your exterior windows.

Reach Up High With A Mop

When you need to reach up high to clean your exterior windows that seem unreachable, use a simple sponge mop to soap up the area. Next, rinse the windows with your garden hose. To finish, use the squeegee side of the mop to remove the excess water and stop water spots from forming.

Use A Rain Repellent

To keep your windows looking great for months to come, try applying a rain repellent to them after you’ve finished cleaning them. You may locate a rain repellent by searching in your local auto parts store as rain repellents are typically used on car windows. A rain repellent will work equally well on your windows at home. All you need to do is apply the rain repellent to a small, folded, dry cloth and, then, spread it onto the exterior of your windows using a firm, circular motion. Don’t be surprised if you see a slight haze for a little bit as it simply needs time to dry. The end result is that when it rains, the water will bead up and roll off of your windows with ease.

How To Avoid Streaks

According to home improvement expert Bob Vila, the best way to avoid having streaks left behind on your windows is to switch up your movements when wiping off the cleanser. For example, you might start out making circular motions and finish by making several vertical and horizontal motions. If you still find a few streaks afterward, simply take a clean chalkboard eraser and use it to buff out any streaks for a clean, bright finish.

Final Thoughts

Experts recommend cleaning the outside of your windows twice a year, such as in the fall and in the spring. This will actually help your windows last longer. Hard water, oxidation, and acid can take a toll on your windows, so cleaning them regularly can help to boost their longevity.