How to Clean Windows

You wouldn’t walk around all day wearing dirty eye glasses, so why put up with dirty windows? Clean windows will give you a better view of the outdoors, and let in more light – not to mention that they just plain look better.

Thanks to innovations like tilting sashes and Neat Glass™, cleaning windows is not the chore it used to be. Clean your windows whenever they start to look dirty, especially if you plan to show your house to potential buyers.

Preparation

Step 1: Use a combination of gentle ingredients to clean glass, window frames and door surfaces. Mix one teaspoon of baby shampoo to one gallon of water or 1 1/2 cups of vinegar to one gallon of water. (Note:  Use 2 parts vinegar to 4 parts water.)

Step 2: Spray the mirror or window in a circular motion. Take a clean cloth and dry the area in a circular motion. 

Step 3: Dry window frames and door surfaces with a separate cloth.

Cleaning Exterior Finishes

Step 1: Mild soap and water and a soft sponge or cloth is the simplest and safest way to clean exterior finishes like wood, metal-clad surfaces, vinyl, plastic and brass.

Step 2: Always rinse and wipe dry immediately after cleaning.  Rinse with clean water. Do NOT use pressurized sprayers that can break seals.

Step 3: Metal-clad and brass surfaces benefit from a protective coating of high-quality car wax after cleaning.

• As a general rule, avoid vinegar and citrus-based solutions, paint removers, harsh or abrasive cleaners on exterior surfaces.
• Be wary of shortcuts that hurt instead of help. Avoid power washers, metal tools, razor blades or other objects that can break seals, scratch glass and remove exterior glass coatings. Always be gentle. Don’t allow aggressive cleaners to come in contact with vinyl, wood or metal-clad surfaces. Cleanliness counts. Be sure to clean up puddles that collect at glass edges, as this can damage window glazing.