How to Clean House Windows

Large outside windows clean faster with a squeegee.

There aren't many hands raised when it's time to wash your house windows. This household chore does go faster when two people are involved, one person outside and one inside. Two people washing one window is the quickest way to find and eliminate streaks. A small bit of bribery is well worth it to cut this chore down to half the time. The end result will certainly be worth it when the sun shines brightly into your home.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Water
• Cleaning solution
• Soft brush
• Garden hose
• Squeeze mop
• Squeegee
• Cleaning cloth
• Spray cleaner

Screens

1. Remove the window screens, and wash with water and your favorite cleaning solution. Use a soft brush and light pressure when washing the screen to prevent dislodging the screen from the frame.

2. Wash the frame that surrounds the screen.

3. Rinse the screens with a hose or clean water and place upright in the sun to dry. Replace the screens once the windows have been cleaned.

Outside

1. Select a window that is shaded. Direct sunlight on the window will dry the solution and leave streaks.

2. Dip a squeeze mop into the bucket of solution and squeeze to release part of the cleaner.

3. Apply the cleaner to the window starting at the top and moving down until the window is covered. Use a small amount of pressure while applying the cleaner.

4. Slide the squeegee across the top of the window to remove the cleaner and wipe the edge of the squeegee with a clean cloth.

5. Continue removing the cleaner with the squeegee going from the top to the bottom. Overlap the strokes to ensure all the cleaner is removed. Wipe the edge of the squeegee after each stroke.

6. Wipe around the edges of the window with a lint-free cloth to remove any leftover cleaner.

Inside

1. Spray your favorite window solution onto the top of the window and continue down.

2. Wipe the window clean with a lint-free cloth. Use a side-to-side motion when drying the inside; this will help distinguish streaks being on the inside or outside of the window.

3. Examine the window for streaks that could be on the inside or outside. Repeat the cleaning process until there are no streaks, or simply try wiping the window again.

4. Raise the window and remove any dirt, webs or bugs that have become trapped in the corners or track.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of a cleaning rag, use a crumpled newspaper as a lint-free alternative for drying windows. Wear gloves to prevent the ink from transferring onto your hands.

References

• House Cleaning Central: The Best Way to Clean Windows
• House Cleaning Central: How to Wash Windows