Spring window cleaning comes down to four steps: take out the screens and wash them, rinse and scrub the outside glass and frames, vacuum and wipe the inside including the tracks, and dry everything with a lint-free cloth. A simple mix of water and white vinegar or dish soap is all the cleaner you need.
After a Connecticut winter, windows are coated with dirt, salt and grime, and pollen is on the way. Early spring is a good time to give them a proper scrubbing so you can enjoy the sunshine. The job is not difficult, but the right materials and methods make a difference.
Start With the Screens and Sashes
Before you clean the glass, you may want to remove the sashes and screens. Have someone help you so nothing gets bent or dropped.
Wash the screens in the bathtub or on the lawn. Use a gentle stream of water from a faucet or hose and a soft-bristled brush. Do not use a power washer, which can damage the mesh. Rinse the screens and let them air dry while you work on the windows.
How to Clean Windows on the Outside
Spray the glass and the frames with a hose to remove dirt, pollen and loose debris. That takes care of most of the grime and leaves you with less scrubbing.
Next, make a cleaning solution. Mix a gallon of water with either 1 1/2 cups of distilled white vinegar or a teaspoon of dish soap.
Use a sponge, a lint-free cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove stuck-on dirt from the glass and the frames. Wiping the glass with newspaper can help you avoid streaks. When you are done, rinse the windows and dry them with a lint-free cloth so water does not pool on the sill and cause damage.
How to Clean Windows Inside the House
Inside, start the same way by removing loose debris. Use a vacuum to pick up dust and dirt from the sills, frames and tracks.
Clean the interior glass and frames with the same solution you used outside. A soft-bristled brush will handle stains that a cloth or sponge cannot remove.
Give the window tracks extra attention. Debris in the tracks is a common reason windows become hard to open and close, and you will want them sliding easily once the weather warms up.
Inspect Your Windows While You Clean
Spring window cleaning puts you closer to your windows than you will be all year, so use the chance to inspect them. Look for cracked glass, warped or damaged frames, and gaps around the window.
Damage like this lets cold air into the house in winter and lets cooled air escape in summer, which leads to high heating and cooling bills. If you find problems, it may be time to replace the windows. New vinyl replacement windows can make your home more energy-efficient, more comfortable and better looking, and they are easy to keep clean.
While you are outside, take a look at the doors too. A worn storm door or a drafty entry door or patio door can waste as much energy as a bad window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best homemade window cleaning solution?
A gallon of water mixed with 1 1/2 cups of distilled white vinegar works well. A gallon of water with a teaspoon of dish soap is a good alternative.
Can I use a power washer on windows and screens?
It is better not to. A regular garden hose and a soft brush will clean them without the risk of damage.
How do I avoid streaks on the glass?
Dry the glass right away with a lint-free cloth or newspaper instead of letting it air dry.
Found Damage During Your Spring Cleaning?
If your cleaning turned up cracks, warping or drafts, contact Aladdin to request a quote for vinyl replacement windows, or call (203) 776-9996.