Take the Pain Out of Window Cleaning

Window washing is a spring ritual that pays off in a few days.

Finally, winter’s grunge can be seen, and the plants are visible in the garden if you know how to clean windows without leaving behind unsightly streaks or smudges. These are the window cleaning tips from Consumer Reports experts who contributed to our “How to Clean Practically Everything” series.

Step-by-Step Window Cleaning

What you need. It’s a good idea to take down curtains and hang them up. Window cleaning should be done from the top. To clean windows:

1. Use a damp sponge.
2. Use a dampened sponge to wipe the window.
3. Rinse with clean water and apply chamois.
4. Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture.

Get started with your window frames. Take care to clean any stains off of them before you begin cleaning. Clean the aluminium frames and doors with a vacuum, then polish them with silicone car polish. This can be used to make windows slide more smoothly. Lightly oil the channels. Use a sponge to wash vinyl or painted frames. If necessary, rinse with warm, clean water and towel dry.

Next, the panes. While the frequency of cleaning the windows’ outsides will vary depending on where you live in the country, the insides should be cleaned at least twice per year. The tilting sashes are a useful feature on most double-hung windows. They can be flipped inward to make cleaning easier. To tilt the sash in, most windows can be turned by flipping a lever. Some, however, require you to pull the sash from the track.

Avoid washing windows in direct sunlight. Split the window cleaning task if you have many windows.

When you are painting, use a damp cloth and water (for oil-based paints) or turpentine (for water-based). To scrape off old paint, use a single-edged razor. Hold it at an angle so that the glass doesn’t scratch.

Leave 1/16 inches of paint around the glass’s edges to protect the frame from rain and condensation outside. Water-based paints can be softened by glass cleaner. Spray it on a painted surface. Blot the paint, but don’t rub. Once dry, the paint will harden. Use ammonia to remove any putty marks.

Special Windows

Stain glass. Use a damp sponge to clean small and stained-glass windows, and then use a damp, clean chamois. Polish the glass with a clean cloth. Take care of the stained glass. You should gently clean stained glass with a damp cloth.

Skylights- Skylights and high windows can be cleaned using professional window cleaning tools. However, it is more practical to hire professional window cleaners for those windows that are difficult to reach.

Window-Cleaning Warning

Consumer Reports has made an unexpected discovery in its past window testing: it can stain certain brands of windows with the wrong cleaner. Windex and other ammonia-based cleaners can leave streaks and film on your windows.

Before you reach for your squeegee, check the manufacturer’s site instructions. No matter what cleaner you choose, make sure to pick a cloudy day to clean windows. Sunlight can evaporate cleaning solutions before you are done. Also, be sure that you clean windows from the top so there are no unsightly drips.