How Do You Clean The Inside Of A Window?

Indoor window cleaning of office

Keeping your indoor windows clean may sound like an easy task but without the correct cleaner and tools, they can easily be left looking streaky and full of lint. Here we will be explaining some practical window cleaning tips and tricks to save you from unsightly windows.

How to Clean Indoor Windows

Any window cleaner will tell you that the first step in cleaning your windows is to ensure you have the right tools. You will need the following:

  • Water (Preferably Distilled)
  • White Vinegar
  • Spray Bottle
  • Bucket
  • Squeegee
  • Microfibre Cloth
  • Window Scrubber
  • Soft Sponge
  • Clean Cloth or Towel

The best time to clean your windows is when it is slightly overcast, usually the springtime and autumn are the best times of year to clean your windows, but it is recommended you do so once a month. You will need to make sure the sun isn’t directly hitting your windows otherwise the cleaning solution will dry out on the heated glass and leave streaks.

The first step is always to remove any surrounding curtains, blinds and window screens so that the windows are clear. You might also want to move any delicate upholstered furniture that is directly next to or below your windows to avoid them getting accidentally splashed.

If you don’t have a window cleaning solution, the best homemade cleaner is to use one-part warm water and one-part white vinegar. It is recommended to use distilled water if you live in an area of the UK that has particularly hard water as the minerals can dry onto your windows and leave streaks. Proceed to fill up the bucket with the mixture, as well as one spray bottle.

Start by using the spray bottle to completely coat the window in the solution from top to bottom. Start by wiping around the frame first to ensure all the dirt and dust does not smear across the window. Once the frame is cleaned, use a window scrubber to gently agitate the dust and dirt on your windows to make them easier to remove later.

Place your sponge into the bucket and soak up some of the solutions before using it to rinse down the window thoroughly. If you are concerned about getting the floors wet, place a towel down before continuing.

Any remaining solution can be gently scraped off using a squeegee, working your way from the top to the bottom. Most window cleaners would recommend using the professional ‘S’ window cleaning technique which helps to avoid leaving a line of water sat on your glass as you pull the squeegee down.

Use a soft cloth throughout to wipe down your squeegee in between to avoid streaks being left on the glass. Once you’ve completed this step, grab a clean cloth or towel and wipe down the frame and windowsill to stop any water dripping onto your floor.

Finally, use the clean microfibre cloth to dry up any excess water, remove any lint sticking to the window and to give it that extra shine!

Common Mistakes

There are a number of common mistakes that people make when cleaning their windows. Here is a list of the most frequently made mistakes that you should avoid:

  • Cleaning in the wrong conditions- it can be tempting to want to give your windows a clean when the sun is shining but you’re more likely to end up with streaky glass!
  • Using Newspaper- You may have grown up seeing your parents use a piece of newspaper and vinegar to clean the windows, but the ink can easily be smeared across your window.
  • Too much pressure- It can be tempting to start putting pressure on your windows when you’re desperately trying to scrub away dust and dirt, but this can easily scratch the surface and cause lasting damage to the glass.
  • Using too much cleaner- Sometimes you’re better off using a homemade cleaner as many window cleaning products can cause a greasy film to form on your windows if used in excess.
  • Not calling a professional- When it comes to window cleaning sometimes it is best to leave it to the professionals. With their years of training and experience, alongside their specialist equipment, professional window cleaners are much more efficient at getting the job done and leaving you with streak free windows.

At Direct Cleaning Group, we are the leading experts in our field offering state-of-the-art window cleaning services. To find out more about our window cleaning services or to request a quote for cleaning your windows, contact Direct Cleaning today.

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