What NOT To Do When Cleaning Windows

What NOT To Do When Cleaning Windows

If cleaning windows isn’t your favorite household chore, you might still be making common mistakes that make the task more challenging.

While cleaning your windows may seem like a simple, no-brainer job, it requires a lot of thought, attention, and skill. There are plenty of little things that could make this chore more difficult for you, but it doesn’t have to be hard! By avoiding these commonly made mistakes while cleaning your windows, your progress will be hindered no more.

Continue reading to learn what NOT to do when washing your windows.

8 Mistakes to Avoid Making When Cleaning Windows

If you want to clean your windows like a professional and get awesome, crystal-clear results, here are the mistakes you need to quit making:

  1. FORGET TO DUST BEFORE CLEANING — One of the most common mistakes people make when washing their windows is to skip dusting before cleaning. A surefire way to make the process of cleaning windows easier and more effective is to get the layer of dust, dirt, and other debris off the glass surfaces.

Failing to remove these airborne particles from your windows can cause the glass to streak or get a hazy effect, which will ultimately affect how it looks. Dusting your windows will prevent smudges and also the need to go back and clean the windows again to remove the streaks.

  1. USING INADEQUATE CLEANING SOLUTION — The whole reason window cleaning spray exists is to help remove dirt, grime, and other buildup from glass. It should never be the reason streaks are left behind. Using a cleaning solution that is too harsh can actually result in these types of issues.

You can skip the store-bought sprays altogether if you want! Everything you need to make your own cleaning solution can usually be found in your kitchen. It really comes down to you and your personal preferences. 

  1. USING MEDIOCRE OR DIRTY CLEANING MATERIALS — Like most chores that involve cleaning, using cheap, low-quality materials or ones that are unclean will only bring inferior results. Using the wrong products — or those that are cheap or inferior — to clean your windows will only leave them looking cloudy and streaky.

Avoid using standard terrycloth towels that can leave behind bits of fuzz. When they become overly wet, paper towels and newspapers can deteriorate and pill, leaving behind rolled-up pieces. A microfiber cloth is a great option for cleaning your windows. However, they can get dirty quickly. Using a dirty cloth to wash your windows will only spread the dirt around, and you won’t get the results you want. So, make sure to swap out your cleaning materials as often as necessary.

  1. BITING OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW — When you’re cleaning your windows, biting off more than you can chew is a common mistake people make. Figuratively speaking, of course. Avoid taking on a large area. Instead, focus on one smaller spot at a time. That way, you can see what is happening, work before the products dry, and make any changes necessary to your cleaning process.

Taking on an area that is too large often ends up looking a bit streaky. If you implement the “less is more” mentality while washing your windows, you’re more likely to have better-looking results.

  1. WASHING WINDOWS ON A HOT, SUNNY DAY — Cleaning your windows on a warm and sunny day might sound like the perfect time to take on the task, but it’s actually not ideal. This weather can make your windows prone to streaking. 

High temperatures and direct exposure to sunlight will result in your windows drying faster, well before you have time to clean and dry them. Of course, you won’t want to wash your windows on a day that’s stormy, either. Instead, clean your windows on an overcast day with no chance of rain.

  1. FORGETTING THE WINDOW FRAMES — Maybe you’ve mastered the chore of getting your windows streak-free. If that’s the case, you deserve a gold star! Really, that’s no easy feat. But did you remember to clean the window frames, too?

While it’s great that you cleaned your windows, that gleaming glass doesn’t amount to much when the window frames are still dusty, smudged, and dirty. Just remember that part of cleaning your windows is also cleaning the frames, handles, and hardware.

  1. LOUSY DRYING TECHNIQUE — If you want to avoid streaks and haze and prevent future dust buildup, it is essential to implement a proper drying technique. Using a squeegee — rather than a rag — is key.

Rags definitely have their place in drying windows, but not so much when it comes to the majority of the job. Rags are great for removing excess water from your squeegee or soaking up water drips on the sill or frame. The best tool for drying your windows is a squeegee.

  1. SKIPPING THE OUTSIDE GLASS — Getting around to cleaning the inside of your windows is great! Removing those distracting fingerprints and other nasty smudges is exciting! But there’s almost no point in doing that if you’re not going to clean the outside part of your windows, too!

Washing both the inside and outside of your windows will allow you to really appreciate your view, and your house will look amazing, whether you’re in it or looking at it from the sidewalk.

Contact New Concepts Glass Design to Learn More

For additional information and advice on cleaning windows and caring for the glass in your home, contact the experts at New Concepts Glass Design. 

With more than 30 years of industry experience, our trusted professionals can help your glass projects come to life. Whether you want to add custom glass shelves or handrails in your home, install a glass wine cellar, upgrade your shower doors, or have a different custom project in mind, our skilled team can help! 
We are Utah’s leading glass company and the go-to professionals for custom glass projects in Salt Lake City, Murray, Park City, and other surrounding cities in Utah. Contact us for a free estimate today.

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