Clean your windows inside and out
Spring is here! It’s time for fun in the sun, spending time outdoors and also freshening up your home. The sun shining through your windows is sure a welcome sight after the winter months, but the bright light may be drawing some attention to areas that are a bit dusty and dirty. Cleaning your egress windows is probably not something you think of often, but the spring weather really brings it to the forefront as you slide your windows open to let the fresh air in. During the year, debris and film can build-up on windows, sills and tracks. Windows should be dusted and washed regularly to keep them sparkling clean.
When should you clean windows in spring?
It’s best to clean windows when temperatures are around a temperature in the 70s. In other words, seek a day that’s not overly hot. For many, this means either a day in the fall or spring or a very early morning on a cooler day in summer
Clean on Cloudy Days
Sunlight can heat up windows causing cleaners to dry before you have a chance to clean. Don’t waste time or cleaning products battling the sun, choose a cloudy, overcast day to clean instead.
Window Care Do’s
Follow these tips at least once a year, to help ensure your windows continue to perform their best. You’ll be pleased with the transformation a good window cleaning can provide to make your home feel new again.
Window cleaning tips
While you may be thinking of reaching for that blue bottle of spray glass cleaner, and a paper towel think again. Soap and water are actually the best option for the glass, frames, tracks and even the screens. Plus, you won’t build up static, leave flecks and streaks behind and it will require less elbow grease for you. If you’re ready to tackle some spring cleaning on your windows, let’s get started.
How to Clean Window Glass
To start, use a soft brush to dust the initial dirt off the windows. Do the hinges, sills, frame and tracks at this time too.
Squeeze a small amount of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water, the less soap the better.
To wash the windows, use a strip washer. It’s like a squeegee but with a cloth strip on it. Dip this in your soapy water, wring out excess water and wash the window.
Next, with a regular squeegee, wet the edges and pull it from top to bottom in an S-shaped motion.
Wipe the squeegee with a cloth diaper, lint free rag or microfiber towel each time you lift it up.
Dry any remaining widow drips with the damp cloth and finish up by wiping the frame and sill.
When doing the inside, put a towel down near the track to catch any water drips. Allow about 10 minutes per side, per window.
How to Clean the Window Track
Clean the window first and then move on to the track. Use the same soap and water bath with a microfiber cloth, as mentioned above. If this does not remove grimy build up, use a bit of white vinegar and a cotton swab.
Once you’ve cleaned out the dirt so your windows will open and close easily, lubricate the tracks and rollers with a dry silicone spray.
Window Screen Cleaning
To clean your window screen, you first need to remove it. Use a soft bristle brush to dust off both sides and then proceed with the soapy water bath, using the same brush. Rinse off the screen using lukewarm water.
Allow the screen to dry completely before replacing it. Although it may seem like a quick solution, never pressure wash your windows or screens as it may cause damage.
Never use Petroleum-based cleaners, abrasive or acidic cleaners, caustic chemicals, razor blades, putty knives, abrasive pads or high-pressure water hoses on any part of the window or frame as they can cause damage.
Egress Window Cleaning
Don’t forget to clean the Egress Windows in your home’s basement. While cleaning make sure you clean out any debris that may have gotten in the well. Also, a good time to check the opening functions to make sure it is up to par for safety.
If you find yourself needing to upgrade your home’s Egress windows and or wells, Call BAM Basements and Masons for all your Egress window needs. Here at Bam Basements and Masons of Des Moines, we offer only the best egress windows on the market. We installed 126 egress windows in 2021 alone. Our warrantied, award-winning egress basement window products are just what you need to create a more beautiful, comfortable, and valuable space in your home.
For answers to your questions or to schedule your free estimate, contact us today. We are the Premier waterproofing and Egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona, Pleasant hill, Polk City, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, Clive, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.