It may seem impossible to go wrong when cleaning your home’s exterior windows. But you could be making things far tougher than necessary. With this in mind, here’s a few things to avoid to get your windows looking great – quickly and efficiently.
Cleaning windows in the wrong weather
Cleaning windows in bad weather can quickly become regrettable. Carrying out the job when it’s raining, freezing cold or blowing a gale is a bad idea for obvious reasons.
However, it’s also wise to avoid window cleaning in bright sunshine. The heat of the direct sun makes it difficult to avoid smears and smudges. Opt for a cooler time of day, when the sun isn’t shining directly on any of your windows.
Not using the right equipment
If you’re using paper towels or lint-based cloths to clean your windows, you’re making things harder for yourself. Despite being found in the vast majority of households, these cloths make it difficult to achieve a flawless finish. Newspapers should also be avoided, due to the potential presence of toxins in the ink.
Cleaning external windows means investing in cloths and accessories that are specifically designed for cleaning windows. Old rags will only make the job harder than it needs to be.
The majority of homeowners in the UK rely on professional window cleaners to get the job done. Along with being a much safer and easy way of achieving a perfect shine, it can also work out more cost-effective than buying the equipment yourself.
Not removing deposits
When cleaning exterior windows, it is essential to first remove all deposits that have accumulated on the glass and frames. A hose pipe or pressure washer on a low setting will usually suffice. Alternatively, a scraper can be used if things are really bad.
By skipping this step, you’ll waste time and effort attempting to shine windows that are covered in grease and grime. Rinse them, give them a good wipe and then get started the cleaning process.
Overlooking health and safety
Although not directly related to the finish of your windows, safety is an important consideration. You need to think carefully about your approach, particularly when cleaning high windows in hard-to-reach places. A super-safe ladder with someone to supervise is an option, but so too is a long-handled sponge and squeegee.
You’ll also want to think about protection for your eyes and hands if you’re using any products that could cause irritation or injury. Read the instructions of every product you handle to ensure they are used correctly.
Cleaning from the inside to out
Linked with health and safety, attempting to clean the window exterior from inside can be dangerous. It also brings accessibility issues, making it difficult or impossible to clean your windows to a perfect finish.
Cleaning exterior windows from the outside is the best way to go. If you have neither the time nor equipment to get the job done properly, it’s safer and more efficient to ask a professional.
