How to Deep Clean Your Windows

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With the warm spring weather quickly approaching, you’re going to want clean windows throughout your home so you can let that warm air in. If cleaning your windows is a task that you’ve been dreading because it can be messy and time-consuming, you’re not alone. Many homeowners skip this task because they think it’s more trouble than it’s worth. But what if I told you cleaning your windows doesn’t have to be difficult? With these easy tips, you’ll be able to deep clean your windows in no time.

See also: Staying on top of small cleaning tasks can feel overwhelming. If your cast iron pans need a deep clean, check out these tips for freshening them up!

How to Deep Clean Windows

The first step to getting crystal clear windows is taking the time to gather all your supplies before you start cleaning. To clean your windows, you’ll need:

• Window cleaner (make your own with vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a spray bottle)
• Squeegee or microfiber cloth
• Clean, dry cloth
• Soft bristled toothbrush
• All-purpose cleaner
• Cotton swabs

The best time to clean your windows is when the sun isn’t directly shining on the glass. Pick an overcast day or a time of day when the windows don’t receive direct sunlight for best results.

Clean the Window Glass

Skip the commercial glass cleaner and mix up your own glass cleaning solution for the best results. To make your own window cleaner, combine ¼ cup white vinegar, one tablespoon cornstarch, and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the glass, then use a damp squeegee or dry microfiber cloth to remove the cleaning solution. Finish by wiping away drips with a clean cloth or paper towel.

The best way to clean the glass with a squeegee or microfiber cloth is to start at the top of the window and wipe down in a straight line. Bring the cloth back to the top and continue wiping down until all the cleaning solution has been removed. Finish by running the cloth horizontally along the bottom of the window.

If cleaning the window exteriors, take the time to brush away loose debris and cobwebs with a broom. Don’t forget to dust the hinges, tracks, and sills around the edges of the windows. Then, repeat the cleaning process on the exterior glass.

Cleaning the Frame

When the glass is clean, open the window and use a dry cloth to sweep out dirt and dust from the window frame. Or use your vacuum’s crevice attachment to remove visible dirt and dust from the window track.

After cleaning all the dirt from the track, spray the area liberally with an all-purpose cleaner. Allow the cleaner to soak in the area for a few minutes, then use a cleaning cloth to wipe the dirt away.

If you have stubborn dirt stuck in the corners, spray the area again with all-purpose cleaner and use a toothbrush to scrub the dirt away. Wipe away with a cleaning cloth, then use cotton swabs to scrub clean all the hard-to reach cracks and crevices.

Get Your Window Sills Clean

Now that the hard work is done, it’s time to clean your windowsills and frames to finish the job. Use a dry cleaning cloth to wipe down the window sill and frame to remove dust. Then spray your favorite wood cleaner onto the cleaning cloth and wipe the sill and frame to polish and clear away any remaining residue.

How to Keep Your Windows Clean

Make deep cleaning your windows much easier next time by taking the time to maintain your clean windows from week to week. These easy tips will help you keep your windows clean when you’re finished deep cleaning them.

• Dust your window sills and frames every week to reduce the amount of dust and debris that rests on the frame and makes it way into the window tracks.
• Clean the interior glass regularly to avoid dirt and dust buildup on the glass.
• Be sure to dust your window blinds at least every two weeks to keep the glass and frames clean and clear of dust and debris.
• Launder your fabric window treatments at least once a month to keep dust from building up on the fabric and transferring to your window glass and frames.
• Open your windows and vacuum the tracks at least once a month to keep the dirt and debris from building up inside your windows.
• Reduce the amount of dust in your home by making sure to keep your furnace filters clean at all times.
• Keep the shrubs and other plants around your windows trimmed to reduce the amount of pollen that collects on the outside of your windows.
• If you don’t plan on opening your windows in the near future, consider removing the screens from the windows completely. Window screens often trap water and dirt in the track, making them get dirty faster.
• Consider installing double-hung windows in your home when it’s time to replace your current windows. Double-hung windows allow you to easily clean the inside and outside of your windows from inside your home, making it so much simpler to keep your windows clean from month to month.

See also: If you’ve got your sights set on the floors, check out our guide to getting perfectly clean floors!