The appearance of your windows can significantly impact the look of your home. If your windows arent taken care of they may be prone to getting damaged and you may need to think about replacing windows that you own. They’re one of the first things a visitor notices, so you’ll want to ensure they’re always looking their best. Luckily, you can do a few simple things to keep them looking their best.
Keeping up with the maintenance of your home’s windows can feel like a never-ending task. That is, until you consider all the negative effects of neglected windows. Dirty, grimy windows look uninviting, reduce the amount of natural light and are prone to condensation build-up in the colder months.
Even if you can’t maintain these tasks on a weekly basis, there are specific times of year when window upkeep is more important than others. For example, rainy autumn days with extended daylight hours make it much easier to see the dirt caked on your windows from the outside.
Using a Teabag
Cleaning your windows with a tea bag is a cheap and simple way to clean them. Tea effectively removes stains from glass, including those that are hard to remove. The tea can be used as a wipe or sprayed onto the glass surface. This can remove dirt and grime, as well as minimize streaks keeping cleanliness in your property.
You can also use a teabag to remove odours from your windows. The abrasive nature of the teabag will help you get rid of bad smells. Instead of baking soda or other household cleaners, dip a teabag into water and spray on windows. Another way to clean windows is to use washing-up liquid mixed with a detergent solution.
Using a Razor
Using a razor to clean double glazed windows is not a recommended method for window cleaning. In fact, it can damage the windows glass or tint if misused. It should also only be used by professionals. A professional will know how to use the razor correctly and avoid damaging the window.
A razor mounted in a holder can remove paint specks and labels on glass. Make sure to rinse the blade in between passes to avoid scratching the glass. You can also use a fine nylon scrub pad to remove mineral deposits, bug droppings, and tree pitch.
Using a Water-Repellent Spray
Using a water-repellent spray to protect your windows is an excellent way to avoid streaking and other problems caused by rain. Its hydrophobic properties make water roll off the glass at very low speeds. This makes it easy to see clearly without using your windshield wipers.
It is essential to clean your windshield before applying a water-repellent spray, as this will help the water-repellent coating stick to the glass better and last longer. A good water-repellent spray like Aquapel by PPG, the industry leader in glass technology, chemically bonds to your windshield. Therefore, a good water-repellent spray should last four to six months under usual driving conditions.
Using a Squeegee
A squeegee is an invaluable tool when it comes to keeping your windows looking their best. It is the best way to remove stains and streaks from glass replacing windows that are dirty. When using a squeegee, you should be sure to work in an overlapping motion. You should also wipe the blade with a clean cloth after using it to avoid leaving streaks.
First, take a microfiber cloth and dampen it. Next, move the microfiber cloth to the frame of the window. Try to use a reverse “U” approach to clear it of any loose debris and cobwebs. After you’ve cleaned the frame, hold the squeegee handle with your dominant hand. Next, apply consistent pressure on the blade, using gentle pressure. You don’t want to apply too much pressure, as this can cause the blade to stick. Also, remember to keep the correct angle while moving the squeegee across the glass.
