Making Clean Windows a Part of Your New Year’s Resolution

As 2024 winds down, we head into that time of year when it’s become a tradition to set a resolution for something you’ll do (or in some cases, not do) in the upcoming new year. Statistics show that three out of ten Americans made a New Year’s resolution for 2024. Did you?

New Year’s resolutions can be tricky things, and often, seem like insurmountable tasks to achieve. However, what if we told you that you could make a resolution this year that would be super easy to complete? Sounds too good to be true? Here’s the secret—make clean windows part of your New Year’s resolution and let us be your guide. That’s it. Easy.

Clean Windows Are Essential Because . . .

The grime on dirty windows can etch and scratch the glass, eventually leading to cracks and breakage. When you inspect and clean your windows at least twice a year, it’s much easier to spot potential issues and resolve the problems before they turn into a bigger, more expensive deal.

Top Tips to Maintain Clean Windows

Our professional window cleaning teams offer these top tips for homeowners to maintain clean windows year-round:

• Make window cleaning a priority on your maintenance to-do list: once in spring and once in the winter.
• Spot clean as needed, removing bird droppings and other grime that can easily be cleaned with mild, soapy water and a microfiber cloth.
• Schedule window cleaning with the pros to save time, hassle, and ensure your own safety. Tackling second-floor or hard-to-reach windows can be extremely dangerous.

Going DIY? Here’s What You’ll Need

Cleaning windows can be a big chore, so if you opt to go DIY, be sure you have the right tools and supplies to get the job done safely and without damaging the glass.

• Sturdy step stool or ladder. Partner to hold the stool or ladder secure when cleaning. Never place a step stool or ladder on uneven, unstable, or rocky ground. Please be safe.
• Long-handle broom or dust mop to wipe cobwebs and other debris from window frames, sills, and shutters (if your windows have shutters).
• A bucket that’s easy to carry, microfiber cloth or sponge, and squeegee plus cleaning solutions that may include but may not be limited to: a vinegar-water solution, warm water with a mild liquid detergent, or a commercial glass cleaning product.
• Dry, lint-free cloth for a final wipe-down that will help reduce streaking.

DIY Window Cleaning and Inspection Steps for Homeowners

Let’s go through the steps it takes to get streak-free, clean windows.

Working on the exterior:

• Always dust the corners, window frame, and sills with a soft broom or vacuum first.
• When washing, attack stubborn stains/grime with your cleaning solution, removing these before cleaning the window as a whole.
• Scrub the windows with warm water or cleaning solution using a sponge or microfiber cloth. Squeegee excess water/solution from the glass to help avoid streaks.
• When using the squeegee, always move in an “S” pattern across the glass, and be sure to wipe the blade dry after each swipe.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth after the squeegee for a smooth, streak-free finish.

Working on the interior:

• Remove window treatments.
• Begin by dusting or vacuuming the window frame and sills.
• Use a 1:1 vinegar/warm water solution to clean the window glass indoors.
• Wipe the window glass with the cleaning solution using a microfiber cloth and squeegee dry like you did on the exterior.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to finish to keep streaks to a minimum.

Don’t forget to inspect. After you’ve cleaned both the exterior and the interior windows, take a close look at each. Check for micro-cracks, discoloration/fogginess, seal cracks, and any other indications of damage. If issues are found, contact a trusted window contractor for repairs.

If your schedule doesn’t allow for DIY window cleaning, you can still make your New Year’s resolution a reality. Contact us at United Window Cleaning today. We’ll get you set up and your windows cleaned by the pros so you don’t have to deal with the hassle or headache. Call and get your window cleaning appointment today.