Cleaning Windows Includes More Than Just Glass

Alison Palmer • Jul 17, 2017

When Cleaning Windows, Begin With the Perimeter Your windows are not just the glass panes.  Consider your windows to also include things like draperies, blinds and shades, and surrounding woodwork.  You probably don’t include your window treatments in your weekly cleaning regimen.  Give the drapes a good sniff.  They collect dust, smoke and pet hair […] The post Cleaning Windows Includes More Than Just Glass appeared first on Custom Maid.

When Cleaning Windows, Begin With the Perimeter

Your windows are not just the glass panes.  Consider your windows to also include things like draperies, blinds and shades, and surrounding woodwork.  You probably don’t include your window treatments in your weekly cleaning regimen.  Give the drapes a good sniff.  They collect dust, smoke and pet hair over time.  When you find no smell, then use a very low suction setting on your vacuum and a soft brush attachment to gently dust down the draperies.  Remember to check the floor area around the curtains, as debris often collects there.  If your drapes do not pass the sniff test, you may need to clean them.  Look for a tag that gives you cleaning instructions.  If possible, take the drapes or curtains down and wash them, dry them and put them aside until the entire job is completed.  Draperies that cannot be washed may need to be dry cleaned.  It’s expensive, but will extend the life of your investment.

Cleaning Blinds While Still Hanging

On a regular basis, you can keep the blinds mostly clean by putting them into the closed position.  Then steady the blinds with your left hand about half way up.  Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the blinds from top to bottom in a smooth motion.  That method leaves the back edge of each slat still dusty.  So turn the slats all the way around, reach behind the blinds and again brush from top to bottom.

When your blinds get pretty bad, then you may need to clean each individual slat.  You can find several different iterations of blind cleaners at your local home store.  This method is time consuming no matter what device you choose, but will clean your blinds.  Try to clean your blinds without making them wet.  That just creates a mess and in the end you will need to take them down and either scrub them in the tub or hose them down in the yard.

Cleaning the Windows

You may be lucky and have windows that fold down for cleaning.  That means you will need very little, if any, time on a ladder.  If your windows are older, find a cleaning partner and both clean the same window at the same time, one outside and one inside.  Use a generic window cleaner and microfiber cloths.  One of the most frustrating parts of this task is locating smudges.  Make that part of the job easier by swiping the cloth horizontally on one side of the pane and vertically on the other side.  That way you will be able to see clearly where the smudge is.  For heavily soiled areas like sap or bird droppings on the outside glass, keep a razor blade scraper handy.

While you have a damp microfiber cloth in your hand, take an extra moment to wipe down the window frames and window sills.  Don’t forget to clean the yucky space between the glass and the screen.  You might want to begin by using a hand vacuum to remove loose debris like dead bugs.

Depending on the number of windows in your home, this can be a very time consuming task.  Assign a whole day to complete cleaning your windows or do a room at a time when you can fit it into your schedule.

If you choose to hire someone to do the job for you, I recommend Fish Window Cleaning in Virginia Beach.  Their number is 499-7505.  And call Custom Maid for all your other weekly or bi-weekly cleaning chores.  Our office staff will answer all your questions and help you get started.  We still believe in old fashioned, personal service so call us at 499-8568.

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