Energy-efficient windows are some of the best home improvement products you can invest in. They are available in different attractive designs and colors, and they help your home save energy while also improving your indoor air quality and comfort.
These windows are not cheap, though, so it pays to take care of them over the course of their life span. One of the best ways to do that is by cleaning them at least once a year, depending on how dirty they get in your environment.
There are right window cleaning practices and there are window cleaning mistakes, as well. Whatever you do, avoid these wrong window cleaning mistakes:
Using the Wrong Supplies and Tools
To clean your windows, prepare a regular garden hose, a bucket, a scraper, a squeegee, a piece of microfiber cloth and a sponge. In the bucket, mix your cleaning solution. You can use a gentle liquid detergent with lukewarm water. Spray one window at a time with water using your garden hose to dislodge most dust, dirt and stuck debris. Use a light spray.
Lather up the window with the sponge dipped in the bucket of cleaning solution, then spray with your hose again to remove the soap and dirt. The squeegee is great for the initial drying. Use the microfiber to completely dry your windows. If there are persistent marks or stains, you might have to use a scraper, but use it carefully.
One common mistake is using newspapers to clean or dry windows. The chemicals from the newspaper might be harmful to your windows. Newspapers can also cause micro scratches.
Another mistake is using a pressure washer. This can be too strong for windows, so just use the soft spray setting of your garden hose nozzle for your energy-efficient doors and windows to avoid damaging the seals.
Using Harsh Cleaning Solutions
Just because a chemical cleaning solution is made for windows doesn’t mean it’s made for all windows. Some chemicals are too harsh. They might not cause damage immediately, but they might leave residues that might harm your windows when they’re exposed to heat.
If you want to use window cleaning chemicals, make sure they’re approved by the manufacturer. Otherwise, stick to a gentle detergent and clean water.
If you have hard water, don’t use it to clean your windows as it will leave marks if it dries too quickly. Use distilled water instead or have your water supply fitted with a water softening filter.
Using Just Any Rag
Some cloth types are too rough, and others leave lint or fibers. Don’t use dirty rags, either, or you’ll be adding to the dirt on your windows instead of removing it. A clean, soft microfiber cloth is the best type of cloth to use for cleaning windows. Wash and wring out the microfiber before using it on the next window.
Washing Under Direct Sunlight
This will make the water evaporate too quickly, leaving marks. Soapy water will leave marks, as well. It’s a good idea to wash your windows when the skies are overcast. You can also start washing early in the morning before the sun is at its hottest.
When you wash your windows, inspect them for damage. Do not use DIY tactics to repair any damage that you might see. You might end up making the issue worse. Call your window contractor.
Get in touch with Universal Roofing & Exteriors for your windows installation. Call us today at (317) 257-0779 or contact us here. We work with homeowners in Indianapolis, IN.
