Spring Cleaning Tips for Windows

Spring Cleaning is a great opportunity to freshen up the home and welcome warm weather. While cleaning your home top to bottom do not forget the windows. While sometimes tricky to get clean, windows should be a part of your Spring Cleaning because of the dust and water marks that can collect on them. Windows should be cleaned inside and outside, especially outside because of winter elements taking the toll on the glass and the trim around home windows.

Depending on the build of your home, you may require a ladder to clean the outside of the windows. A helpful spouse can assist you in handing cleaning materials or making sure the windows are properly cleaned. As Spring weather arrives, consider cleaning your home windows Saturday morning before warm weather hits. By accomplishing window cleaning early you'll have the rest of the day to take care of other Spring cleaning chores.

I wash all my windows from top to bottom, this helps avoid streaking. Same goes for dusting outside and inside trim. I use old gym socks, preferably clean, for dusting and cleaning the trim. For window glass I use newspapers. Do not use magazine style paper, it works best when you use Sunday newspaper material.

Using newspaper to clean the glass will get cleaning spray off, shine the window but it also won't leave any fuzz or particles behind that regular paper towels might.

I have found vinegar to remove water marks and outside water droplets. I mix the vinegar with water, half and half in a spray bottle. Also, if you choose to use a window cleaning solution make sure to spray the window glass well and allow it to soak for several minutes.

Use wood polishing spray for trim work around the windows. I usually vaccum the window sills to get any spider webs or chunks off dirt off. You can use any cleaning solution after that to clean the window sills. I have also used rubbing alcohol before to remove any stubborn stains on the window sill.

On the inside of your home, take all blinds and miniblinds down to be cleaned as well. Blinds can collect dust in winter months that regular dusting will not get off. Pull blinds up before taking them down and fill your bath tub with water. You only need enough water so your blinds will be covered. Use an old washcloth to wash blinds. Drain all the water from your tub and put blinds upright to dry.

In case washing your blinds seems time consuming, you can use a clean cloth that has been sprayed with window cleaner. Clean blinds while they are hanging flat down on the window.

I hope all of these cleaning tips help you in your Spring Cleaning adventure. Do not forget to open up all your windows once you have finished cleaning them and let the fresh air in.