Window Cleaning on a Budget

Window Cleaning on a Budget

Keeping a clear and sparkling view from your windows can significantly brighten up a room and your mood. However, professional window cleaning services often come with a hefty price tag. Nevertheless, there’s no need to sacrifice the brightness of your home just to save a penny. There are various cost-effective approaches to achieve the squeaky-clean window effect without breaking the bank.

Setting the Stage for a Gleaming View

Before we even touch the glass, let’s set the stage for window cleaning success. Cleaning large windows can be a laborious task, and you’ll need the right supplies to make it easier on yourself. Here’s what you should gather before you begin:

Supplies You’ll Need:

Distilled white vinegar

Lemon juice (optional for a natural fragrance)

A spray bottle

A squeegee or a good-quality microfiber cloth

Dish soap

A bucket

Water

A scrubber (sponge or gentle brush)

A step ladder or step stool (if necessary)

Preparation Before Cleaning:

Ensure the weather is mild and not too sunny, as direct heat can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks.

Remove any curtains or blinds and dust them while they’re down.

Dust the window sills, frame, and any surrounding surfaces to prevent additional dirt from entering the mix when you clean the glass.

Budget-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

Creating your own cleaning solutions saves money and ensures that you know exactly what’s in the mixture. Here are a few recipes for homemade solutions that are effective and economical:

Vinegar and Water Solution

Ingredients:

1 part distilled white vinegar

10 parts water

Instructions:

Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution is great for cutting through grease and grime.

Lemon Juice and Water Solution

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 litre of water

Instructions:

Combine the lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. The citric acid in the lemon juice helps with tough stains and provides a pleasant scent.

Washing Up Liquid and Water Solution

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of Washing Up Liquid

1 gallon (8 pints) of water

Instructions:

Add the Washing Up Liquid to the gallon of water. This mild solution is excellent for general cleaning and is gentle on the environment.

The Art of Scrubbing and Squeegeeing

Once you’ve prepared your cleaning solution, it’s time to start the scrubbing and squeegeeing.

Step 1: Wet the Window

Using your chosen solution, spray down the window from top to bottom, ensuring you cover the entire surface.

Step 2: Scrub with a Sponge

Using a sponge or soft brush, scrub the window starting from the top and working your way down in a circular motion. This will loosen any dirt or grime.

Step 3: Squeegee the Glass

Starting at the top, pull the squeegee in a straight line down the window. Be sure to overlap each stroke slightly to prevent leaving water behind.

Step 4: Dry with a Microfibre Cloth

After each pass with the squeegee, wipe the blade with a microfiber cloth to prevent it from leaving streaks. Once you’ve squeegee’d the entire window, use the cloth to dry any remaining streaks or water droplets.

Handling Stains and Stubborn Streaks

Sometimes, no matter how thorough you are, you can be left with a tough-to-remove stain or a stubborn streak. Here’s how to handle the most common cleaning conundrums:

Mineral Deposits From Hard Water

For those pesky white or cloudy spots caused by hard water, soak a cloth in vinegar and drape it over the affected area. After a few minutes, the deposits should wipe away with ease.

Stubborn Paint Splatters or Adhesives

Use a single-edged razor to carefully scrape away these blemishes. Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle to prevent scratching the glass, and always scrape in the same direction.

Lingering Streaks

If you’re still noticing streaks after cleaning, mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water and mist the window lightly. Wipe down the window using a crumpled piece of black and white newspaper to absorb any left-over moisture and buff the glass to a satisfying shine.

Green Alternatives to Vinegar

If you’re averse to the smell of vinegar or prefer not to use it, there are other environmentally friendly options to explore.

Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can cut through residues effectively. Dissolve a small amount in water to form a paste and apply it to the windows with a cloth. Buff with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine.

Soda Water

The effervescence of Soda Water can help break down grime. Spray it on your windows and wipe with a microfibre cloth.

Corn Starch Solution

Whisk a few tablespoons of corn starch into a quart (2 pints) of warm water. Apply this paste to the windows with a cloth, wipe, and then buff with a clean, dry cloth.

The Final Polish

After cleaning, you might notice that your windows are nearly perfect—but nearly isn’t good enough when you’re aiming for pristine. The final polish is often the most vital step in crystal clear windows.

Clean the Window Frames and Sills

Use a separate damp cloth with a mild cleaner to wipe down the frames and sills.

Use a Lint-Free Cloth

Apply a glass polish or simply use a lint-free cloth to shine the window. This will not only remove any remaining marks but also help repel dust and dirt, keeping your windows cleaner for longer.

Inspect From Different Angles

View the window from different angles to catch any missed spots or smudges. This final inspection will ensure that your efforts have paid off with gleaming results.

Safety First and Always

Working with ladders and awkwardly-sized windows can be dangerous. Always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines. If a window is beyond your reach, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Additionally, label any cleaning solutions clearly and keep them out of the reach of children.

Cleaning your windows doesn’t have to be a costly chore. By employing these innovative and cost-effective methods, you can achieve the same impeccable results offered by professional services. Remember to approach window cleaning with a methodical process, using the right tools and solutions for the job. With a little elbow grease and these helpful tips, your home will be adorned with windows that shine with the sunlight.

Further Reading: Green Cleaning Revolutions, Frugal Cleaning Tips, Green Cleaning with Borax, Green Cleaning with Vinegar

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