Window Cleaning Guide: Getting Your Home’s Windows Ready For Spring

With the temperature beginning to warm up outside, it’s time for you to start thinking about spring cleaning. That means that you are probably thinking about your windows. They may have gotten a bit dirty during the winter, but now is the time to make sure they sparkle and shine for the upcoming warm months. In this article, we will cover some of the top window cleaning best practices you can follow if you want to make sure your windows looking spectacular, both inside and out. If you get started now, you will save so much time when spring comes around. 

Use the Right Supplies

First, you need to make sure that you use the right supplies to get the job done. We recommend starting with the basics like: a squeegee, a microfiber cloth (and/or paper towels), and a reliable cleaning solution that works for all surfaces. An all-purpose cleaning solution, compared to just one for glass, will allow you to clean both the window and the window frame at the same time, but the choice is yours. We also have a handy recipe for a homemade window cleaner you can use!

Here’s a quick checklist of things you’ll need to get started:

• Small bucket, about 1 gallon (but just about any size around that will do)
• Ladder. Tall enough to safely reach all of your home’s windows.
• Ladder safety equipment (standoffs, stabilizers, etc.)
• Handheld squeegee
• Microfiber cloth (several if available, but 1 should suffice)
• Cleaning solution store bought or homemade
  • For homemade cleaning solution:
    • ½ cup white vinegar
    • 1 to 2 teaspoons liquid dish soap
    • 4 cups warm water
    • Optional: 10 drops lemon essential oil

Start With An Initial Wipe Down

For each window, you will want to do a quick precursor clean before you apply the window cleaning solution. Start by taking a lightly damp microfiber cloth and quickly wipe down the window pane in order to get the top layer of dust and grime off. Be careful not to buff too hard as that could potentially lead to scratching since the accumulated dust and grime will have small dirt particles in it which can scratch glass. Give each window a quick buffing and dust off before you go into full cleaning mode with the glass cleaner and towels. 

Clean The Inside Surface Of Each Window

When you start cleaning your windows you can start wherever you’d like, however, it’s typically easier to reach the inside of the glass, so you will have a better time starting there. Also, when you look at the inside of the glass, you will be able to spot stains easier because you will have natural light in the background. If you start with the outside first, you may have a difficult time seeing what is left on the inside of the glass.

We recommend starting from the topmost windows in your home and working your way down as the ones that are easiest to reach will be quicker to clean and it helps to finish the job with the easier tasks rather than the harder ones! Bonus Tip: don’t forget to have a little fun with this project. Putting on your favorite tunes or audio book while you work will help make the most out of it!

Clean The Window’s Outside Surface 

Keep in mind that there might be some substances that are caked onto the window, particularly on the outside (facing outdoors). In these instances, it is helpful to have a light-duty scraper on hand to help pry this off, but just use caution to avoid creating any scratches. For this step, if it’s warm enough, you can even deploy your garden hose to spray down the outer layer of grime on the outside facing portion of your home’s windows. This will help make short work of the initial layer of dirt and grime. Then, you can move in close with your microfiber towel and cleaning solution to get the detailed cleaning completed.

Pay Attention To The Inside Of The Frame

When you clean the window frame, make sure you clean both the inside of the frame and the outside of the frame. What this means is that you need to clean the slide, both the window side and the frame side, that is responsible for opening and closing the window. If you neglect this area, your window could get stuck, and you may have a difficult time opening or closing it when you need to.

Dry the Excess Water When You Are Done

Once you are finished wiping down the frames and the glass, do not forget to dry any excess water. Try to use a soft dry cloth that is not going to leave any streaks or scratches on the glass. You do not want to let the water dry on its own because it is going to leave spots and streaks. It could also increase your chances of dealing with wood rot down the road.

Clean Your Windows And Get Them Ready For Spring

Ultimately, these are just a few of the most important tips you should consider if you are getting your windows prepped for the spring. With the weather beginning to warm up outside, now is the perfect time for you to clean your windows. If you’re able to check this task off your list now it will save you a ton of time and headache during spring cleaning!