While you’re home over the long winter, you may wish to ensure that despite what’s going on outside your windows, on the inside they are clean enough to let in as much comforting winter sunshine as possible. So, we thought we’d put together a quick and simple guide to DIY window cleaning for the inside of the glass to help any homeowner to clear away the mist and grime to ensure that things don’t have to look so bleak.

Window cleaning is not like hoovering – that’s something, at a push, all of us can tackle. Window cleaning just seems too daunting a task for most to take on, so we leave it and allow dust, smears and cobwebs to take over, slowly dulling our view of the outside world. But cleaning the inside of your windows does not have to be difficult, in fact, with the right plan, it’s so simple that you’ll be able to keep up with the spring clean throughout winter, summer and autumn too.

Here are our 5 steps to cleaner windows at home.

STEP #1: Have the right equipment

You’re likely to already have all the equipment you’ll need already in your home, but here is a list of some of the most commonly used:

1. Washing up liquid
2. Bucket
3. Sponge
4. Microfibre cloth
5. Dishcloth x2
6. Window cleaner or vinegar
7. Time and patience

STEP #2: Remove window coverings

If you have curtains, blinds or shutters on your windows then you’ll want to remove them. You won’t want to get soapy water or window cleaner all over them or they may stain or discolour. Your window coverings get dirty as well and dust, cobwebs and even mould in poorly ventilated areas can add to your window cleaning problems. So, dust or wipe them down, or dry clean while you’re cleaning your windows. Trust me, for a completely clean feeling this is a step you won’t want to miss out.

STEP #3: A quick dust about

Windows are dust magnets – a light film of almost dust exists on most windows, which, as soon as you add water to it, turns dirty, streaking down frames and sills. So, before you get started you should use a dry kitchen cloth to dust away cobwebs and surface particles.

STEP #4: Time to get soapy

For extra dirty windows you’ll need to use this extra step. A bucket of warm water with ordinary washing up liquid in it to create a soapy mixture. Apply with a sponge (making sure that you have towels around to ensure that any drips are caught without going on your carpet). Scrub hard and remove all grime, smears and grease that may have accumulated on the inside of your windows. Top tip would be to start from the outside in, to begin with the frames and work your way inwards to the panes as cracks and crevices in the frame hide plenty of dirt that could undo all the good work you’ve done so far by dribbling everywhere. If you use soap and water make sure that you dry the window thoroughly before the next step.

STEP #5: Spritz and dry

Window or glass cleaner is readily available at any supermarket and does a decent enough job, no matter the brand. However, if you do not have any to hand you could always make up a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water to put into a dispenser and then spritz liberally. Use a microfibre cloth to ensure the best streak-free clean as the millions of absorbent fibres in the cloth suck up the moisture and dirt with far greater efficiency than kitchen towels or dishcloths.

BONUS STEP: Clean the inside of your frames

Open your windows and clean the inside of the frame unit as dust and dirt can collect there as well. If you don’t and you open your windows on a warm day for some fresh air, this dust could blow in and coat the inside of your window once again, or cause allergies to flair.

For all your window cleaning and gutter clearing needs, call London Window Cleaners 020 3954 2900. 

SOURCES

1. https://www.idealhome.co.uk/care-and-cleaning/how-to-clean-windows-202058