Even when the sun is shining, you may not get the maximum amount of natural light into your home if your windows are covered in a film of dirt, dust, splashed insects, or water stains. To fully enjoy the longer days and lush views of the outdoors, window cleaning in Albany is at the top of our cleaning list and should be on yours too.
Fortunately, the process is fairly straightforward. There are many commercial products available, which promise to impart a "streak-free sheen". But we found that a simple solution - one part of white vinegar to two parts of water - is perfect when mixed in a spray bottle.
Whether you choose a store-bought or homemade vinegar cleaning solution, start with these tips and techniques on how to clean your windows inside and out to get the job going quickly and easily.
Cleaning the interior
Fill a bucket or large pot with fresh, clean water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.
Place a large bath towel under the window to catch any splashes. Use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe the surface of the window, starting at the top and working down. Don't forget to clean the frame as well, both inside and out.
Thoroughly spray the window with the vinegar and water solution or, if you prefer, a commercial window cleaning product. Another option is to mix a cap of ammonia with two liters of water.
Using a clean, lint-free towel (or black and white newspaper pages), dry the window completely in a Z-shaped motion. You can also use clean paper towels to dry the windows if you prefer.
If any dirt or streaks remain, spray and dry again. (Dirty windows typically require two cycles of spraying and drying.)
Remember: it's best to work on a cool, cloudy day so the soapy water and window cleaning solution don't dry out on the windows.
Cleaning from the outside
Exterior windows typically have more dirt and stains. Start by rinsing the windows with the hose, then fill a bucket with fresh, clean water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.
Using a soft microfiber cloth, go over the surface of the window. Use a sponge mop (or a soft cotton or microfiber mop) on a pole for taller ones.
Rinse thoroughly with the hose.
Spray or scrub with the vinegar and water solution or a commercial cleaner.
With the Martinez Cleaning LLC dry the window with a clean squeegee with a rubber blade. Tilt the squeegee down and work from top to bottom. Clean the squeegee with a clean, dry cloth at the bottom of each pass. Alternatively, you can use a clean, lint-free towel or newspaper pages to dry the windows.
For stubborn dirt and stains, including bird droppings, thoroughly saturate with vinegar and water and let sit for several minutes before drying. You can also try scrubbing with a soft sponge, but don't use steel wool or abrasive clothes; these will scratch the window.
Be the best window cleaners in Albany
Don't neglect window screens. Rinse with plain water, spray with a vinegar solution, and then rinse again with plain water. Allow drying thoroughly before repositioning the screens on the windows.
Sometimes the windows will be stained with mineral deposits, particularly in areas with hard water. Several cleaning windows are damaged by mineral deposits, but the best solution may be a commercial cleaner.
While it may be a "pain", it is worth it to enjoy an unobstructed view ... and let the sunshine!
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