There’s nothing quite like opening your windows during springtime. It’s a delightful feeling –seeing your bright, airy home and a glimpse of flowers blooming outside. Don’t let your dirty windows dim that view. If they’re looking a little cloudy after the past months, don’t worry! Check out this straightforward spring cleaning guide to getting your windows sparkling clean now.
Why Spring Clean Your Windows?
Your windows accumulate a surprising amount of dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, and even salt spray if you live near the coast. Giving them a thorough deep cleaning offers:
- Improved visual appeal – Grimy windows block precious sunlight, making your home feel darker and smaller.
- Potential energy savings – Since you won’t have to turn on more artificial light and heating to compensate.
- Better indoor air quality – Spring cleaning your windows and screens can prevent them from being a magnet for dust and mold, triggering allergies and other respiratory issues.
Step-by-Step Window Cleaning
Follow this comprehensive tutorial to spring clean your windows from the inside.
1. Prepare your cleaning essentials.
- Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- A bucket with clean, warm water
- A spray bottle with cleaning solution (water mixed with a few drops of dish soap)
- Lint-free microfiber cloths or a squeegee (optional for large glass windows)
- Old towels to cover and protect your window sills and floors.
2. Clean the window treatments.
Deep clean your blinds and shades by vacuuming and/or “damp dusting” them using a microfiber cloth, which is proven to trap dust and dirt more effectively. If you have curtains or machine-washable shades, remove them from your window to wash and dry according to their label’s care instructions.
3. Dust window frames, tracks, screens, and sills.
Open your windows slightly and vacuum or brush away any loose dirt, dust, or cobwebs from the frames and sills. This prevents scratching and keeps your cleaning water cleaner for longer.
4. Deep clean your window screens.
If you have removable window screens because you can just uninstall them and bring them to your yard or bathroom for more efficient deep cleaning. Use a power washer or scrub the screen manually using a brush cleaner or the rough part of a dishwashing sponge. Rinse with clean water and air dry.
5. Wash the glass panes.
Dip one of your microfiber cloths into the soapy water (or spray the cleaning solution onto the surfaces). Wring out the cloth so it’s damp, not dripping. Wash the window thoroughly, working from top to bottom. For stubborn spots, let the solution sit for a minute or two before gently scrubbing.
Feel free to use a squeegee for large glass windows. Dip it in the soapy water and wipe across the top of the window. Overlap each stroke by about an inch, wiping the blade clean with a separate clean cloth after each pass. Tilt the squeegee slightly at the end of each stroke to avoid leaving water streaks.
6. Wipe the windows dry.
Work fast and never leave your windows air dry. This is the key to a streak-free shine! Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the edges and any remaining water. If you didn’t use a squeegee, dry the entire window thoroughly. You can also use crumpled newspaper for a surprisingly effective, lint-free dry. Don’t forget to wipe and dry the frames, tracks, and sills, too.
Pro Window Cleaning Tips
Choose an overcast day. Avoid cleaning your windows on a very hot or sunny day, as the cleaning solution can dry too quickly and leave streaks.
Need Help Spring Cleaning? Call FreshSpace!
While DIY spring cleaning can be satisfying, sometimes life gets busy. That’s where we come in! Let us take the hassle out of your cleaning checklist, so you can spend your spring break.
