Essential spring window cleaning tips

Infinity windows need almost zero maintenance. However, proper window cleaning is ideal to maintain the beauty and strength of any window. That said, here are some window cleaning tips to consider when checking this item off your list of spring-cleaning chores.

• As a first step, clean sand, dirt, or dust from door and window hinges, sills and tracks. If necessary, soak areas with clean water and a rag to loosen dirt and debris. Use a soft bristle brush vacuum extension to remove larger pieces of debris. Once you’re done cleaning the window glass, you can clean the windowsill.
  
  

• When cleaning exterior windows, use caution on ladders, wear protective eyewear, and avoid loose clothing.
  
  

• Wash your windows and doors with an Infinity-approved cleaning solution.
  
  

• If making your own window cleaning solution, be sure to use a clean bucket as any dirt or leftover abrasives in the bucket could transfer to your windows.
  
  

• When working with cleaning solutions, follow all recommended safety precautions and dispose of materials according to the manufacturer’s instructions and any municipal codes.

Avoiding certain techniques and materials when cleaning your windows will make for better results. You can avoid streaky windows with a little know-how.

• Don’t Clean in a Circular Motion: Cleaning windows in a circular motion can create static. Static attracts dust to the window surface. Instead, apply window cleaning solution to the glass and then wipe in one direction with a squeegee or microfiber cloth.
  
  

• Don’t Clean Windows with a Power Washer: Don’t use a power washer to clean your exterior windows. The pounds per square inch (PSI) force from a power washer’s spray can damage windows. If operated on a high enough setting, power washers can also compromise your wood, composite, or vinyl siding by creating paths through that can expose your home to potential water damage.
  
  

• Don’t Use Scrapers of Any Kind: Using utility knives and paint scrapers can damage windows and scratch glass. Glass scratched by a scraper is not covered under the Infinity by Marvin warranty.  
  
  

• Don't Clean Windows on Sunny Days: Cloudy days are best for streak-free spring window cleaning. Cleaning on sunny days can lead to the cleaning solution evaporating before you wipe it up, leaving annoying streaks behind.
  
  

• Don't Clean Windows with Newspaper: While you might have heard that cleaning windows with newspaper results in a streak-free finish, it’s no longer advised. Newspapers used to be made with thicker, more absorbent material that left little lint behind, but today’s newspapers are much less absorbent and fall apart easily. Not only does this method leave dust and traces of newsprint behind on your freshly cleaned windows, but it also takes more time to absorb window cleaning solutions compared to time-saving tools like a squeegee and microfiber cloth.

The right window cleaning tools can make for sparkling clean windows and a more efficient process altogether. Gather these essential items to expedite your spring window cleaning project:

• Squeegee
  
  

• Window cleaning cloths/microfiber cloths
  
  

• Clean bucket
  
  

• Drop cloth
  
  

• Cleaning solution
  
  

• Soft bristle brush vacuum cleaner extension or hand vacuum

There are several cleaning solution options for window glass. Some of the best window cleaners are made by Rain-X^®, Windex^®, and Zep^®. If you want to create a homemade window cleaning solution, you can use mild dishwashing soap mixed with water on interior finishes. Another homemade window cleaner recipe uses distilled white vinegar with 5% acidity and water. Cleaning windows with vinegar can help break down dirt and grease buildup from cooking.

Before you begin cleaning outside window surfaces, check with your window manufacturer and owner manual for any special instructions on how to clean windows with Low-E coatings. You want to clean your windows without damaging the special properties that help prevent UV rays from passing through the glass and into your home.

Due to being exposed to nature’s elements, the outside of your windows might require cleaners specifically formulated to remove tougher dirt and grime. Exterior window cleaning solutions are available from well-known brands including Home Armor^®, Windex, and Zep. Some of the best outdoor window cleaning solutions that are approved to use on Ultrex^® fiberglass are:

• Windex outdoor window cleaner (Windex Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner)
  
  

• Zep window cleaner (Zep Multi-Surface Cleaner)

Use a separate microfiber cloth to clean your exterior windows than the one used to clean the interior windows. The exterior side of windows can accumulate more dirt and debris than the interior side. A cloth used to clean outside windows can bring that dirt and debris into your home.

A microfiber cloth works best to clean your outside windows. It will collect lint and won’t scratch your windows.

You can begin cleaning window exteriors by working around the frame. After you’ve cleaned the frame, you can clean the glass. It’s best to start cleaning at the top of the window and work your way down in a side-to-side motion. This way, dirt won’t fall on glass that you have just wiped clean.

If you’ve got cloudy windows, it could be condensation, or it could mean the seal between the glass panes has failed. When a seal fails, it can look cloudy or foggy. A broken seal means that the inert, non-toxic argon gas that insulates your windows has started to escape. A homemade exterior cleaning solution of water and distilled white vinegar with 5% acidity helps remove mineral deposits that can make windows look cloudy.