As high pollen counts and afternoon thunderstorms mark the early summer, a cloudy film may be left on your windows. To get that brilliant view back, you may have to put in some elbow grease, but first-floor window cleaning is certainly DIY-friendly. Before getting out a bucket and sponge, use the following do’s and don’ts to leave the panes sparkling.

Do:

Remove your screens first.

While you might wipe down the interior side once a week, it’s the outside of your windows that will get the dirtiest. However, on your way to drastic results, don’t forget to take off the screen, even if it only covers part of your window. That way, any dirt dislodged by removing it won’t ruin your hard work on the rest of the window.

Use the right cleaning solution.

Although their popular, it’s important to stay away from ammonia-based cleaning solutions when washing your windows. A combination of water and gentle dish soap will remove dirt, pollen, and mildew just fine, and it won’t damage the glass or seal in the process. For stuck on messes, you can use all-purpose cleaners made with natural ingredients.

Don’t:

Clean in direct sunlight.

While you might assume that afternoon light will give you the best view of your dirty windows, it’s better to choose a time of day when the sun can’t shine directly on the panes. This may require you to clean different sides of your house at various times of the day. The intense heat from direct sunlight dries out cleaning solutions too quickly, leaving streaks or splotches on the panes.

Use newspapers to clean the windows.

While some homeowners substitute newspaper for the lint mess left behind by paper towels, this material isn’t the best tool for cleaning glass. The ink that makes up the text and pictures may be released from the paper once you apply water and a cleaning solution, leaving discolored streaks on your window panes. Instead, simply use a sponge to scrub messes and a squeegee to wipe away water. 

If cleaning just isn’t doing the trick for your old, foggy windows, turn to Murphy Home Improvement of Cincinnati, OH. They have 30 years of experience providing high-quality home features like windows, as well as doors, siding, and awnings. Whatever your home’s exterior could use, you can count on this NARI National Contractor of the Year to both supply and install it. For more information on their products and services, visit the website, or call (513) 922-8989 to schedule an appointment.