Simple But Effective Window Cleaning Tips

So, you’ve finally decided to call Renewal by Andersen® of San Francisco for your new replacement window installation. After the installation is complete, your window technician will walk you through how the windows operate. You’ll also receive some tips on how to take better care of your new windows to ensure their functionality and beauty for a very long time.

In case you’d like a refresher on how to clean your windows, here are some tips:

Prepare Your Tools

You’ll need to gather a few items first. Get a clean bucket, a sponge, a squeegee, microfiber cloths and a mild window cleaning solution. For the window cleaning solution, mild liquid detergent mixed with warm water is enough. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar as a spray cleaner if your windows are really dirty and stained. Warm water is best. Avoid strong detergents or harsh chemicals.

Clean During a Cloudy Day

Cleaning under direct sunlight will make the cleaning solution dry too quickly, leaving ugly watermarks. Time your cleaning on a cloudy day to avoid this. You can also clean early or late in the day.

Start on the Outdoor Side

Work on your windows from the outside first. Don’t get all windows wet at the same time. Just like window installation, you clean one window at a time. If you have second-floor windows, you can use a ladder or clean them from indoors. Some modern windows, such as Renewal by Andersen double-hung windows, have a tilt-in function for easier and safer cleaning. If your windows don’t have that function, you can buy window brushes with a handle specifically designed for reaching the outer side of the window from indoors.

Use a Sponge or Microfiber Cloth

Spray your windows with your warm water and mild detergent solution, and wipe them with a sponge already soaked in the same solution. Don’t wipe dry windows to prevent scratching them. You can use a microfiber cloth if you don’t have a sponge. Don’t go crazy on the suds. The important thing is to clean the windows. Ideally, you should use a separate microfiber cloth for the frame so it doesn’t contaminate or scratch the glass.

Rinse Quickly

Rinse your window quickly to prevent the solution from drying on it. Warm water is still best for rinsing them. Use your squeegee to remove the excess water on the glass, but don’t use it on the frame. Wipe the frame dry with a clean and dry microfiber cloth. You can use a separate microfiber cloth to remove any water or streaks left on the glass.

Clean Indoors

Get window treatments like curtains and blinds out of the way, and then clean the sill with your solution. If you have greasy windows or grilles (probably in your kitchen), use this solution: two tablespoons of household ammonia or borax mixed with a gallon of water. Rinse it off with a water and vinegar solution. Wipe it dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Clean your windows like this at least twice every year, especially towards the end of a hot and dusty summer and then at the end of winter. For your window installation needs, get in touch with Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco. Call us at (866) 609-5033, or request your estimate here. We look forward to working with you.