AS WE HEAD into silly season it’s likely that we will all be hosting a little bit more. And although the list is long, there is nothing more important (or less remembered) than giving your windows some sprucing up. And what better than being able to see your prized Christmas tree shining through them.

We also want to make as much use as we can of the natural light that comes into our home as it is limited this time of year, and a big part of enjoying that light is keeping your windows clean. 

Today, we’re looking at hacks and strategies you can use not only to get your windows clean, inside and out, but to help you keep them clean, too. 

The right materials

Cleaning your windows is one area of household chores where you want to have the right stuff. Fortunately, the material you need is not very heavy-duty. For example, most windows can be comprehensively washed with a mix of warm water and white vinegar. 

What is perhaps most important is the tools you use to clean, and squeegees regularly produce the best results when it comes to sparkling glass. An extendable squeegee is absolutely essential if you’re doing the upper floors of your home.

The no-streak technique

There is a skill to washing windows, and nailing your technique will save you time going forward. Removing dry, loose dirt before you wet the glass is a smart move, as failing to do this could cause dirt to mix with the water and leave residue on the glass.

Once this is done, apply your solution of warm water evenly across the window from top to bottom. From there, stroke down from top to bottom with a squeegee, making sure to cover every inch, and go across the window like this, overlapping with each stroke from top to bottom to make sure no streaks are left behind.

Keep it clean

While washing your windows is obviously essential, you can’t overlook the importance of managing the surrounding areas. Regularly dusting your curtains and blinds will reduce the amount of particulate matter like dust and pollen that can settle and stick to the glass. It’s also very important to regularly scrub your windowsills and window frames, as these can both be reservoirs for dirt and also areas where condensation can cause mold amildewder to fester.

Keeping the inside of your windows clean can also be about your behaviour in the house. You need to be more vigilant about windows that could be exposed to smoke, steam, and other residues that can be produced by things such as burning candles, cooking and keeping a fire burning. Make sure that the rooms where you might do those things are well ventilated, and that you pay close attention to any potential build-up of grime.

When it comes to your exteriors, you want to keep any shrubs, trees and plants that are near your windows well trimmed. Lastly, something you can do to ensure your windows stay cleaner for longer is to use hydrophobic glass spray, which will help keep rain streaks at bay on the outside and condensation streaks at bay on the inside.