to adapt to life under lockdown and spending all of our time indoors, it’s vitally import we do our best to feel as connected with the outdoors as we possibly can and cleaning
our windows is a surefire way of bringing some
brightness back into the home.
Why Cleaning Windows
is
Important
OK, so none of us will
be having
visitors round anytime soon or
the pressure to keep the home looking spick and span, but
don’t underestimate the ability of clean windows and doors to transform a room into a brighter and lighter space, and improve
your overall mood.
Better kept windows also equals clearer views. Whether you’re currently spending your day in a temporary office bedroom or stuck on the kitchen table, it helps a lot to be able to enjoy dirt-free sightlines out of your windows
from your makeshift desk or when making a cup of tea.
Dirt and grime builds up over time and can cause windows to lose transparency. The longer they are left uncleaned, the harder stains are to remove. Regular cleaning
can prevent build up and prolong the life of the window.
While
window cleaners are still out working to
spruce up your home’s external glazing if you need it, streak and smear-free glistening
finishes don’t have to be difficult. Here is what you need to know.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Most people will have
a good idea of the tools needed for a successful
clean. It is likely that
you will already have a lot of these in a cupboard somewhere or under the sink. However, some
pieces of equipment you might want to purchase or upgrade
for a finish as close to professional as possible.
Here are your essentials:
Non abrasive sponge- Either attached to a squeegee or free standing.
Bucket of warm
water- Warm tap water will remove dirt more successfully than cold water.
Cleaning solution- Even professionals swear by washing up liquid, but glass
cleaning detergents
are designed to leave behind less residue. Vinegar has been a
popular home-made solution for years, however it will not kill off all germs.
Squeegee- The best tool for leaving no smears when wiping away soapy water. There is a big difference in quality around, so invest in a good one.
Microfibre cloth- For going around the edges and removing any streaks or smears.
How to Clean
After removing your blinds and curtains, fill a bucket with warm water and add a fews squirts of washing up liquid or window cleaning detergent. Dip in your sponge or squeegee
and begin
scrubbing across the glass.
Make sure you're applying enough pressure to lift all of the dirt from the pane and try to keep this
pressure constant. For
really stubborn marks, use a scrapper in a forward motion to remove, but avoid scrapping backwards as this can
scratch the glass.
Wipe the soapy water away with the dry rubber blade on your
squeegee in a snake like motion from the top left
to the bottom right corner. Go right to the edges to ensure no suds are left behind. Keep the squeegee on the glass
constantly
for a smoother finish and regularly wipe it clean to avoid moving dirt around on the pane.
Like with a car, avoid cleaning your windows when it's really sunny outside as this can cause the soap to quickly dry into the glass and leave streaks.
Now use your microfibre cloth to wipe the edges and ensure
the glass is completely
free of any smudges or streaks. Try and avoid other types of cloth
or paper towels
for drying as this can leave lint on the glass and will not be nearly as effective.
If your cleaning is not enough to
rid of all stains or if your glass is coroded or even scratched, use a polshing gel such as Bohle Cero-Gel to remove.
Cleaning Roof Windows
Generally speaking, the cleaning technique
for vertical windows is the same as it is for pitched roof windows, such as a VELUX.
VELUX recommend that
soft clean water will be sufficient for cleaning the pane, however, in hard-water areas (water with high mineral content) they recommend adding a small amount of detergent to soften the water and allow for excess water to be easily wiped off after cleaning.
VELUX and RoofLITE windows can be
easily rotated for safe maintenance on the external glazing from inside the home. Maintenance kits are available for restoring or touching up the window's frame.
Solutions for Windows Beyond Repair
If your VELUX window
is in a bad state of repair or is
not letting in enough light as you'd like, identically-sized replacement glass (pictured above) can be installed
without the need for the whole window being removed. The new glazing will also provide improved heat and sound insulation.
If it's your vertical casement windows that are
untreatable because they're badly corroded, draughty or cracked, replacement windows can be fitted into an
existing hole in the wall mess-free built with made to measure dimensions
if required.
Most modern windows now
come
with trickle vents as standard
to reduce condensation and staining, as well as the
option for an 'easy clean' coating, such as Ritech, to
maintain glass visibility and cleanliness, and
reduce the need for cleaning overtime.
For guidance on how to measure for replacement windows, see our
Sterlingbuild
