During the winter months, people hesitate to thoroughly clean the windows, no matter how dirty they are. One of the most frustrating things about winter is that windows get the most dirty during this time of year. The melting snow drags dirt and debris onto it, and the salt that seems to cover everything means it's rare to go an entire season without having to clean your windows at least once. Don't worry, because we'll give you tips on how to clean your windows in winter!
Choose a quiet winter day
If you decide to clean your windows in the winter, you should first consider the weather on the day of cleaning and the days following. Choose a suitable day when it is not too cold and the wind is not howling. Next, you need to choose the right time of day. Even in the winter months, you should always clean your windows in the shade or when the sky is overcast to avoid streaks.
Before spraying or applying the cleaning fluid, you should always remove any dirt, dust and debris that has accumulated in the tracks and grooves. This dirt can eventually affect the mechanisms that open and closeof the window. Additionally, if you don't remove the larger dirt particles before washing, you may end up with a muddy mess and dirtier windows than you started with.
Water temperature is important
When it comes to the temperature of the water you use for cleaning, you need to be careful. You should not use hot water on cold windows because the contrast between hot and cold water can cause cracks in the window pane. However, you should also not use cold water as it can quickly freeze on the pane. Both can do more harm than good. Ideally you should use warm water. To protect your hands from the water and cold, you can wear rubber gloves like the ones you use to wash dishes.
Cleaning windows in winter: Prepare cleaning fluid
For the actual cleaning fluid, you can use a regular window cleaning solution. However, if you are worried about the water freezing on the windows due to the cold weather, you can add a windshield washer solution to the water. If the solution has already been diluted with water, you can apply it directly to the window. If it is still concentrated, you can dilute the solution with water. Even though these solutions were developed for cars, they can be used for any type of glass.
Homemade cleaning products for cleaning windows
Use an alcohol or vinegar-based cleaning solution mixed with cold water. The vinegar and alcohol not only loosen the dirt, but also prevent water stains when the water dries and prevent the water from freezing. Some people use a solution that contains antifreeze like you would put in your car, but we advise against this as it is harmful to the environment, your plantsunder the windowscan kill and it is not safe to breathe the fumes. Making your own solution is much safer and much, much cheaper.
Our favorite homemade solutions
Vinegar based solution
1/8 cup white vinegar
Spray bottle filled with cold water
Clean windows with rubbing alcohol
3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
1/8 cup white vinegar
Spray bottle filled with cold water
Saline solution
1/8 cup salt
Spray bottle filled with cold water
Mix until the salt is dissolved
Now that you have your cleaning solution ready, you'll need something to wipe down your windows with. While many agree that newspaper is great for cleaning, it can leave marks on the frame and cause minor scratches. Plain, white paper towels are much more efficient at absorbing water and leaving a streak-free shine. Microfiber cloths are also very suitable for drying windows without streaks. Wash windows in a circular motion from the corners and outer edge toward the inside or center of the window.
Dress warmly, with boots that have grip so you can stand safely, and wear a hat and heavy coat to stay warm. Wear waterproof rubber gloves to protect your hands from the cold and chemicals. Tuck the sleeves of your coat into the openings of the gloves to prevent your coat from getting wet. If you encounter stubborn stains, let them soak for a few minutes while you work on othersPosition of the windowwork. Don't wait too long to clean the soaked areas, otherwise the water could freeze. You can also use a razor blade to scrape off stuck-on globs and mud.
Braving winter by cleaning your windows in the cold is a very noble endeavor indeed, and we wish you the best of luck!
