Whether they live in an apartment or a house, everyone seems to have their own way to clean their windows. There’s no one right way to clean windows as long as they end up spotless and undamaged.

The things that make a window dirty in the first place also differ. Pollution from cars and factories soil windows in cities, while pollen and dirt smudge windows in country homes. Harsh weather can dull windows anywhere. Here are tips for successful window cleaning.

• Wash windows on a cloudy day. Direct sun evaporates the cleanser and leaves streaks.
• Be careful with low-E coatings. These can be damaged by ammonia or abrasive materials such as steel wool.
• If your windows came with user’s manuals, read them to learn the best way to clean them.
• Watch for condensation in windows with multiple panes. This may mean that the seal between them is broken.

Other Ways to Keep Windows Clean

Washing windows is not the only way to keep them tidy. Remember that your home’s indoor air quality impacts the cleanliness of your windows. Dust can cling to your windowpanes and dull them. Make sure to clean blinds and drapes with a microfiber cloth or lambswool duster regularly before the dust reaches your window.

If your windows have outdoor screens, they also need to be kept clean lest they transfer dirt to your window glass. It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean these screens at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

You’ll need to take the screens out and hose them down. If they’re very dirty, you might need to clean them with a solution of ammonia and lukewarm water, scrub both sides with a brush, and then rinse them with clear water. Let the screens dry in sunlight before you replace them.

Keeping Windows Damage-Free

There’s only so much you can do to prevent window damage. You can’t keep an errant baseball from smashing into your window or a branch broken off in a high wind from cracking it. But there are things you can do to protect your windows.

• Wipe away any standing water on the windowsill or window apron. This discourages mold and mildew.
• Make sure the weather stripping is in good shape, and replace it if it isn’t.
• Lubricate locks and other hardware every six months or so to make sure they operate smoothly.
• Install shutters to protect your windows from storms or earthquake film to protect them from earthquakes.

Windows add to the enjoyment of life by proving a pleasant view from your home. Keeping them clean helps them to last. If you live in Allentown, PA or a surrounding area and need window installation services, make your first call to Bachman’s Roofing.