Even for homeowners who don’t enjoy cleaning — and we’re a big group — cleaning and repairing windows have upsides that are so worth it. Clean windows offer a clear view of your yard’s emerging color. You’ll invite more light and fresh air inside. Your home will look better to the outside world, including would-be buyers. Your windows will function more effectively, meaning lower utility bills. The question is how to clean your windows and repair them if needed so you can enjoy the rewards without investing a lot of work and money.
Generally, it’s best to repair windows before you clean them. That’s because during the cleaning process, you may worsen any existing damage.
Start With Home Window Repairs
Begin by checking the interior and exterior components of your windows, including window sills. “If you’ve noticed your home energy bills increasing or have just noticed certain windows becoming draftier, check around windows for gaps and cracks, and caulk around them to provide a new seal,” says Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy, a Chicago-based painting and home improvement company. Homeowners can DIY many window maintenance projects if they have some experience and are prepared to do some research, he says. An exception is if you spot a broken window pane or an entire window that needs replacement. In those cases, a window professional is a better choice, Lanphier says.
Look for soft, spongy, or peeling sills, which can signal water intrusion behind the cladding or improper flashing, says Austin Lako, owner of Lake Effect Exteriors in Livonia, Mich. Those situations need to be repaired before mold or rot take hold, he adds. Drafts can occasionally result from compressed or missing weatherstripping. “A simple re-strip can make a big difference in comfort and HVAC load,” he says.
Clean Interior and Exterior Window Components
Before thoroughly cleaning the windows themselves, follow these steps to clean the window components.
- Repair peeling paint, mold, or rot from frames, and clean dirt, pollen, and built-up grime from the windows. If wood frames need repainting, spring is a great time, Lako says. The paint will protect the frames from UV damage caused by the summer sun. Painting can also seal the wood to keep moisture out of cracks and gaps.
- Wipe down tracks and sills, and dust blinds, curtains, or shades. It’s easy to overlook the task of cleaning blinds and shades, says Nicole Willits, manager of strategic product initiatives and sustainability for Pella Corporation in Pella, Iowa. “It’s very important to dust them regularly, especially in the spring. A dry cloth or vacuum is best for wood blinds. Homeowners can clean plastic and metal blinds using a tub of lukewarm water and mild detergent.”
- Vacuum the window tracks.
- Dust the frames.
- Wipe down the ledges using a soft brush or vacuum.
Products to Use in Home Window Cleaning
If you want to use homemade cleaning products, Willits recommends these:
- Distilled white vinegar and water. Use one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Label the container and save the leftover for future use.
- Rubbing alcohol. If you have an especially stubborn area on your window, you can start your cleaning process by applying a solvent like rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and rubbing it directly on the spot. You can also add rubbing alcohol to the vinegar and water for a slightly more powerful cleaning solution.
- Dish soap. Several drops of Dawn dish soap in the above homemade cleaning mixture can remove tough grime, especially for exterior window cleaning.
Some homeowners prefer store-bought window cleaners. Make sure to avoid cleaning products with heavy ammonia or alcohol bases, Willits advises. Rubbing alcohol is effective for spot cleaning, but a cleaner with too much of it isn't advisable for cleaning the whole window because of the potential for streaks and a thin film that attracts dust and moisture.
For smaller projects, some window experts prefer foam spray cleaners, which are available at big box stores. “Sprayway Glass Cleaner, which costs less than four bucks, works great,” says Chris Hock, president of Earth Saving Solutions in Denver.
Tips and Hacks to Clean Pane Glass
Willits offers these tips from Willis to clean window pane glass:
- Use a warm rag instead of power washing. Avoid chemicals like ammonia and bleach, which might cause discoloration.
- Wash windows from top to bottom.
- Use a squeegee on larger windows, especially if they’re hard to reach. Wash the windows with a sponge and use the squeegee to wipe the solution off from top to bottom.
- Wipe off the squeegee edge after each pass to avoid dripping.
Home Window Cleaning Hacks and Tools That Work
Several hacks and window cleaning tools can make home window cleaning easier without compromising the results, says Mike Strmac, principal and chief financial officer of Universal Windows Direct in Bedford Heights, Ohio.
- Use a bucket or tool pouch for squeegees, cloths, and small brushes.
- Attach a microfiber cloth to a broomstick or Swiffer, or attach an extension pole to a squeegee to reach and safely clean high exterior windows.
- Attach a crevice tool to a vacuum to quickly remove dirt in tracks.
- Apply rain-repelling treatments such as Rain-X to exterior glass to reduce buildup.
- Take a photo of the window before disassembling any of its component parts so reassembly is easier – and accurate.
- Use a handheld steamer to loosen old caulking or sticky residue.
- Make sure windows aren’t in direct sunlight when you clean them to avoid streaks and to make sure they’re thoroughly clean, Hock advises.
- Have one person inside and another outside to clean simultaneously and avoid missing spots, Hock advises.
- Clean all parts of your windows at least twice a year for optimal quality, Willits recommends.
Through routine cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your windows looking great for years to come. The benefits go beyond aesthetics, though. Regular home window cleaning can help prevent damage, safeguard indoor air quality, and keep your home energy efficient.