Tip of the day: How to clean windows

Ease the "pane" of cleaning windows and skylights
If you didn't give your windows and skylights a thorough scrubbing while doing your spring cleaning and are just now noticing their dinginess, here's some advice to make cleaning them less of a hassle.

To do the job you’ll need two gallon-size plastic buckets (one will be the “dirty” bucket, into which you dip a squeegee; the other will be the “clean” one, your source of fresh water), a sponge, a good-quality rubber squeegee, a chamois cloth, and either a clean, lint-free cloth or a roll of paper towels. You'll also need glass cleaner. You can easily make a half gallon of your own using this recipe from How to Clean (and Care for) Practically Anything (Consumer Reports Special Publications, 2002):

1. Pour about 3.5 pints (54 ounces) of cold water into a 1-gallon bucket.
2. Slowly add 1/4 cup soapy ammonia and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol.
3. Mix the solution well and pour it into clean spray bottles.
4. Add a drop or two of blue food coloring to distinguish it from other cleaners.

How often you clean your windows or skylights depends on where you live and how dirty they get, but the interior surface usually needs cleaning twice a year; the exterior, once. Tackle this chore on a cloudy day or when the windows are in the shade, because direct sunlight will cause streaking. Clean windows from the top down, applying the cleaning solution using the slightly dampened sponge.

• Dampen the squeegee blade in the “dirty” bucket and wipe it across the window. Wipe the blade with the cloth/paper towel. Follow with a rinse of clean water you apply with the chamois. Polish off any leftover moisture with a dry cloth/paper towel. If you have lots of windows, split up the job rather than trying to do them all in a day. Repeat the process as needed.
• Clean small or stained-glass windows with a damp sponge first, then wipe them with a clean, damp chamois. Polish with a clean cloth, treating delicate stained glass with care. Clean painted glass gently with a damp chamois.
• If you have high windows or skylights, it might be more practical to hire a professional window cleaner. You can clean them yourself with special extension tools. (Because skylights are angled upward, dirt might accumulate more quickly.)
• If you need to use a step stool or a ladder for interior or exterior work, be sure it’s in safe working condition. If your ladder is shaky or otherwise on its last legs, see our Ratings for replacement choices.

While you’re cleaning, also check for putty that needs to be replaced, necessary paint repairs, and cracks in the glass.

• To remove paint spatters you spot: For recently applied paint, use water or glass cleaner (for latex paint) or a cloth dipped in turpentine (oil-based paint). Glass cleaner could soften water-based paint, so if some gets on a painted surface, blot it off—don't rub. The paint will harden once it’s dry. Wipe away putty marks with ammonia.
• For old paint, scrape it with a single-edged razor, holding the razor at an angle to avoid scratching the glass. Leave 1/16 inch of paint on the edge of the glass to protect the frame from condensation inside and precipitation outside.—Ed Perratore

Comments

[Gail]

how can you clean stains from paper like mats around a frame?

[diane]

How can I remove water stains on a cedar wood ceiling- we had a leaky skylight?

[Jonathan]

Are there any recommendations for glass treatments for house windows -such as RainX? Something that will help "prevent" having to clean windows?
Jonathan...