The best way to clean windows

Windows can get dirty so easily. Cleaning them is simple enough, but there are a few tips and tricks you can learn to make them dazzling. Here’s what you need to know to do it yourself.

How to clean your windows

1. Wash the outside

For the exterior windows, start with the flyscreen if you have one. Doing this prevents your window from rapidly getting dirty again, since dirt and dust can build up from inside. Get rid of the cobwebs first by using a brush or a broom, then set aside. Then, wash your window down using a hose, soap and water or window cleaning agents.

After this is out of the way, it’s time to clean the windows themselves. There is a selection of glass cleaning agents and solutions you can pick from, or make your own from soap or vinegar and water. After cleaning one window, ensure that you dry it quickly with a cloth (make sure it’s lint free!) Once your windows look clean and dry from the outside, put the fly screens back on.

2. Wash from the inside

This is a simple but arduous task. It can take a bit of time, so be patient. The best way to start is with the frames, which you should sweep with a duster or indoor brush. Follow this up with soap and water to make sure all dust and cobwebs are gone. Once the frames are clean, move to the glass. Like the outside windows, you can use soap and water, a specialised window cleaning agent or vinegar and water. All of these work pretty well.

Once you have wiped down the glass, dry it quickly with a cloth to prevent streaks, wet spots and marks that will mean you have to start the wiping process from scratch. Dont forget to dry the frames!

Cleaning your windows with vinegar

White vinegar can also be used as a great tool for cleaning, but can cause streaking if you’re using it on a window that has been cleaned with a commercial cleaning solution before. To prevent streaks, mix a solution of water, white vinegar and a touch of liquid detergen to wipe your windows down with. After this, use a mix of water and white vinegar solution on your windows to get them sparkling. You can dry them with a lint free cloth, but paper towels and newspapers also work well. After doing this, your windows can be cleaned with the vinegar and water solution regularly.

Cleaning roller blinds

If you have roller blinds in your home, you know that they are practical, easy to use, and elegant, but they do get dirty over time. They are not always the easiest thing to clean either. It is possible to clean them if you know how, or if you can turn to a professional for help with your specific needs.

Determine the material

Before you can get started with cleaning roller blinds, you need to determine the specific type of material it’s made of. Depending on the material, you may need to spot clean them. In other cases, you will be able to wash them. If you are not sure what the material is, it is best to ask a professional before getting started.

Washing your roller blinds

In many cases, it is possible to wash your roller blinds, including those made with fabric. In this case, you will need to start by vacuuming to remove as much debris as possible from the surface. Then remove the blind from the roller, lay the blind down and use a brush attachment for your vacuum to help further clean up the dust and dirt from the surface. If necessary, you can then place the blind into a large water container, such as in a bathtub, and allow the water and some mild detergent to gently work over it. Meanwhile, allow the blind to soak in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. This will loosen any dust or dirt and will allow you to use a cloth to wipe it clean. For stains, use use a toothbrush.

Once the blind is clean, you can drain the water and then fill it again with clean, fresh water. This will allow all of the soap to come out of the blind. Once you have completely washed it, lay it on a flat surface to dry and allow to fully dry before reattaching to the roller.

Tips for spot cleaning

Sometimes you may not be able to wash a roller blind. In this case, you can spot clean it to remove visible dirt.This is the safest and easiest way to clean non-washable blinds.Vacuum the blind first, then create a solution of laundry detergent and warm water to use to wipe off debris. You will want to use a sponge or toothbrush to tackle problem areas. You do not want to wet the entire blind, but work on just those areas necessary. Remember to spot test before you tackle the whole blind in case the cleaning solution discolours it.