Daily Hacks: How to get your windows crystal clear

Cleaning your windows doesn’t have to be a hefty home task. In fact, it really isn’t that much of an effort as long as you have the right products and the know-how.

Whether it’s your toddler’s hand prints or just dust from windy days, dirty windows are unappealing and often something you’d like to hide when having guests over.

It’s something that is often omitted from our day-to-day home cleaning tasks, because it is believed to be a difficult and time-consuming task.

Cleaning your windows will not only bring some light into your home (and lift your mood), it will also help remove any contaminants or pollutants. It doesn’t have to be done on a daily basis, though. Cleaning your windows every few months should keep them dirt and dust free.

According to Cleanipedia South Africa, clean, streak-free windows are a mere few steps away. You’ll need a large bucket, a window scraper, window cleaning detergent, sponges or a scrubber and rags for drying.

Tip: Earth Sap’s window and glass cleaner is a wonderfully natural product that promises to leave no streaks. It is 100% solvent free with only natural ingredients and a citrus smell, which makes it a great product to use for window cleaning in an eco-friendly home.

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Once you’ve got everything you need, follow these steps:

1. Get all the required items together for easy access. You might even consider using a tool belt to have all the necessary window cleaning equipment at hand.
2. Start by cleaning the windows inside first, as your home’s windows are bound to be dirtier on the outside.
3. Take care to line the floor with towels to keep yourself from slipping while cleaning. If you use a ladder, make sure that it is sturdy.
4. Add window detergent to hot water in a large bucket, according to the instructions on the product’s label.
5. Soak the scrubber in the bucket and make sure that it is wet and soapy enough.
6. Scrub the window by rubbing it in vertical motions and remember to sponge in all the corners too.
7. Then, take the window scraper and pull it evenly and firmly in a horizontal direction from side to side. Wipe it clean on a clean rag every time before you take it across the window again, in order to remove any dirt and water.
8. Use a towel or cloth to wipe away any excess water and soap.
9. Do exactly the same on the outside of the window.

Windows that are more than a storey high are best cleaned by professionals, though. Also keep in mind that when you clean your windows in direct sunlight, it dries the water more quickly, causing streaks on your windows.