WHAT YOU DO with your windows can make more of a difference than you might think. 

Few things can change the complexion of a room like the right amount of light getting in, and keeping your windows clean and clear is the best way to make sure your home feels as spacious and bright it can be. 

In this week’s edition of the Allianz Home Magazine, we’re looking at some tasks to stay on top of your windows, and make sure your home is making the impression you want.

Don’t go streaking

As anyone who has ever hopped up on a stepladder and tried to clean a window knows, one of the biggest issues is being left with streaks.

Streaks will persist if you haven’t gotten all of the dirt off the glass. If you want a perfect shine across the whole window, make sure to use a two-cloth system. Spray one warm, damp cloth (preferably microfibre) with window cleaner and give the pane a once over. It is important to spray the cloth with the cleaner rather than the window, so you’re better able to target stubborn spots.

After the dirt has been loosened, go over the window again with a (different) dry and clean rag. The first part of this task can also be done with a squeegee if you have one to hand.

Use proper cleaning equipment

Sometimes when it comes to certain tricky jobs we can be tempted to cut corners. We’ve all heard of windows being cleaned with a combination of newspapers and vinegar, perhaps we’ve even tried this method ourselves.

However, vinegar is a weak acid, and isn’t as good as people think for breaking down dirt. Window cleaner is virtually always the better option. You also don’t want any scratches or marks on your windows, meaning that you’ll be much better served by using a cotton or microfibre cloth than a coarse material like newspaper. Paper can also come apart and leave unwanted debris stuck to your windows. 

Cleaning your windows is also the perfect time to check and make sure they are sealed correctly, one of the most important factors in avoiding water damage in your household and ensuring your home is properly insulated.

Prevention is the best cure

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Obviously it’s not possible to protect our windows from all sorts of dirt. Some windows are directly beneath trees, some will get muddied up by a combination of rain and dust, but one way to keep the inside of your windows clean is to choose the right blinds.

One option is to choose vertical slat blinds rather than horizontal slat blinds, as dust and dirt falls to the floor instead of gathering on the vertical slats. If opting for fabric blinds, try to prioritise non-static materials such as cotton and rayon which are less likely to take in dust. 

You should also make sure to stay on top of keeping your blinds clean. This means using a clean cloth made from soft material. Try to keep cleaning chemicals to a minimum and focus instead on using warm water to keep your blinds clean and undamaged. 

Be strategic

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Did you know that some days are better for cleaning your windows than others? Especially the exteriors. Heat and sunlight sunlight can cause your window cleaner to dry up too quickly, so you’re actually better off washing those windows on a cold, dry day with a bit of cloud-cover. Thankfully, this is never too hard to come by in Ireland.

Another strategy tip is to clean your windows from top to bottom, and not vice versa. This avoids drips and streaks as you work your way down, and also makes better use of your water and cleaning supplies. Just remember to be careful and use an extension pole if you are cleaning hard-to-reach windows.