Most life hacks are usually one of two things: life changing, or downright ridiculous. Thanks to the internet, there is now a strangely specific solution to problems that we didn't even know we had. While many miss the mark, there are some diamonds to be found.
Thankfully, when it comes to home window cleaning tips, Bax Clean has you covered. Here's our top 8 window cleaning hacks to make your home looking its best year round.
1. Safety
Clear windows shouldn't come at the price of safety. With a bit of extra effort and a lot of hard work, you can make your windows safer to clean and appreciate, day after day.
- Accidents can happen when windows break. If you smash one while cleaning, use a piece of bread to dab around broken glass and pick up all tiny shards safely.
- Ladders can be a slippery business. Add some extra traction to your ladder steps with anti-slip tape.
- Spotless windows can be a safety hazard. If you have extensive glazing in your home, consider adding some safety decals to show people what's glass and what isn't.
2. Dusting
Keeping your blinds and sills dust-free is a great step in promoting clearer windows between cleans. Dusting can be annoying and time-consuming, but it's definitely worth it in the long run.
- Use compressed air, like a keyboard cleaner, to get into those hard-to-reach places.
- Attach cleaning cloths to kitchen tongs to get a through clean on both side of your blinds.
3. Window cleaning solution
Improving the liquid you use to clean your windows is our top DIY window cleaning tip. The right mix of chemical or natural cleaners will yield a far better results than many store-bought window cleaning products. With these solutions, and a bit of elbow grease, you'll have much cleaner windows at the end of the day.
- Vinegar is nature's great all-rounder. Completely non-toxic and anti-bacterial, vinegar works hard to remove the film and grime that accumulates on windows. Mix one part vinegar with one part warm water.
- Dishwashing liquid is a solid addition. For a more heavy duty clean, add some dishwashing liquid to your water and vinegar solution. This will cut through the toughest marks and spots.
- Black tea is full of tannic acid, and is a great substitute for vinegar. Brew a big pot and let it cool before you get to work on your windows and mirrors.
4. Newspaper
Print media may be dying, by the application of newspaper around the home is not. Using newspaper to clean glass makes for a smudge free surface. Remember to use gloves to keep your hands free from ink.
- Cleaning cloths and chamois are not very effective on windows. They smudge and dirty easily. You'll have to go through several to clean your whole house.
- Paper towels are an expensive and ineffective cleaning method. They are also very wasteful, and are not often made from recycled paper.
- Newspaper is inexpensive and made from pulped, recycled paper, leading to less environmental impact than other methods.
5. Squeegees
It's fun to say, and satisfying to use. They are used at petrol stations to clean your windscreen, and can be used around the house to clean windows. Squeegees are a fantastic addition to the home cleaning arsenal, if they are used correctly.
- Squeegees use their thin, rubber side to remove water, leading to less streaking and smudging.
- Be sure to wipe your squeegee down with a dry towel or piece of newspaper for best results.
6. Detailing
The beauty is in the details. In the grand task in cleaning, it's easy to overlook the minute details. Once you've completed your big once-over, go back and look at the little spots that you may have missed.
- Toothbrushes and non-gel toothpastes make for a great spot cleaner.
- Use an old rag to remove water from around the edges of your sill.
- Rubbing alcohol will go a long way to removing adhesive residue.
- Old dryer sheets also do a marvellous job at spot cleaning.
7. Eraser
Sometimes, good home cleaning requires a trip back to school. Blackboard dusters and erasers are a great finishing touch for your windows. They can be purchased from any stationary or art and craft store.
- Erasers are excellent at removing dust, streaks and smudges after the cleaning process.
- Dust the erasers off and keep them clean when you finish up.
8. Call Bax Clean
These window cleaning tips, although effective, take a bit of work. Save yourself some time and money by outsourcing your window cleaning to the professionals. Bax Clean can make sure every single window and pane of glass is spotless. It's all part of our residential window cleaning service.
