The coming summer is the time of sun, fresh air and open balconies. And, of course, clean windows. For those who are going to clean windows, we have prepared step-by-step instructions, tips and life hacks for perfect glass cleanliness.
How to wash windows: basic rules
Dirty inside and outside windows spoil the impression of the house, no matter how clean and beautiful it may be. Divorces can remain from dust and rain, from using a spray gun when watering plants; fingerprints, condensation and insect marks remain on the glasses. It is enough to wash the windows a couple of times a year, ideally once in the spring and summer, and the second in the fall. The exception is the premises on the ground floor, where there is more pollution and cleaning may be required more often. It is best to wash the glass when it is dry outside, there is no wind, it is warm, but not hot. At sub-zero temperatures, washing windows is pointless, and the bright sun and wind instantly dry the water on the windows, which provokes the appearance of streaks.
Window cleaning algorithm:
- prepare detergents, rags, sponges, mop;
- remove the curtains and remove all items from the windowsill;
- clean the blinds (you can remove them and wash them with a brush in the bathroom);
- thoroughly wash the window frame on both sides;
- wash the glass first from the outside and then from the inside;
- if necessary, remove any remaining moisture with a dry cloth or newspaper.
How to clean windows without streaks
Much depends on the chosen means and tools. In advance, you need to prepare several rags - for applying the solution, washing it off with water and wiping the glasses dry. There are special microfiber cloths for sale, but many people prefer to use a regular newspaper for the final part of the cleaning. You will also need a bucket, sponges (ordinary foam rubber for dishes will do), protective gloves, a rubber scraper for serious dirt and a mop for hard-to-reach places.
Wash windows from top to bottom so as not to smear dirt on clean glass. First, dust is removed with a rag with the selected product , then dried dirt is removed with a scraper. Do not use iron washcloths and hard brushes - you can damage the glass.
How to wash windows
In addition to commercially available special cleaning products, there are proven home formulations . They are usually cheaper, but do not always meet the quality requirements.
Ammonia
A washing solution with the addition of ammonia is easy to make. Recipe: for 3 liters of water - 3-4 ml of ammonia. Sometimes a little glycerin is added to the solution. In any case, the solution will have to be washed off several times with clean water until the glasses become transparent.
Vinegar and citric acid
A popular home remedy that, in addition to removing dirt, has a disinfectant and insect repellent effect , which is especially true in summer. Two glasses of warm water should be mixed with 100 ml of vinegar. To evenly apply the composition to the glass, it is better to use a spray gun.
Vinegar has a specific smell that disappears for a long time. Therefore, you can replace it with citric acid well dissolved in water or natural lemon juice. These options also allow you to clean the glass, but at the same time leave a pleasant, unobtrusive smell.
Chalk
Tooth powder or ordinary white chalk (4-5 tablespoons + 1.5 liters of water) is applied to the glass after the main cleanser and left for an hour. Then the windows should be wiped with a dry cloth or newspaper. Chalk absorbs moisture, it can be removed without damaging the glass, there will be no streaks left.
Starch
The principle is the same as with chalk: 3-4 tbsp. l. starch is diluted in 1.5–2 liters of water, the solution is applied to the windows and left to dry. After that, it is necessary to remove the composition from the glasses with a dry cloth. The agent weakens hydrogen bonds, preventing stains. Some recipes advise adding alcohol and vinegar to the starch.
Tea
A cup of strong tea and 3 tbsp. l. vinegar combined makes a good cleanser. Unlike the “finishing” chalk and starch solutions, this composition must be applied after washing with soap, and then be sure to rinse with clean water and remove any remaining liquid.
Salt and soda
Two food items that are in every kitchen are often used for cleaning. They must be completely dissolved in water so that small particles do not scratch the glass. It is enough to dilute a quarter cup of soda and the same amount of salt in 2 liters of water. You can add vinegar and alcohol to the composition. The resulting tool well removes fingerprints, children's drawings and traces of insects.
Special cleaning products
Most glass sprays contain alcohol, which is safe, removes streaks well, and dissipates quickly. Most often, such tools are used for cleaning inside the apartment. The outside of the windows will most likely need to be washed more thoroughly, in which case it is better to start with soap solutions or professional cleaning compounds.
It is not recommended to use dish detergents, shampoos and washing powders. They form a lot of foam, which will be very difficult to wash off completely. Avoid compounds with abrasive particles: they may be suitable for window sills, but definitely not for glass - there is a risk of leaving scratches.
Melamine sponge
A great option for removing dried grease drips on kitchen windows. It washes away stubborn dirt from any surface without damaging them. The sponge must be moistened in water without adding soap. After cleaning and rinsing, it is important to wipe the glasses dry. For this, cloth napkins (cotton or microfiber) or dry newspaper are used, which must first be wrinkled.
Newspaper
The method used by our grandmothers. Today, not everyone knows that with a newspaper you only need to wipe the glass from water after washing off the cleaning products. The paper absorbs residue better than many cloth napkins and polishes the surface, adding shine. Do not use newspaper directly to clean windows with solutions: it will get wet from the water, small pieces of paper and paint will stick to the glass, making it difficult to clean.
How to clean a window from the outside
In most cases, window sashes open into the apartment, so just wash the glass on both sides without leaning out into the street. It is more difficult when the sashes are deaf, for example, on a closed balcony. In this case, it is recommended to use a telescopic wiper so as not to reach for the outer windows while standing on the windowsill. Brushes for cleaning windows are double-sided: a soft sponge is attached to one part, and a rubber surface to remove foam and water is attached to the other. If you do not want to purchase special tools, you can wrap a rag or towel around a regular mop. Using this method, it is important to observe safety measures and in no case should you climb onto the ledge for the sake of clean windows.
Separately, it is worth paying attention to the windows of the first floors. In addition to typical dirt, sand and dust often remain there, so you should be especially careful when washing the glass so as not to scratch it. To begin with, it is worth applying a liberal amount of cleaner to the glass and leave it for 15-20 minutes until the dried dirt is soaked. After that, the dirt is removed with a soft sponge.
How to wash plastic windows
Modern plastic profiles are installed in many apartments, and washing such windows has a couple of nuances:
- it is imperative to clean the drainage holes: when they become clogged, the tightness of the windows is broken;
- special attention should be paid to fittings: metal moving parts must be lubricated with special oil;
- pre-washed rubber seals can be coated with silicone grease.
The rest of the rules remain the same: wash, rinse, wipe. Use gloves when working with detergents and don't forget to renew your rags so you don't leave streaks on the glass.
How much does it cost to wash windows
Washing glass is an energy-intensive business, it requires patience and strength. If the house has a lot of windows and little time, you can invite specialists. Private performers in Moscow take from 200 rubles. outside the window. Cleaning companies offer professionals who will come to you with all the necessary tools and tools. Their services, as a rule, are more expensive than those of private traders - on average, from 500 rubles. for one window.
In addition, you can order the washing of mosquito nets and blinds. Cleaning on a glazed balcony with cleaning of all external surfaces will cost, depending on the chosen specialist and the degree of pollution, approximately 1.8–4 thousand rubles. In St. Petersburg, prices are slightly lower - double-glazed windows can be washed for 400 rubles, and wooden double-layer windows will cost + 30% of this amount.
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