1. Choose a dry, cloudy day.
If it's a sunny day, then the cleaner will immediately dry on the windows. You can also start from the shadowed windows.
2. Remove dirt and dust first.
Before you get started, sweep dirt from the window frame with a brush or vacuum it up with your machine's dusting attachment. This will prevent dirt from turning into a muddy mess when mixed with a cleaner. If your window screen looks especially grimy, pop it out and wash with hot, sudsy water and a soft brush, then rinse and let dry before putting it back.
For quickly dusting shades and blinds, go over both sides with a microfiber duster or open the slats and go over each one with a damp cloth and followed by a dry one.
You can also refresh your curtains at the same time by putting them in the dryer for 15 minutes on an "air-only" cycle and rehanging quickly to prevent wrinkles.
3. Pick the right cleaner — and spritz generously.
Don't hold back on the spray, especially if your windows look extra dirty. You need plenty of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely wiped away — skimp and you'll be seeing streaks.
Homemade Glass Cleaner
What you'll need:
2 cups water
1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 70% concentration
Combine the ingredients and pour them in a spray bottle. If you have kids or pets, write the ingredients on the outside of the bottle for safety.
4. Use a microfiber cloth.
Some folks like drying panes with newspaper, but you're better off reusable microfiber cloths. They are super absorbent, washable, and leave the glass shiny and streak-free.
5. Skip the squeegee.
Professional window cleaners swear by them, but you have to know how to use them right. You squeegee down and where does the water go? On the floor.
Because of the potential mess and drip factor, she avoids using squeegees, especially for small panes, but they can be more helpful on bigger, picture windows.
6. Break it down.
You only need to clean your windows once or twice a year, but it's even easier if you divide the job up and do it room by room. When you're cleaning, wipe one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. If any streaks do form, you'll easily know whether they're on the outside or the inside.
(www.labico.gr)
