Streak Free Windows

During the winter months our windows tend to get neglected since we aren't using them as much especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest. The winter season usually brings us more rain and clouds than sunshine as well as cold weather. Without the sun shining through the windows we don't notice the filth that has built up on the glass nor do we even bother to look at the tracks of the windows since we aren't opening and closing them. Even though we don't see the filth right away, make your spring cleaning easier by keeping up with it year around.

 

Pull up your blinds and draw back your curtains and get to work. Grab your Windex, some of your old rags that haven't been washed with fabric softener and your 5 in 1 or flat head screwdriver. Using rags that have been washed with fabric softer, especially if you add more than the recommended amount, will not absorb the Windex and can leave lint behind as you try to wipe away. Spray your windows down as well as the tracks, starting from top to bottom. Fold your rag and start in the top corner of the window and wipe from left to right, pull the rag down and then go right to left. Continue until you get to the bottom. If you rag gets too wet, change it out to avoid those streaks.

 

Now that your windows are clean, it's time to start working on the tracks and the inside frame of your window. Again the build up may be pretty bad if you smoke inside and might require several rags to get the job done. Start at the top of the inside frame and wipe the Windex off that you previously sprayed. Work your way down to the tracks and don't forget to open the window to do the same on the other side. Once everything is wiped down and looking clean, you can move on to the little nooks and crannies of the tracks that the window slides on.

 

Using your 5 in 1 or flat head screwdriver, place the flat end of your tool of choice into your rag. Place it in the track and slide it across to get all the build up in it out. No matter what, smoker or not, you will have black build up in the tracks over time. If you clean your tracks on a regular basis, you can keep your windows looking brand new for quite a long time. Change your rag out as needed and if you can't get all the lose stuff out, grab the hose attachment on your vacuum to get what you broke loose out.

 

Keeping your windows clean and checking them on a regular basis is a good habit to get into. Checking up on them and more so during the wet seasons will help you to prevent mold issues. Moisture is notorious for building up on windows that can cause mold problems throughout all areas in your house or apartment. Mold can be very dangerous and make you and your kids very sick if not taken care of properly. If you are a renter and notice that you have persistent mold issues despite your efforts to keep control, let your landlord know right away so they can take care of it.