9 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Windows

9 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Windows

By : Angelina
Windows are a huge part of a home’s curb appeal, and keeping them sanitary at all times is necessary. Outdoor and indoor windows provide ventilation, allow natural light inside and add to your home’s aesthetic appeal. Therefore, when they are dirty, it does not give a good impression to visitors or onlookers. Unclean windows also become host spots for dust, dirt, mould and other contaminants that compromise your home’s indoor air and make household members sick. These fixtures need routine cleaning to prevent build-up and cloudy glass panes. You can use a vacuum cleaner and microfiber cloth to regularly sanitise the windows. Without the proper knowledge, you can make mistakes that lead to damage or inadequate window cleaning. If you hire professional end of lease cleaners in Canberra, they can expertly sanitise window screens, blinds, and other fixtures in your rental property. However, you must avoid making the 9 common mistakes when cleaning your windows during general house sanitation.

1. Cleaning Windows When the Sun is Shining Bright

To most people, it would make sense to clean windows when the sun is bright, and the spots, stains and streaks on the panes are visible. However, it is a mistake you must avoid, as it will prove counterproductive. When sunny outside, the heat dries the cleaning solution and water on the windows quickly, increasing the chances of streaks and swirls. They look unpleasant and attract dust back faster. Therefore, wait until the sun has come down a bit or it is early morning to clean windows.

2. Cleaning Windows With SOS Pads or Other Scouring tools

SOS Pads and other scouring tools are a big mistake, as they will scratch the glass, chip the paint and cause other forms of damage. Avoid using steel wool, metallic brushes and other harsh tools on windows while performing end of lease cleaning in Canberra. It will make you lose your bond at the end of a tenancy.

3. Forgetting to Clean Tracks & Frames of Windows

Another common mistake people make while cleaning windows is forgetting to wipe and sanitise the tracks and frames. Besides the panes, these areas accumulate the most dust, dirt and grime. They also become breeding grounds for mould and mildew, which release mould spores in your home’s indoor air and cause allergies, headaches, nausea and other problems. Thus, make sure to vacuum and then wipe all parts of the window while cleaning.

4. Not Cleaning with a pH-Neutral Cleaner

Most cleaners available in markets are alkaline and leave behind a fine film of residue. If you use these products excessively, they make the windows cloudy and dirty quickly. Therefore, it is best to use a pH-neutral cleaner for windows like rubbing alcohol, water, etc. While buying commercial cleaners, look for ones without hydroxides, silicates, or phosphates.

5. Leaving the windows wet after cleaning

Leaving windows to air dry is a good option but do it when the fixtures are dripping wet. After washing the windows, make sure to squeegee excess water and wipe the windows with a dry terry towel before letting them air dry. This step will prevent the formation of streaks or spots.

6. Overlooking Natural Cleaners & Using Commercial Cleaners

Understandably, using commercial cleaners is easier for most people. However, store-bought window cleaners contain dangerous chemicals that irritate your eyes, lungs and respiratory tract. They have several volatile organic compounds known to cause asthma, severe coughing, headaches and other health problem. Therefore, switch to natural cleaning products like baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and others for window cleaning.

7. Not Seeking Professional Help When Necessary

Sometimes windows are heavily soiled with dust, grime and mould, making them cleaning at home almost impossible or too time-consuming. In such circumstances, you must hire professionals to clean the windows expertly and make them shine as new. If you are ending a tenancy, seek help from the professional end of lease cleaners in Canberra to get the windows and other fixtures cleaned adequately.

8. Cleaning Windows Without Planning

Backtracking is a common mistake most people cleaning windows for the first time make. They start cleaning from any point and dirty, cleaned areas, getting stuck in the cycle of backtracking. To avoid this issue, always clean windows top to bottom like the professional end of lease cleaners in Adelaide. Also, spot clean before washing the windows and always dust before spot cleaning. Performing cleaning tasks in the correct order will prevent the need to backtrack.

9. Not Checking the Weather Forecast Before Window Cleaning

What good is cleaning windows when it rains the next day, or a storm hits your area? Therefore, always check the weather forecast and plan to clean windows when the weather is predicted to remain clear for the week.

Wrapping Up

Often when it comes to regular house cleaning, most people ignore the windows. However, this fixture must remain clean to keep your home’s indoor air clean and keep filtering in light well. Therefore, if you plan to clean the windows, make sure to avoid the mistakes shared above and have fun while cleaning windows.