6 Best Ways for Washing Windows in the Winter

What do you see when you stare out the office windows during winter? You may be greeted by snow flurries, freezing hail, and a continuous snowstorm that doesn’t seem to end. Such is the nature of the winter season, where the volatile weather rages on over the coldest months of the year.

While you are protected from the nasty weather outside, your office windows are constantly getting blasted by bouts of snow and ice. Soon enough, the window screens will become completely dirty, covered by a thick layer of slush and dirt. These grimy windows can be a gloomy and depressing sight, especially in an office environment. It should be in your best interests to clean the windows as quickly as possible.

Window washing is a task best left for the professional cleaning company. Only those with the right supplies along with the expert knowledge can keep the windows shiny and streak-free. However, there are times when you want to do the cleaning yourself, just because the dirty office windows are getting on your nerves too much. If your windows need to be seriously cleaned, here are the six best ways for washing windows in the winter:

1. Pick the best time possible to wash your windows.

Washing windows in the winter will require delicate timing. Naturally, you are not able to wash the windows if it is snowing, raining, or sleeting heavily outside. However, you should also avoid washing the windows right before a snowstorm or heavy rain strikes, or else your cleaning efforts will go to waste. Keep tabs on the weather report and wait until a sunny day to commence the window cleaning.

Picking the right time of day also matters when you are cleaning windows. You want to avoid a time when the sun hits the windows with full force. When the sun shines on the windows directly, the heat can prematurely dry out whatever cleaning supplies you use. This leaves dried, gunky and streaky cleaning fluids on your office windows. Instead, choose a time of day when the windows are free of the sunrays, preferably in the early mornings or late evenings.

2. Clear the dust and debris from the windows.

When washing windows, it’s best to not wash the glass with cleaning solutions right away. If the window is very dirty or dusty, using cleaning solution will leave stubborn streaks on the screen. Instead, you should use a broom, duster, or vacuum cleaner to gently remove the dirt, dust, and debris from the window glass.

Try to get the glass as clean as possible before actually washing the windows. This step might seem like extra work, but your windows will be cleaner as a result of your diligent efforts.

3. Use natural ingredients for window cleaning.

There are plenty of chemical cleaning solutions for washing your office windows. These chemicals are effective and will get the cleaning task done. However, these solutions may also come with chemical fumes, which could be harmful for the people working in your office.

If possible, you should try using natural cleaning solutions to wash your windows instead. For instance, you can use a vinegar solution to wash the windows. Combine the vinegar with warm water before applying it to the window, just like you would with a chemical agent. When mixed properly, these natural cleaning solutions could be just as effective as chemical brands.

4. Use plenty of cleaning solutions on your windows.

Whether you use a natural or chemical solution, you should apply the cleaning agent on your windows in abundance. When it comes to cleaning glass, more is always better in terms of cleaning solutions. You want to have a decent amount of cleaner when scrubbing and polishing your windows, so don’t skimp!

5. Use the right cleaning cloths and materials.

Besides the cleaning solutions, you should think about what materials to use for scrubbing the glass and soaking up the cleaner. One possible option is microfibre cloths, which leaves the glass sparkling and unscratched. Newspaper is another popular option, since this is a simple and inexpensive material readily available.

Paper towels can also be used to clean the windows, although you need to invest in thick good-quality paper towels that won’t leave smudges and streaks on the windows. Experiment with the different materials and see what generates the best results.

6. Keep the window frames dry.

When you are washing the windows, most of your focus will be on cleaning the glass display. However, it is also important that you pay attention to the window frames as well. You should make sure the window frames are kept as dry as possible during and after the cleaning. After you are finished cleaning the glass, use a dry cloth to wipe away any drips of water from the window frame.