If you’ve invested a great deal of money in quality double glazed windows, the last thing you want to do is to let them accumulate dirt and ruin their sheen.
While window cleaners can do an excellent job on the exterior of your home, you certainly shouldn’t neglect the interior – which many people do. However, this doesn’t mean you have to invest in a professional service, the chances are that you will have most of the equipment you need simply lying around at home.
If you want to find out how you can clean double glazed windows quickly and effectively, look at the tips we’ve compiled below.
What you’ll need
- A microfibre cloth
- Warm soapy water
- White vinegar (optional)
The method
Before you actually begin to clean your windows, make sure that you remove any debris from the surface of the glass. This is simply to ensure that you don’t end up dragging it with your cloth and scratching the glass. If you’re careful, you can use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner in order to swiftly remove dust from the surface of the window.
Once the surface of the window is free of debris, apply your chosen cleaning solution to the cloth. If you choose to add white vinegar, this should help to avoid the unsightly streaks which can form as the windows dry, creating a blemish-free finish. When cleaning your windows, apply pressure to the glass in a slow circular motion; quick zig-zags are likely to leave marks.
However, keep in mind that you should only ever use a soft/microfibre cloth; abrasive brushes and the like can scratch or damage the appearance of the glass, giving you more problems than you started with.
Can you use newspaper?
Don’t have a cloth handy? Don’t worry – newspaper works just fine. Before you recycle, simply scrunch it up into a ball shape and apply your cleaning solution to it. Newspaper is certainly more effective than a paper towel when it comes to cleaning windows, especially when paired with the right window cleaning solution.
Does vinegar really work?
While many people swear by it, not everyone is sold on the positive effects of vinegar. Yes, it may aid in removing the streaks from your windows once they’ve dried but, unlike commercial window cleaners, they won’t actually kill off any dangerous germs.
For a homemade solution, soapy water will do just fine on its own. However, if you do insist on using vinegar for the streak-free effect, use it in moderation.
How to clean rubber seals on double glazed windows
Don’t forget to clean your rubber seals. It is common for these to pick up marks or catch dust. Luckily, cleaning your rubber seals is a simple process.
Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to wipe the rubber seals. Try to use a cloth that is the same colour as your frame, as different colours can leave stains.
Never use wire wool or a scouring brush to clean the seals — this could leave scratches.
Finally, use a soft-bristled paintbrush to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas.
How to clean double glazed window frames
Most window frames can be cleaned with a classic dose of warm soapy water. Simply mix soap and water in a bowl and apply it to the frame of uPVC, hardwood or aluminium window.
If your window frame has stubborn stains, you can take your cleaning power up a notch by adding a cup of vinegar to your warm soapy winter and spraying it with a spray bottle. Leave the solution on your window frame for 10 minutes before wiping with a clean, dry cloth.
Avoid using cream cleaner on your window frame, as these remove the glossy finish on the surface.
For superb double glazed windows across the entire Hertfordshire area, look no further than Bridgewater Glass. Our dedicated team have a wealth of experience installing double glazing, from windows to doors, so you can rest assured you’re in safe hands. For advice or further information about how our double glazing products can help you, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professional team today.
