I Love Dirty Windows, Said No One Ever

Image: drl

Imagine: The kitchen is clean, the beds are made and the laundry is done. The vacuum is resting after a long morning’s work. The scent of wood cleaner hangs in the air. You settle into your comfy sofa, tea in hand, and shut your eyes to the sunlight streaming in … through dusty, smudged and dank windows. Moment ruined.

Happily, it doesn’t have to be. Use these tips for spotless windows and perfect post-clean relaxation.

Avoiding the Blues

It is a proven fact that people exhibit greater signs of depression during the long, cold and dark winter months. If this describes you, get your window cleaner, stat.

Whether your method of cleaning involves a telephone and credit card or a spritzer filled with alcohol and water, you won’t believe how much better you’ll feel when you can throw the drapes open wide and let the bright winter sunshine in. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to replace sealants such as weatherstripping or touch up cracked areas of window caulk, which will make your home feel cozier. And happier.

Too Cold to Clean the Windows?

Awesome, you’re thinking. I’ve already missed my window of opportunity. The last time I tried to clean the windows in winter I had to look through perma-frost at my daffodils.

While it is 100 percent true commercial window cleaners will freeze up and streak even well above 32 degrees, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer there are other options to consider.

First, put away the Windex and grab your car’s wiper fluid. Because automotive window washer fluid contains alcohol — and alcohol doesn’t freeze — you can effectively wash your home’s windows during cold winter months. No wiper fluid handy? Substitute with rubbing alcohol.

The Secret to a Streak-Free Shine

Put your paper towels right next to your Windex and head to the recycling bin for the best kept secret in window washing: newspaper.

That’s right, newspaper. Even though it might leave smudgy ink all over your skin post-reading, it somehow is a miracle-working, window-washing genius. Squirt the wiper fluid directly onto the glass and quickly wipe away with the crumpled up paper. You’ll cut your washing time in half, plus you’ll have repurposed yesterday’s news!

The key to success? Don’t let window wash fluid dry onto the window and avoid cleaning on bright, sunny days, which dry cleaners faster. And don’t forget to pull up your favorite reading chair to your newly-bright view so you can luxuriate in your perfectly clean home.