Cleaning Tips for Your Windows and Doors

Cleaning windows can appear to be deceptively simple: apply a product and wipe. But cleaning your windows correctly, including both indoor and outdoor glass, will make a big difference. 

Your windows won’t permit the maximum amount of light from entering if they’re covered in dust, dirt, or a film. And if you just completed a window installation with American Window Products, you’ll want to keep those windows looking their best and letting light in, which means the occasional cleaning. 

Cleaning your doors, including more than just any glass or windows that they contain, can also help refresh your home’s look by keeping your entranceways clean and welcoming. Keeping a clean front door can also boost the curb appeal and attractiveness of your home.

So, let’s get cleaning.

Window Cleaning Best Practices

To clean your windows, you’ll need a cleaning solution, as water alone certainly won’t cut it. There are many commercial glass-cleaning products available that promise a “streak-free” wipe. However, we recommend sticking to those that do not contain ammonia or alcohol, as those substances may produce streaks and draw moisture and dust. 

Similarly, many homemade window-cleaner recipes often involve a mixture of vinegar and water. As a general rule, try mixing one part of white vinegar to two parts water, and put the mixture in a spray bottle for use. 

You may be able to use less vinegar than listed in the ratio above, so experiment on a small portion of the glass to see if you get a clean, streak-free result. Note that especially dirty windows might require two rounds of spraying and wiping. 

Before applying the cleaning solution, fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap and grab a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth.

To clean indoor windows: dip the microfiber cloth in the bucket, then start wiping at the top of the window and work your way down, placing a towel at the bottom to catch any drips. And don’t forget to wipe the frame. Next, apply your vinegar-based spray solution or a similar commercial product and wipe with another clean microfiber cloth. 

To dry windows, use a clean, lint-free towel and wipe in a Z-shaped motion. When cleaning windows, aim for a cooler, cloudier day so that the soap and water and cleaning solution don’t dry up on the window in the heat. 

For outdoor windows, the cleaning process is similar. But start by rinsing the window with a hose. Next, apply the soap and water using a microfiber cloth or a sponge mop on a pole (for harder-to-reach windows), and then rinse again with the hose before applying your vinegar solution or similar cleaning product.

To dry the window, use a squeegee that has rubber blades. Start squeegeeing at the top of the window and work your way down. A clean, lint-free towel can also work for drying. When dealing with stains or bird droppings, apply extra vinegar solution or cleaning solution and let it sit for several minutes before wiping. 

To clean window frames, use soapy water on a rag and avoid abrasive chemicals. You can remove dust and dirt from window screens using a light vacuum or one with an upholstery brush attachment. With removable screens, feel free to detach and rinse them with water, spray them with your vinegar solution, and rinse them again with water before letting them dry.

Cleaning Your Doors

Doors receive plenty of traffic and can actually be one of the dirtiest surfaces in your home. To clean both inside and exterior doors, first use a duster or towel to wipe away all the dust, including from the handle and hinges. A vacuum with a fine-tip nozzle can also be useful for sucking up dust or grime hiding in nooks. 

Next, use a damp towel to wipe all surfaces and areas, ensuring extra particles get picked up. After mixing a bucket of water and a few drops of dish soap, wipe down the door with a towel, and then quickly dry it so that no water soaks into the wood or other materials. 

And don’t forget to disinfect your door handles! Various cleaning and disinfectant products can affect door-handle materials like metal, brass, and wood differently. After wiping down handles with a towel or cloth, apply only a small amount of disinfecting product at first to make sure it doesn’t damage any materials.  

Interior doors are more likely to have stains. Baking soda mixed with vinegar or lemon juice can tackle dye stains, while water and some detergent can be applied to non-greasy stains. For greasy stains, mix a bit of ammonia with water and apply it using a cleaning towel or rag (remember to ventilate the area or room well when working with ammonia). For cleaning glass windows on doors, use a similar approach to the window-cleaning methods described above. 

Overall, windows and doors should be kept clean to look their best and keep your home looking and feeling great. The experts at American Window Products in Jacksonville, FL, can discuss more than just window installation and new windows. So, if you have cleaning questions, feel free to get in touch!