Spring Cleaning Your Windows

Spring is coming around again, and with it is an urge to get the house back in order after a long winter. One chore at the top of the list is window cleaning. Dirt, grime, dust, and mineral deposits have built up over the past few months. And the first cleaning of spring will take a little more effort. This extra time cleaning also gives you a good opportunity to really examine your windows and determine if you need replacement windows in San Marcos, CA before summer. Here are some steps to flow for spring cleaning your windows:

Schedule the Cleaning

You want to clean your windows on a clear day, but during a time that isn’t too hot. If temperatures are too high the cleaning solutions you use could dry out before you have time to wipe them away. The task will take twice as long and will likely leave grimy streaks on your windows.

Dust First

Dust the blinds, drapes, and windows before pulling out your cloths and cleaning solutions. This will allow you to remove as much loose dirt as possible. And it will keep the dust from setting on your windows, undoing all of your hard work.

Remove and Wash the Screens

You also want to take out the screens for washing. You can lay them on a flat surface or prop them up in the shower or bathtub. Use water and mild detergent to rinse them out. Then they can dry while you clean the rest of the windows.

Clean the Frame

Next, you can clean the frame. There is no need for expensive cleaners or chemicals. Just use water and a mild detergent. Wipe down with a damp cloth, rinse, and dry immediately. If you encounter tough dirt you can apply the detergent directly and use a soft bristle brush to remove it. Working quickly will keep water from seeping down into the sill. And while cleaning you should look closely for mold, warping, or other signs of damage.

Clean the Glass

You can use a generic cleaner or a combination of water and vinegar to clean the glass. Just be sure you use a lint free cloth to eliminate dust and streaks. Another tip is to wipe with horizontal strokes on the inside glass and vertical strokes on the outside of the glass. That way, if you see any streaking you can know which side of the glass you need to clean. And while you clean you can look for cracks in the glass or condensation stuck between the panes.

Lubricate the Track

The last thing to do is lubricate the track or moving parts of the window. But don’t spray the silicone spray directly on the parts. Spray it onto a cloth instead. That way the overspray is contained and doesn’t dirty up the windows you just cleaned. Then use the cloth to wipe away the grime before opening and closing the window a few times.

While spring cleaning did you see signs of wear on your old windows? It might be time for replacement windows in San Marcos, CA. Contact Pelican Replacement Windows at (760) 598-6422. Or visit us at 2210 La Mirada Dr., Vista, CA 92081.